AJU IB Investment

Aju IB Investment Co., Ltd. is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1974, it operates as a subsidiary of AJU Corporation Co., Ltd. The firm specializes in investing in small to medium-sized startups, focusing on sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced materials. Aju IB Investment is particularly interested in high-technology ventures and companies involved in manufacturing. It provides not only capital but also consulting services that encompass business management, tax, accounting, legal matters, and technology support. The firm typically invests amounts ranging from $0.87 million to $2.61 million in venture capital and from $4.36 million to $17.45 million in private equity. Aju IB Investment also has a presence in Boston, Massachusetts, where it targets therapeutics and platform technologies with the potential for partnerships with Korean pharmaceutical companies. The firm primarily exits investments through initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions.

Daeseok Jung

Director, Investment Strategy Division

Derek Yoon

Partner

Past deals in South Korea

DEEPX

Series C in 2024
DEEPX is a South Korean company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions, focusing on both software and hardware systems. It develops advanced neural networks that enhance AI silicon for deep learning operations. By maximizing memory bandwidth, DEEPX's technology allows edge devices to operate efficiently, supporting the latest AI applications while promoting sustainable power usage. This approach enables businesses to implement energy-efficient on-device AI technology, streamlining their operations and improving performance.

DEEPX

Funding Round in 2024
DEEPX is a South Korean company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions, focusing on both software and hardware systems. It develops advanced neural networks that enhance AI silicon for deep learning operations. By maximizing memory bandwidth, DEEPX's technology allows edge devices to operate efficiently, supporting the latest AI applications while promoting sustainable power usage. This approach enables businesses to implement energy-efficient on-device AI technology, streamlining their operations and improving performance.

Primemas

Seed Round in 2023
Primemas is a semiconductor startup headquartered in New York, with an R&D center located in Seoul. The company specializes in the development of low-cost, high-performance Hub Chiplet System-on-Chip (SoC) modules, known as Hublets, which are designed for the growing chiplet industry. These Hublets utilize high-bandwidth, low-latency device-to-device (D2D) interfaces, facilitating efficient infrastructure sharing with custom partner dies. This versatility makes them suitable for various markets, including CXL, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and data analytics. By leveraging Primemas Hublets, clients can significantly reduce both the cost and time required to design and manufacture custom SoCs, achieving efficiencies that can be as much as tenfold.

Organoid Sciences

Series B in 2022
Organoid Sciences is a drug development company based in Seongnam-si, South Korea, founded in 2018. The company specializes in organoid-based treatments and utilizes cannabinoid-based technology to create drugs aimed at addressing various incurable diseases. In addition to drug development, Organoid Sciences provides drug screening services and focuses on regenerative medicine, contributing to advancements in healthcare solutions.

Happy Moonday

Series A in 2021
Happy Moonday Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2017 that specializes in the manufacture and sale of organic sanitary products aimed at improving women's health. The company offers a range of items, including organic cotton sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and feminine washes, as well as heating patches and underwear designed for menstrual comfort. Additionally, Happy Moonday provides menstrual cycle tracking applications to help women manage their health more effectively. By focusing on organic materials and holistic health solutions, Happy Moonday aims to alleviate discomfort associated with menstruation and support women's well-being.

Kukka

Series B in 2021
Kukka, Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in flower sales for various settings, including office spaces, showrooms, and events. Established in 2014 and based in Seoul, Kukka offers a range of services, such as flower subscription, bouquet delivery, same-day delivery, and custom floral design. The company aims to promote the enjoyment of flowers in everyday life, reflecting Finnish cultural values. In addition to individual customer services, Kukka also provides corporate flower solutions and floral decoration for events. Customers can conveniently order fresh flowers online, and the company further engages with its clientele through flower art classes and related accessories.

