Robo Arete
Series A in 2022
Robo Arete is a robotics company specializing in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry, established with the goal of innovating humanity's culinary culture and F&B business through the Robotics Kitchen. Comprising experts in robotics who directly execute development, deisgn, programming, and assembly of robotics automation systems, the team possess a comprehensive understanding of robotics. As a first project, we developed a robotics system equipped with the capability to automatically fry a variety of menu items, ranging from chicken to French fries. Since 2020, we have been operating our own chicken brand, "Robert Chicken," testing and continously enhancing the system in diverse environmnets, including delivery-focused stores, restaurants with dine-in options, shared kitchens, food trucks and others. The Robo Arete frying robot solution has been successfully implemented in various brands, including GS25, BHC, Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken, and ORG. The Robert Chicken familiy is expanding not only in South Korea but also in several countries. Franchise stores of Robert Chicken are set to open in the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, and other countries in the first half of 2024, as part of an active pursuit of global market expansion. Robo Arete is also in the process of developing automation solutions for various cooking processes beyond frying, including hamburger patties and noodles. Additionally, we have developed robotic bartender for soju cocktails, currently being installed at the flagship Robert Chicken store in New York, with plans for public unveiling in the first half of 2024.
Balaan operates an online marketplace specializing in luxury goods, offering a diverse selection of multi-branded fashion products, including clothing, accessories, and jewelry from renowned luxury brands. The platform distinguishes itself by providing customers with the latest luxury items delivered within three days, facilitated through contracts with local boutiques in Europe. By leveraging this network, Balaan enables consumers to access premium fashion at more affordable prices compared to traditional overseas purchasing methods. The company aims to make luxury shopping more accessible and convenient for both men and women.
Modern Toy
Series A in 2021
Modern Toy is a company that specializes in the development of character toys for various age groups, including infants, girls, and boys. It focuses on creating both physical and virtual toy characters that can interact with avatars, enhancing the play experience. The company is dedicated to designing and manufacturing a diverse range of products tailored to different consumption ages, allowing customers to engage with and trade characters within its platform. Through its innovative approach, Modern Toy aims to provide enjoyable and interactive experiences for children.
Dohands Corporation is a logistics service provider based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in solutions for e-commerce sellers. Founded in 2013, the company offers a range of services including overseas shipping, logistics consulting, inventory management, and short-term delivery options. Dohands also provides logistics alternatives for crowdfunding, pre-orders, and promotional activities, facilitating cost-effective and efficient transportation and delivery of products for businesses. Through its customized services, Dohands aims to enhance the logistics experience for e-commerce companies and streamline their supply chain operations.
WonderWall
Series B in 2021
WonderWall is an online art learning platform that connects artists and facilitates the sharing of practical knowledge across various creative disciplines. The platform provides access to a diverse range of online videos covering areas such as music, acting, directing, art, photography, design, and cooking. By offering these resources, WonderWall enables learners to acquire new skills and insights from the comfort of their homes, fostering a community of artists eager to enhance their craft.
Novelty Nobility
Series B in 2021
Novelty Nobility Inc. is a private biotech company dedicated to researching novel angiogenesis targets and developing antibody-based therapeutics, particularly in the fields of ophthalmology and oncology. The company has identified Stem Cell Factor (SCF) and c-KIT as significant angiogenesis targets, which are linked to the proliferation and survival of hematopoietic stem cells. By focusing on the anti-SCF/c-KIT pathway, Novelty Nobility aims to address the unmet medical needs associated with existing anti-VEGF treatments, specifically regarding efficacy and long-term safety. The company is actively engaged in developing therapeutic antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to combat drug resistance and the negative effects of aberrant blood vessel growth in conditions such as retinal diseases and solid tumors. Their lead candidate, NN2101, a full-human monoclonal antibody, is currently in preclinical development and is supported by strong patent protection in the United States and South Korea.
