IMM Private Equity

IMM Private Equity, established in 2006, is a South Korean private equity firm headquartered in Seoul. It specializes in significant minority investments and middle-market buyouts, focusing on Korea-related opportunities. With a decade-long track record, the firm has consistently delivered strong growth and returns, solidifying its position as a top player in Korea's private equity industry.

Hae-Joon Joseph Lee

Partner and Chief Investment Officer

38 past transactions

Ecorbit

Acquisition in 2024
Ecorbit is a waste management company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in a range of environmental services. The company focuses on sewage water treatment, soil cleansing, and recycling, as well as wastewater processing and treatment. By transforming waste into valuable resources, Ecorbit aims to contribute to environmental sustainability and improve resource management.

IMDT

Series A in 2022
IMDT develops companion animal services focused on animal hospitals for both veterinarians and guardians. They create a platform that enables guardians to make simple, data-driven decisions.

Bear Robotics

Series B in 2022
Bear Robotics, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, that designs and manufactures autonomous robots specifically for the food service industry. Incorporated in 2017, Bear Robotics developed Penny, an artificial intelligence-driven robot that efficiently transports food, dishes, and drinks, while also providing customer service in restaurants. The company's innovative solutions aim to address challenges within the restaurant industry, such as labor shortages and rising operational costs, by enhancing efficiency and improving the dining experience for customers. By automating tasks like running orders and bussing tables, Bear Robotics not only seeks to increase job satisfaction for restaurant employees but also aims to boost profitability for restaurant owners.

MegazoneCloud

Series C in 2022
MegazoneCloud, established in 2018 as a spin-off from Megazone Corporation, is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in providing a wide array of cloud adoption and consulting services, including implementation, enterprise support, management, cost optimization, and education. With a strong partnership with Amazon Web Services and over 100 global technology partners, MegazoneCloud has built a reputation as the largest premier consulting partner of AWS in the Asia Pacific region. The company has successfully served more than 1,500 clients, including major enterprises such as Samsung, LG, and Lotte Group, by facilitating their digital transformation through tailored cloud solutions. Additionally, MegazoneCloud operates offices in Palo Alto, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Hanoi, reflecting its commitment to expanding its global presence and supporting businesses in optimizing their processes and managing their cloud needs effectively.

Hanssem

Venture Round in 2022
Hanssem is a South Korean company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of home interior products. It offers a wide range of items including furniture for kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, as well as appliances, household accessories, and fabric products. The company operates through various sales channels, including large direct stores, specialized kitchen and interior stores, online shopping malls, and affiliated interior stores, ensuring accessibility to its diverse product offerings.

Aprinoia Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Aprinoia Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing brain health through innovative diagnostic tools and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, with additional locations in China and Japan, Aprinoia develops imaging-based diagnostics, including 18F-PM-PBB3, a tau positron-emission tomography (PET) tracer that aids in the diagnosis of tauopathies. The company also manufactures an alpha-synuclein PET imaging tracer. By targeting protein aggregates associated with conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Aprinoia aims to enhance precision medicine in neuroscience and improve patient outcomes. The company's commitment to addressing the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases positions it as a leader in the development of first-in-class and best-in-class diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.

Pet Friends

Venture Round in 2021
Pet Friends is an online pet care platform that specializes in the rapid delivery of pet supplies. The company operates an innovative logistics and delivery system designed to meet the needs of pet owners, allowing them to receive essential products within one hour. In addition to its delivery services, Pet Friends provides consultations and free snack sampling tests, making it easier for busy pet owners to care for their pets. By streamlining access to pet-related products and services, Pet Friends enhances the overall pet ownership experience.

Korea Kolmar Holdings

Acquisition in 2020
Korea Kolmar Holdings is a South Korean company primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Its cosmetics division specializes in original development and design manufacturing (ODM) and original equipment manufacturing (OEM) for a range of products, including skin care, makeup, hair care, and body care. The pharmaceutical division focuses on the development and production of various pharmaceutical products and quasi-drugs, encompassing general medicines, specialized medicines, and bioequivalence medicines. Through these divisions, Korea Kolmar Holdings aims to provide innovative solutions and high-quality products in both the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.

Kolmarpharma

Acquisition in 2020
Kolmarpharma is a pharmaceutical company specializing in solids, hard capsules, soft capsules, and external powders.

CARVI

Series B in 2020
CarVi, Inc. is a technology company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in developing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a data platform for analyzing driving behavior and habits. Founded in 2014, CarVi offers a unique solution that combines a vision-based ADAS with a contextual data platform, enabling the collection of critical information related to driver behavior, 3D road data, and environmental conditions. The company's technology enhances safety by minimizing accident risks and includes features such as smoke detection, drunk driving detection, parking violation detection, and keyless lock/unlock solutions tailored for insurance providers, fleet operators, and car-sharing services. With its experience as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive sector, CarVi is now concentrating on telematics, a rapidly growing market projected to reach significant valuations in the coming years. The data collected by CarVi holds essential value for the development of self-driving cars, particularly through the creation of comprehensive 3D road maps.