Dabeeo

Series B in 2021
Dabeeo Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, South Korea, is an AI technology company that specializes in geospatial data. The company has developed a mapping technology platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and deep learning to manage and enhance spatial data. By digitizing the Earth's spatial information, Dabeeo creates a digital twin of the planet, providing businesses with essential digital spatial analysis data and insights. This innovative approach allows users to access live maps and locations, perform open-source map editing, and obtain high-quality map data, thereby improving productivity and convenience across various industries.

Dabeeo

Series B in 2021
Dabeeo Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, South Korea, is an AI technology company that specializes in geospatial data. The company has developed a mapping technology platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and deep learning to manage and enhance spatial data. By digitizing the Earth's spatial information, Dabeeo creates a digital twin of the planet, providing businesses with essential digital spatial analysis data and insights. This innovative approach allows users to access live maps and locations, perform open-source map editing, and obtain high-quality map data, thereby improving productivity and convenience across various industries.

SodaGift

Venture Round in 2021
SodaGift is an international gifting service that simplifies the process of sending gifts, particularly gift cards, across borders. The platform enables users to purchase and present gift cards from popular brands in the United States, South Korea, and Canada. By providing a seamless user experience and supporting multiple languages, SodaGift facilitates easy transactions and real-time transmission of gifts, allowing individuals living abroad to send thoughtful presents to their families back home.

S-Alpha Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
S-Alpha Therapeutics Inc. is a digital therapeutics company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2019. It focuses on researching and developing health applications and platform technologies designed to treat various diseases through digital devices. The company's product lineup includes SAT-001 for ophthalmology, SAT-002 for neurology, SAT-003 for oncology, and SAT-008 for addressing social issues. In addition to these applications, S-Alpha Therapeutics is engaged in developing therapeutic devices aimed at providing innovative treatment solutions for conditions that are challenging to address with existing medical technologies. The company strives to create a healthier and more equitable society by leveraging the intersection of biology and information technology to meet unmet medical needs.

Reebonz Korea

Series A in 2021
Reebonz Korea, Ltd is a company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in the import, export, wholesale, and retail of luxury products for both men and women. The company provides a wide range of items, including bags, wallets, watches, shoes, clothing, cosmetics, and fashion accessories. Reebonz operates an e-commerce marketplace that features popular luxury goods as well as pre-owned items from coveted designer brands. The platform offers customers the convenience of shopping for the latest fashion items and includes options for both buying and selling, along with personalized services.

GI Innovation

Series C in 2021
GI Innovation is a South Korean bio-venture company dedicated to the research and development of innovative biologics aimed at treating immuno-oncology and inflammation/immunology diseases. The company employs its proprietary GI-SMART platform technology, which optimizes the development of multi-targeting fusion protein therapeutics, ensuring high quality and productivity. Through its structured translational research approach, GI Innovation focuses on creating new protein-based drugs, particularly in the fields of immuno-oncology and allergy-related conditions, with the goal of improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Gencurix

Venture Round in 2021
Gencurix Inc. is a South Korean company specializing in the development of molecular diagnostic products that support precision medicine. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Seoul, Gencurix offers a range of diagnostic kits aimed at improving cancer prognosis and treatment. Among its key products are the GenesWell BCT, a diagnostic kit for breast cancer, and several tests for lung cancer, including the GenesWell ddEGFR Mutation Test and the GenesWell CDx EGFR Mutation Test. These products are designed to aid in the detection of specific mutations, thereby enhancing the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and treatment options.

People & Technology

Series A in 2021
People & Technology specializes in providing digital transformation-based artificial intelligence solutions focused on indoor geolocation and smart sensing. Their IndoorPlus+ platform, which includes Location Based Systems (LBS) and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), serves various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, defense, smart cities, and the public sector. The company has established a robust client base of over 100 corporate customers across sectors like banking, retail, energy, and public services, offering solutions that enhance employee safety, asset tracking, security and access control, and process efficiency. By implementing these industry-grade systems, clients have experienced increased productivity, improved operational processes, and mitigated corporate risks. Founded in 2013, People & Technology has emerged as a leading provider in South Korea and is actively expanding its presence in international markets.