Play Tango
Series A in 2021
Play Tango is a company that specializes in developing interactive learning products designed to transform children's educational experiences. Its flagship product, Tango, is a screenless smartboard that utilizes tangible blocks to facilitate learning. This innovative system allows children to construct words, numbers, and art, while providing real-time feedback on their creations. By merging physical play with technology, Play Tango aims to enhance children's learning processes, fostering a healthy foundation for future academic success.
Poled is a manufacturer of car seats designed to enhance safety for infant passengers during car accidents. The company’s products are equipped with intelligent safety devices that proactively tighten the seat belt in response to sudden braking or sharp turns, thereby maintaining a secure environment for children. Poled's car seats have undergone rigorous real vehicle crash tests, ensuring that they meet high safety standards. By focusing on innovative safety features, Poled aims to provide parents with peace of mind while traveling with their children.
Autotelic Bio
Series A in 2020
Autotelic Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in the research and development of innovative anti-cancer drugs. The company aims to enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of existing oncology treatments through the precise targeting and optimization of therapies. In addition to its focus on oncology, Autotelic Bio is also involved in developing immuno-oncology drugs that address conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and diseases affecting the central nervous system. By pursuing advanced therapeutic solutions, Autotelic Bio seeks to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the evolving field of cancer treatment.
Kukka, Inc. is a Seoul-based company that specializes in providing a variety of flower-related services, including flower subscription, bouquet delivery, and custom floral design. Established in 2014, Kukka aims to promote the enjoyment of flowers in everyday life, inspired by Finnish culture. Its offerings cater to both individual and corporate clients, featuring corporate event support flowers, promotional flower boxes, and floral decorations. The company also provides same-day delivery and organizes flower art classes, enhancing the floral experience for its customers. Through its retail stores and online platform, Kukka facilitates easy access to fresh flowers and related accessories.
HOWSER provides furniture construction and delivery solutions through an online infrastructure based on IT technology.
Table Manager
Series A in 2020
Table Manager is a company that specializes in a digital reservation management platform designed to enhance the efficiency of telephone reservations. Its solution automatically classifies customers and provides pertinent information simultaneously as calls are received, allowing restaurant businesses to streamline their reservation processes. By leveraging this technology, Table Manager enables restaurants to improve their booking capabilities and potentially boost sales, making it a valuable asset for businesses in the hospitality industry.
Balaan operates an online marketplace specializing in luxury goods, offering a diverse selection of multi-branded fashion products, including clothing, accessories, and jewelry from renowned luxury brands. The platform distinguishes itself by providing customers with the latest luxury items delivered within three days, facilitated through contracts with local boutiques in Europe. By leveraging this network, Balaan enables consumers to access premium fashion at more affordable prices compared to traditional overseas purchasing methods. The company aims to make luxury shopping more accessible and convenient for both men and women.
Finda, Inc. is a data-driven online comparison platform based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in various financial products such as mortgages, personal loans, and investments. The company enables users to compare different financial offerings by collecting and analyzing data from multiple industries, including the automobile finance sector. Finda's platform not only helps users identify suitable financial products but also provides economic calculation services related to housing loans, monthly savings, and loan repayment. By focusing on delivering customized financial information, Finda aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions in a timely manner.
Logispot is a South Korean company founded in 2016 that specializes in digital logistics and freight transport services. It operates a platform designed to streamline the fragmented cargo transportation market by offering integrated transport management and efficient handling of incoming and outgoing shipments. The platform also facilitates seamless integration with customers' internal systems, ensuring a hassle-free experience in the movement of goods and services. By providing systematic functions, Logispot aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of logistics operations for its clients.
Ghost Kitchen
Series B in 2019
Ghost Kitchen is a shared kitchen company that focuses on food preparation and delivery services. It offers dedicated kitchen spaces that allow multiple restaurant operators to efficiently prepare meals for delivery. In addition to providing physical kitchen facilities, Ghost Kitchen also develops a restaurant management platform that aids owners in optimizing kitchen operations. This platform enhances delivery and order management by offering valuable insights into delivery trends, enabling restaurant owners to better manage their operations. By combining shared kitchen spaces with advanced management tools, Ghost Kitchen supports restaurant owners in scaling their businesses effectively.