Hana Tour

Venture Round in 2020
HanaTour is the largest travel company in Korea providing travel service with over 3,200 employees nationally and internationally and They are the best travel company ranked top in international travel and air ticket sales for 15 consecutive years. HanaTour has led quantitative and qualitative growth of travel industry by providing better service through directly operated network covering 29 areas globally and with the best experts in travel and maintains top position in customer satisfaction and preference researches. Furthermore, HanaTour increases productivity and profitability by integrating innovative IT system with travel industry and expands market leadership continuously, and the company was listed in London Securities Exchange (LSE), one of 3 major global securities markets, recognizing transparency and reliability of HanaTour internationally as well as preparing a stepping stone to become a global company. HanaTour is trying to become the top global culture and tourism group by 2030 by expanding business into production, distribution of cultural products and developing tourism. They will become a company providing the best culture and tourism service in the world by enhancing global competency for human resources and competency in business related with cultural travel.

Genuone Sciences

Venture Round in 2020
Genuone Sciences is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that focuses on enhancing the performance of existing pharmaceutical medicines to benefit patient outcomes. The company offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive product development, analytical and regulatory support, as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing and packaging across various dosage forms. Genuone Sciences also maintains an extensive portfolio of approved ethical and over-the-counter drugs, which it licenses and manufactures for its clients. By providing optimized services within regulatory-compliant facilities, Genuone Sciences enables its customers to adhere to good manufacturing practices while ensuring the delivery of effective and safe medicines.

Shinhan Financial Group

Venture Round in 2019
Shinhan Financial Group is a prominent South Korean banking institution that provides a wide range of financial services through its various subsidiaries. Its offerings encompass commercial banking, credit card services, securities, insurance, and credit services. Additionally, the group specializes in asset management, which includes securities investment trust management, investment advisory, and private equity fund management, both domestically and internationally. The majority of its revenue is derived from its banking operations, which cater to retail, corporate, and international clients, solidifying its position as a comprehensive financial services provider in the region.

Air First

Venture Round in 2019
Air First is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial gases.

Kbank

Series B in 2018
Kbank is the first digital-only bank in South Korea, operating an internet banking platform designed to facilitate digital funds transactions. The bank specializes in internet fund transfers and offers a range of services including handling deposits, loans, and credit cards. Additionally, Kbank provides wealth management products, enabling clients across the country to access convenient virtual banking solutions. Through its innovative approach, Kbank aims to simplify and enhance the banking experience for its customers.

Socar

Series C in 2018
Socar Inc. is a car sharing company based in Jeju-si, South Korea, specializing in eco-friendly vehicle rental services. Founded in March 2012, Socar enables users to book cars for personal use through its website and smartphone applications. The platform facilitates a community-driven approach, allowing travelers to share vehicles with others on similar routes. With over 1.7 million registered users, the service sees approximately 80,000 transactions each month, translating to a car booking every 30 seconds. Socar's innovative model has positioned it as a leading player in the Korean car sharing market.

Soomgo

Series A in 2018
Soomgo, Inc. is a prominent on-demand online platform based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in connecting customers with local service professionals. Founded in 2014, Soomgo offers a diverse marketplace featuring over 1,000 services, including music lessons, fitness training, academic tutoring, foreign language instruction, home services, event planning, wedding design, and various business services. The platform is designed to facilitate the swift and easy hiring of local experts, catering to a wide range of customer needs. As South Korea's largest local service marketplace, Soomgo has garnered support from notable investors in both the United States and South Korea.

W Concept Korea

Venture Round in 2018
W Concept Korea is an online retailer based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 2008, the company specializes in selling a variety of products including clothing, bags, books, stationery, toys, cosmetics, and other accessories. W Concept is renowned for offering Korean designer brands such as Low Classic and Jain Song through its e-commerce platform.

W Concept Korea

Acquisition in 2017
W Concept Korea is an online retailer based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 2008, the company specializes in selling a variety of products including clothing, bags, books, stationery, toys, cosmetics, and other accessories. W Concept is renowned for offering Korean designer brands such as Low Classic and Jain Song through its e-commerce platform.