S-Alpha Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
S-Alpha Therapeutics Inc. is a digital therapeutics company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2019. It focuses on researching and developing health applications and platform technologies designed to treat various diseases through digital devices. The company's product lineup includes SAT-001 for ophthalmology, SAT-002 for neurology, SAT-003 for oncology, and SAT-008 for addressing social issues. In addition to these applications, S-Alpha Therapeutics is engaged in developing therapeutic devices aimed at providing innovative treatment solutions for conditions that are challenging to address with existing medical technologies. The company strives to create a healthier and more equitable society by leveraging the intersection of biology and information technology to meet unmet medical needs.

Olix Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2020
OliX Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Suwon, South Korea, specializing in the development of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics aimed at treating dermal, ophthalmic, and pulmonary diseases. The company's product pipeline includes several innovative treatments such as OLX101 for skin scars, OLX102 for skin whitening, OLX103 for atopic dermatitis, OLX104 for hair loss, and OLX105 for anti-wrinkle applications. Additionally, it is working on OLX106 for diabetic foot ulcers, OLX301 for age-related macular degeneration, OLX304 for retinitis pigmentosa, OLX201 for lung fibrosis, OLX202 for asthma, OLX203 for influenza, and OLX401 for neuropathic pain. The company also has a collaboration with Théa to develop SiRNA therapeutics specifically for ophthalmic diseases. Founded in 2010, OliX Pharmaceuticals leverages its proprietary RNAi technology to regulate the expression of genes associated with various diseases.

Trenbe

Series B in 2020
Trenbe Inc. is an e-commerce company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in the online sale of apparel, bags, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. Established in 2016, Trenbe has positioned itself in the footwear market while also offering a diverse range of fashion items. The company focuses on providing a convenient shopping experience for consumers through its online platform.

5minlab

Series A in 2020
5minlab is a game development company located in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in PC and mobile games, as well as virtual reality titles. Founded in 2013, the company has released five PC and mobile games, three VR games, and 24 hyper-casual games, showcasing its diverse portfolio and expertise in various genres, including multiplayer, strategy, and puzzles. Since 2018, 5minlab has been developing the PvP game "Smash Legends," which gained substantial global attention and led to a successful Series A investment in 2020. The company employs a team of 70 professionals with backgrounds in notable projects, enhancing its creative and technical capabilities. With plans to release a new game in 2024, 5minlab aims to establish itself as a developer capable of creating globally recognized intellectual properties.

Kukka

Series A in 2020
Kukka, Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in flower sales for various settings, including office spaces, showrooms, and events. Established in 2014 and based in Seoul, Kukka offers a range of services, such as flower subscription, bouquet delivery, same-day delivery, and custom floral design. The company aims to promote the enjoyment of flowers in everyday life, reflecting Finnish cultural values. In addition to individual customer services, Kukka also provides corporate flower solutions and floral decoration for events. Customers can conveniently order fresh flowers online, and the company further engages with its clientele through flower art classes and related accessories.

Organoid Sciences

Series A in 2020
Organoid Sciences is a drug development company based in Seongnam-si, South Korea, founded in 2018. The company specializes in organoid-based treatments and utilizes cannabinoid-based technology to create drugs aimed at addressing various incurable diseases. In addition to drug development, Organoid Sciences provides drug screening services and focuses on regenerative medicine, contributing to advancements in healthcare solutions.

Sparkplus

Series B in 2019
Sparkplus, founded in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for office environments. The company designs and manages real estate contracts, interior design, construction, and furniture arrangements specifically for coworking spaces. By addressing various challenges faced by businesses regarding their office needs, Sparkplus aims to streamline the process, enabling clients to focus on their core activities without the distraction of managing their office setup.