Ziptoss Co., Ltd., established in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea, operates an online platform that facilitates the search for rental properties in the country. The company's core business is to disrupt the South Korean real estate industry by offering a free brokerage service for tenants, providing transparent information, and charging reliable offline fees. Ziptoss's services include an application that offers online property listings, sales advertisements, and brokerage services for foreign tenants, all while directly sourcing data from landlords, enabling tenants to secure accommodations without incurring third-party fees.
Achats Group
Series B in 2019
Achats Group is a media commerce company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2017. Specializing in video content, the company provides a range of content-based marketing services, including product marketing, creative media, performance marketing, and trendy marketing. By leveraging data-driven analysis of market trends and customer preferences, Achats Group aims to enhance business efficiency and profitability for its clients. The firm’s platform also focuses on creating marketing videos tailored for social networks, allowing businesses to effectively engage their target audiences.
Medi Futures
Venture Round in 2019
Medi Futures is a company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced ultrasonic technology platforms for biomedical firms. Their product portfolio includes enzyme-free ultrasound stem cell separators and ultrasonic endoscopic disc surgical equipment. These solutions are designed to enhance surgical outcomes by providing surgeons with access to ultrasonic and biological fusion medical technologies, which reduce incision size, procedure time, and patient pain. The company's innovations cater to both cosmetic and surgical applications, making them a notable player in the field of minimally invasive medical procedures.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Series A in 2018
Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.
Wishket
Venture Round in 2018
Wishket Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company established in 2012 that operates an IT outsourcing platform connecting businesses with freelancers. The platform allows companies to post projects and find suitable freelancers for development work in a secure and cost-effective manner. Freelancers can also use Wishket to discover new projects and job opportunities. By utilizing customized profiles, Wishket facilitates the matching of corporate IT projects with the appropriate talent. The platform includes a private application feature and an escrow system to help mitigate trust issues and minimize transaction costs typically associated with outsourcing agreements, thus improving the overall efficiency of the hiring process.
Achats Group
Venture Round in 2018
Achats Group is a media commerce company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2017. Specializing in video content, the company provides a range of content-based marketing services, including product marketing, creative media, performance marketing, and trendy marketing. By leveraging data-driven analysis of market trends and customer preferences, Achats Group aims to enhance business efficiency and profitability for its clients. The firm’s platform also focuses on creating marketing videos tailored for social networks, allowing businesses to effectively engage their target audiences.
Insignary
Series A in 2018
Insignary, Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2016, specializing in binary-level software composition analysis. The firm develops innovative software and cloud-based solutions that enable advanced scanning of open source software binaries to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and compliance issues. Utilizing a unique fingerprint-based technology, Insignary's solutions operate without requiring source code or reverse engineering, allowing clients to proactively scan their software binaries for known security risks. The company's executive team possesses extensive experience in the IT industry, particularly in open source software, compliance, and security, positioning Insignary as a leader in the field.
Additor
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Additor is an information technology company that offers a web-based platform aimed at enhancing the management of organizational knowledge. Its collaborative knowledge library platform allows businesses to collect, organize, and share information more efficiently. By leveraging advanced technology, Additor enables users to organize, edit, and highlight documents in multiple formats, accommodating various data sizes for different projects. The platform also facilitates collaborative document editing, streamlining the process of finding and managing information within teams. Through its innovative solutions, Additor seeks to transform how organizations handle their knowledge resources, ultimately improving productivity and collaboration.
LUXI Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company that specializes in developing a ride-sharing application designed to facilitate carpooling. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seongnam-si, LUXI connects drivers and passengers who have similar commuting routes. The platform aims to address traffic congestion and environmental issues by promoting a safe and enjoyable carpool culture. Through its application, LUXI seeks to enhance the commuting experience for both drivers and passengers, providing mutual benefits to its users.