Able C&C

Post in 2017
Able C&C Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company specializing in the manufacturing, distribution, and retail of cosmetics and household goods. Established in 2000 and headquartered in Seoul, the company offers a diverse range of products, including skincare, body care, hair care, makeup, cleansing items, and men's cosmetics. Its product portfolio features several brands, such as MISSHA, A’pieu, and stila, among others. In addition to traditional retail, Able C&C also engages in e-commerce and provides advertising and public relations services. The company operates not only in South Korea but also across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. Originally known as Able Communications Corp., it rebranded to its current name in 2003 and is a subsidiary of Leaf & Vine Co., Ltd.

Lezhin Entertainment

Private Equity Round in 2016
Lezhin Entertainment, established in Seoul, South Korea in 2013, specializes in the creation and distribution of digital comic strips, known as webtoons, catering primarily to mature audiences. The company's flagship platform, Lezhin Comics, offers a wide range of titles and connects its content with diverse media platforms such as films and games. Users can access featured comics for free and create personalized collections via the Lezhin Comics app on Android and iOS devices, or through the website at www.lezhin.com.

KidariStudio

Venture Round in 2016
KidariStudio, Inc. is a media content company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in the development of e-books, e-learning materials, and Webtoon content. The company offers a diverse range of e-books across various genres, including fantasy, martial arts, romance, and light novels. Established as Daouincube, Inc., it rebranded to KidariStudio, Inc. in March 2018 and operates as a subsidiary of Daou Data Corp. Through its innovative approach, KidariStudio aims to engage audiences globally by providing high-quality digital storytelling experiences.

Woori Bank

Venture Round in 2016
Woori Bank, established in 1899 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a prominent commercial bank providing a diverse array of banking products and services tailored to both retail and corporate clients. The bank offers various deposit products, including savings accounts and fixed deposits, alongside a wide range of loan options, such as mortgage loans, business loans, and personal loans. Additionally, Woori Bank provides services that support cash management, foreign exchange, and international transactions, as well as additional services including pensions, insurance, and investment products. As a subsidiary of Woori Financial Group Inc., the bank plays a significant role in fostering economic growth and adapting to the evolving needs of its customers.

Hyundai LNG Shipping

Acquisition in 2014
Hyundai LNG Shipping is a South Korean company based in Seoul that specializes in the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company operates a fleet of LNG carriers, providing shipping services across diverse global navigation routes. Its operations are aimed at ensuring a stable domestic energy supply and contributing to the growth of the Korean energy industry. By focusing on efficient and reliable LNG transportation, Hyundai LNG Shipping plays a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for natural gas both domestically and internationally.

Hyundai LNG Shipping

Venture Round in 2014
Hyundai LNG Shipping is a South Korean company based in Seoul that specializes in the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company operates a fleet of LNG carriers, providing shipping services across diverse global navigation routes. Its operations are aimed at ensuring a stable domestic energy supply and contributing to the growth of the Korean energy industry. By focusing on efficient and reliable LNG transportation, Hyundai LNG Shipping plays a critical role in meeting the increasing demand for natural gas both domestically and internationally.

Posco

Private Equity Round in 2013
POSCO, established in 1968 and based in Pohang, South Korea, is a leading multinational steel-making company. It has gained recognition as the world's top steel producer by focusing on plant efficiency and innovation in product development. The company specializes in manufacturing and distributing a wide range of steel rolled products and plates to clients around the globe. With a commitment to creating superior products, POSCO actively engages in the development of new materials and energy solutions, continually seeking to enhance its offerings and maintain its competitive edge in the industry.

Kyobo Life Insurance

Venture Round in 2012
Kyobo Life Insurance Co., Ltd. is a leading life insurance provider based in South Korea, established in 1958 and headquartered in Seoul. The company offers a comprehensive range of insurance products, including death, general illness, long-term care, health, pension, and accident insurance, catering primarily to middle- and upper-income consumers. With a robust infrastructure comprising seven divisions, 69 supporting units, and 518 branches, Kyobo Life aims to provide effective financial protection and savings solutions for both individual and corporate clients. The company, originally known as Daehan Kyoyuk Insurance Co., Ltd., rebranded to its current name in April 1995, reflecting its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries

Venture Round in 2010
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is a South Korean shipbuilding company based in Yeongam-gun. Founded in 1999, the company specializes in the construction of large marine vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships. In addition to shipbuilding, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries manufactures various industrial transportation equipment, such as container-handling cranes, bulk-handling systems, and specialized cranes, including quayside and rail-mounted gantry cranes. The company, which was previously known as Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., adopted its current name in January 2003 and operates as a subsidiary of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries serves clients across diverse industries worldwide.

Alvogen Group

Venture Round in 2009
Alvogen is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and markets a diverse range of products, including generic, brand, over-the-counter, and biosimilar medications. The company is committed to addressing various health conditions, with a particular focus on oncology, cardiology, respiratory health, neurology, and gastroenterology. Alvogen's offerings include oral dosage forms, soft gelatin capsules, modified release tablets, transdermal systems, creams, ointments, and injectables. By providing affordable generic medications, Alvogen aims to help reduce healthcare costs globally while promoting healthier and more active lives for patients.