Raonsecure

Venture Round in 2019
Raonsecure Co., Ltd. is an ICT security software company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1998. It specializes in providing a range of security solutions for PCs and mobile devices, catering to financial institutions, government entities, and enterprises. The company's primary product is TouchEn OnePass, a biometric authentication solution designed for various applications, including payments, mobile banking, shopping, gaming networks, and fintech services. Additionally, Raonsecure offers ICT security consulting services and holds several patents in the IoT and integrated security sectors. The company is focused on advancing authentication technologies, integrating human and device security, and leveraging FIDO standards based on public key infrastructure (PKI) technology.

Huinno

Series A in 2019
HUINNO, Inc., founded in 2014 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, develops healthcare devices that monitor vital health data, including blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2). The company leverages proprietary technologies in wearable devices and artificial intelligence to provide healthcare providers with an effective remote patient monitoring solution aimed at improving the management of chronic cardiac diseases. HUINNO's clinically-tested platform delivers real-time measurements with clinical-grade accuracy and offers an application and cloud-based ecosystem for longitudinal analysis of health trends, medication compliance, and lifestyle habits. This comprehensive approach not only enhances patient care but also aids healthcare professionals in making informed medical decisions while treating conditions such as arrhythmia and hypertension. With additional offices in New York and Seoul, HUINNO is committed to transforming the way clinicians and patients manage chronic health issues.

Dealicious

Series B in 2019
Dealicious operates as an online marketplace designed to connect fashion wholesalers and retailers on a global scale. By facilitating direct access to a vast selection of quality merchandise, including clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories, Dealicious streamlines the wholesale purchasing process. The platform primarily focuses on the Dongdaemun fashion district in South Korea, renowned for its concentration of fashion manufacturing and distribution within a compact area. With approximately 11,000 registered wholesale stores, Dealicious enables retailers to browse and order from a diverse array of items, with 24,000 new products added daily. This approach eliminates the need for retailers to visit physical markets, allowing them to save valuable time and resources. Dealicious is committed to enhancing the user experience by continuously developing customer-centric services that ensure seamless access to high-quality products in the Korean fashion market.

Dano

Series B in 2019
Dano (다노) is a Korea-based company that develops diet apps for the health and fitness sector. Dano’s Diet App is a journal-based app that enables users to stay focused and monitor their daily progress. The app offers many useful tools to help users stay committed to their diet programs. Dano also released Diet Cover, a lock-screen photo app that enables users to have a photo of their role model, in order to remind themselves about their diet during the course of the day. This app enables users to eat healthily and be mindful of their diet at any given moment. Dano was established in July 2013.

Kukka

Series A in 2018
Kukka, Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in flower sales for various settings, including office spaces, showrooms, and events. Established in 2014 and based in Seoul, Kukka offers a range of services, such as flower subscription, bouquet delivery, same-day delivery, and custom floral design. The company aims to promote the enjoyment of flowers in everyday life, reflecting Finnish cultural values. In addition to individual customer services, Kukka also provides corporate flower solutions and floral decoration for events. Customers can conveniently order fresh flowers online, and the company further engages with its clientele through flower art classes and related accessories.

Bagelcode

Series C in 2018
Bagelcode, Inc. is a mobile gaming company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2012. It specializes in developing mobile social casino games, allowing users to engage in popular casino experiences such as slots and poker on web and mobile platforms. The company has a diverse workforce of over 170 members from various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Israel, fostering a global talent pool to enhance its gaming offerings. With a user base exceeding 45 million worldwide, Bagelcode has experienced significant growth, reportedly expanding at an average rate of over 250% in recent years. The company is committed to continuous innovation and seeks to position itself as a leader in the global gaming industry by attracting top talent and enhancing user experiences.

Vendys

Series B in 2018
Vendys Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in mobile meal management solutions for office workers. Founded in 2013 and based in Seoul, Vendys provides a platform that facilitates the development of mobile food stamps, meal coupons, and discount promotions. The company's services are designed to enhance employee engagement and streamline meal management for organizations. By partnering with local restaurants, Vendys enables employers to offer convenient dining benefits, thus promoting a better dining culture within the workplace. The company’s innovative approach supports staff welfare and enhances the overall experience of employees during their workday.