True Balance
Series B in 2017
True Balance is a digital wallet operated by Balancehero India Private Limited, designed to provide a range of financial services to its users. Launched in 2014 by CEO Charlie Lee, the platform serves approximately 70 million users across India, focusing primarily on the unbanked population. True Balance enables customers to perform utility bill payments, engage in e-commerce transactions, and access essential insurance products, as well as online lending services. By offering these financial solutions, True Balance aims to enhance financial inclusion and meet the everyday money management needs of its users.
LUXI Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company that specializes in developing a ride-sharing application designed to facilitate carpooling. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seongnam-si, LUXI connects drivers and passengers who have similar commuting routes. The platform aims to address traffic congestion and environmental issues by promoting a safe and enjoyable carpool culture. Through its application, LUXI seeks to enhance the commuting experience for both drivers and passengers, providing mutual benefits to its users.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Seed Round in 2016
Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.
Slide App
Series A in 2016
Slide is a lock-screen application that takes an interesting take on displaying infotainment from the comfort of your lock screen. Be it reading your favorite blogs or staying updated with latest happenings pertaining to fashion, news, health and movies, Slide provides you with an alternative to do all that directly from your phone’s lock-screen. Along with that, it also has a rather unique concept of rewards that actually pay the users for using the app. Rewards and offers is Slide’s developers’ idea of encouraging users to unlock their phones more, and even make them share Slide with their friends.
Speclipse
Venture Round in 2016
Speclipse, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing innovative diagnostic devices for skin cancer detection. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam-si, South Korea, with an additional office in Sunnyvale, California, the company specializes in real-time, non-invasive cancer diagnosis through patented laser-induced plasma spectroscopy technology and machine learning algorithms. Speclipse's product offerings include the Spectra-Scope, which can be attached to existing aesthetic lasers for skin cancer diagnosis, as well as a stand-alone system that operates independently of other equipment. Their technology is utilized in both pathology labs for analyzing biopsy samples and during oncological surgeries for immediate diagnostic results, enabling healthcare professionals to detect early-stage skin cancer efficiently while minimizing the need for invasive procedures.
Wishket Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company established in 2012 that operates an IT outsourcing platform connecting businesses with freelancers. The platform allows companies to post projects and find suitable freelancers for development work in a secure and cost-effective manner. Freelancers can also use Wishket to discover new projects and job opportunities. By utilizing customized profiles, Wishket facilitates the matching of corporate IT projects with the appropriate talent. The platform includes a private application feature and an escrow system to help mitigate trust issues and minimize transaction costs typically associated with outsourcing agreements, thus improving the overall efficiency of the hiring process.
Kukdong
Venture Round in 2015
Kukdong Corporation, founded in 1967 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in the manufacture and sale of a diverse range of knit garments for men, women, and children. The company produces workwear, activewear—including training, golf, and fitness apparel—loungewear that encompasses home, room, sleep, and night garments, as well as various fashion wear. Kukdong is recognized for its use of functional materials in special workwear clothing designed for waterproofing and dustproofing. As an original equipment manufacturer, Kukdong supplies its products to prominent global retailers, including Nike, H&M, Columbia Sportswear, Target, and Walmart. In addition to its domestic operations, the company exports its offerings to markets in the United States, the European Union, and Chile.
True Balance
Seed Round in 2015
True Balance is a digital wallet operated by Balancehero India Private Limited, designed to provide a range of financial services to its users. Launched in 2014 by CEO Charlie Lee, the platform serves approximately 70 million users across India, focusing primarily on the unbanked population. True Balance enables customers to perform utility bill payments, engage in e-commerce transactions, and access essential insurance products, as well as online lending services. By offering these financial solutions, True Balance aims to enhance financial inclusion and meet the everyday money management needs of its users.