SRS KOREA

Venture Round in 2008
SRS KOREA is a privately held company that operates fast food restaurant chains. SRS Korea is one of the most recognized QSR brands in Korea with 30 years of history and ranked number one amongst western QSRs in the Korea Customer Satisfaction Index.

iNtRON Biotechnology

Venture Round in 2006
iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seongnam, South Korea, established in 1999. The company specializes in developing biopharmaceuticals aimed at preventing and treating infectious diseases globally. Its primary focus includes the creation of bacteriophage and endolysin-based therapeutics, as well as the development of molecular diagnostic assays. iNtRON manufactures diagnostic kits based on real-time PCR and multiplex PCR technologies, which are utilized for identifying infectious organisms, including various strains of bacteria and viruses such as swine flu and avian influenza. Additionally, the company is involved in veterinary health by providing alternatives to traditional antibiotics and is actively engaged in the development of novel biopharmaceutical products. Through its diverse offerings, iNtRON Biotechnology contributes significantly to public health and disease prevention efforts.

Tailim Packaging

Venture Round in 2006
Tailim Packaging Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company specializing in the manufacturing and sale of paper and packaging products. Established in 1976 and based in Siheung, the company was formerly known as Tailim Packaging Industrial Co., Ltd. It produces a variety of items, including corrugated boards, large-sized boxes, and self-assembly boxes. Tailim Packaging operates through two main business units: Paper and Packaging. The Paper unit focuses on producing liner products such as Kraft liner and corrugated medium, while the Packaging unit creates boxes for various applications, including agricultural products, electric home appliances, and door-to-door delivery services.

Handok

Venture Round in 2006
Handok is a prominent pharmaceutical company based in Korea, actively engaged in the healthcare sector. The company specializes in the development of prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical devices, and in-vitro diagnostics. Handok focuses on creating products that target significant health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Through its extensive research and development efforts, Handok aims to enhance patient care and contribute to advancements in medical treatments.

Genexine

Venture Round in 2006
Genexine, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Seongnam, South Korea, specializing in the development and commercialization of immunotherapeutics and long-acting biologics. The company utilizes its proprietary hyFc platform to create differentiated agonistic protein therapeutics and has developed the Immune Enhancing Technology, a therapeutic DNA vaccine platform. Genexine's product pipeline includes several candidates currently in clinical trials: GX-H9 for adult and pediatric growth hormone deficiency, GX-E2 for induced anemia, GX-G3 for neutropenia, and GX-G6 for diabetes. Additionally, GX-188E is being studied in combination with KEYTRUDA for cervical cancer treatment. Genexine has also partnered with Binex Co. Ltd. to co-develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Founded in 1999, Genexine, Inc. aims to deliver innovative medicines that significantly improve patient outcomes.

Celltrion

Post in 2006
Celltrion Inc is a Korea-based company focused on the research, development, and manufacture of therapeutic proteins. The company specializes in producing biosimilar products, which are used to treat a variety of conditions including breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma, colorectal cancer, respiratory syncytial virus, and colon cancer.

Samhwa Crown & Closure

Venture Round in 2006
Samhwa Crown & Closure is a South Korea-based manufacturer specializing in bottle caps. The company produces a variety of cap types, including crown caps, roll-on pilfer-proof (ROPP) caps, plastic caps, and white caps, which are utilized in the packaging of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and nutritional tonics. In addition to its core manufacturing operations, Samhwa Crown & Closure is also involved in the metal printing business, enhancing its capabilities in product customization and branding.

Korea Aerospace Industries

Venture Round in 2006
Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd is a prominent manufacturer and supplier in the aerospace sector, primarily based in Korea. The company specializes in the production of military and civil aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and offers a range of aerospace parts. In addition to manufacturing, Korea Aerospace Industries provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for both commercial and military aircraft. The company also engages in research and development activities related to satellites and operates in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With a commitment to innovation, it distributes its products domestically and internationally, contributing to the advancement of the aerospace industry.

Taihan Electric Wire

Post in 2006
Taihan Electric Wire is a company that specializes in the production of wire and cable products, focusing on electric power, renewable energy, and telecommunications. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions that encompass the entire power supply value chain, which includes power system design, supply, connection, construction, and maintenance of cables and connectors. Taihan Electric Wire's product offerings include electric power cables, insulated wires, nuclear cables, steel-tape armor, copper rods, and heating systems. Through its subsidiaries, the company operates in various sectors, including power generation and distribution, and base metal systems, ensuring a diverse approach to meeting the needs of its clients in the energy and communication industries.
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