Newploy

Series B in 2018
Newploy is a South Korean company, established in 2014, that specializes in developing a payroll work automation platform. The software utilizes robotic process automation (RPA) technology to streamline payroll tasks, including salary calculation, transfer, reporting, and payment. Additionally, it offers workforce management solutions that help businesses track employee work hours and manage various payroll-related functions. Newploy's platform centralizes crucial aspects of staffing needs, such as leave management, attendance tracking, and work scheduling, thereby enhancing operational efficiency for organizations.

Watcha

Series C in 2018
WATCHA, Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in online interactive media services, primarily through its movie and TV series recommendation application. Launched in 2012, WATCHA quickly gained popularity in Korea as a leading movie review app, leveraging personalized recommendation technology to suggest films based on user ratings. The platform not only offers extensive movie and TV show reviews but also includes WATCHA PLAY, a subscription-based video-on-demand service launched in 2016. This service is accessible on various devices, including web browsers, mobile applications, and smart TVs. With a strong focus on accurate content recommendations, WATCHA claims that 75% of the content consumed on its platform is based on user-generated recommendations. The company, headquartered in Seoul, has also expanded its offerings to Japan, enhancing its position in the competitive media landscape.

Tryus & Company

Series A in 2018
Tryus & Company Co., Ltd. is a South Korean firm established in 2017 that specializes in developing a mobile application designed to provide comprehensive information about food ingredients. The platform organizes data by product name, brand, and category, highlighting food additives and cautionary ingredients while also offering recommendations for healthier options. This service empowers users to make informed purchasing decisions regarding food products.

Wonders

Series B in 2018
Wonders Co., Ltd. is a logistics company founded in 2014 and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in providing logistics and delivery solutions, focusing on a one-day express delivery service that enhances delivery speeds and customer satisfaction. By utilizing a hub and spoke system, Wonders efficiently manages deliveries through a centralized point with its partner fleet, allowing customers to receive their orders on the same day without complications.

Yanolja

Private Equity Round in 2017
Yanolja is a leisure platform headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, that provides a comprehensive range of online accommodation and travel services. Founded in 2005, the company connects various aspects of travel, including lodging, leisure activities, and transportation, allowing users to book diverse hotel options globally. Yanolja leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT to enhance its offerings. In addition to consumer services, the company provides cloud-based software solutions for hotels, residences, and leisure facilities, streamlining operations and improving efficiency across the travel industry.

Dano

Series A in 2016
Dano (다노) is a Korea-based company that develops diet apps for the health and fitness sector. Dano’s Diet App is a journal-based app that enables users to stay focused and monitor their daily progress. The app offers many useful tools to help users stay committed to their diet programs. Dano also released Diet Cover, a lock-screen photo app that enables users to have a photo of their role model, in order to remind themselves about their diet during the course of the day. This app enables users to eat healthily and be mindful of their diet at any given moment. Dano was established in July 2013.

Drama & Company

Series B in 2015
Drama & Company is a mobile-based startup based in Seoul, South Korea, established in June 2013. The company specializes in developing applications for mobile business card management, offering services that allow users to create, share, and store digital business cards. One of its key products, Profeel.me, enables users to design their own mobile business cards, complete with images, profiles, and social media links, which can be shared via text and various messaging platforms. Additionally, Drama & Company provides the Remember app, which allows users to scan, sort, and organize their business cards in a single location. By streamlining the process of managing business contacts, Drama & Company connects business opportunities with innovative digital solutions.

Krafton

Venture Round in 2009
Krafton Inc is a South Korean video game developer and holding company headquartered in Seongnam. It specializes in creating fantasy games for both PC and mobile platforms, and it is renowned for its popular title, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. In addition to this flagship game, Krafton has developed several other titles, including PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG: New State, Tera, Elyon, and Mistover. The company aims to maintain its status as a leading name in the video game industry by adhering to its core value of craftsmanship in game development.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.