Smilegate Investment

Smilegate Investment, established in 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has actively supported the growth of over 200 companies since its inception. Originally founded as MVP Capital, the firm has organized and managed more than 30 funds, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including B2B, B2C, media, healthcare, energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, digital health, SaaS, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, financial technology, mobile commerce, clean technology, and life sciences. Smilegate Investment aims to identify and nurture promising growth potential within these industries, contributing to the advancement of the South Korean economy.

Byung-Hwi Ahn

Senior Vice President

Heung-Sun Chang

Senior Vice President

Kyoung-Hwan Kim

Senior Vice President

Young-Kwon Ku

President

Lee, Jong-Ho

Senior Vice President

Ki-Mun Nam

CEO

Hoon-gon Nam

Senior Manager

Jung-In Park

Senior Vice President

Seo, Kyung-Woo

Senior team leader

Past deals in South Korea

Right Route

Seed Round in 2023
Right Route is an e-commerce company for clothes.

Pion

Series A in 2023
Pion Corporation is a marketing technology company specializing in video intelligence. It offers "Vispot," an AI-driven platform for video creation and ad automation. This application is designed to assist video creatives by providing automated services for video production and optimization. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Pion enables businesses to enhance their marketing capabilities and streamline the video advertising process.

Travel Wallet

Series C in 2023
Travel Wallet is a foreign currency payment service that uses the Travel Wallet application. The travel Pay card is free of charge for overseas payments. The payments are overseas direct purchases and overseas payments without commission. The license for small overseas remittance businesses and electronic financial businesses by meeting various computer facilities and all requirements. The platform agreement with banks.

Agreable

Series C in 2023
Agreable is a brand commerce startup that manufactures and distributes lifestyle products.

ConnectionH

Seed Round in 2022
ConnectionH provides big data-based artificial intelligence services.

Shiftup

Venture Round in 2022
Shift up is a game design and development studio that engages in game production and promotional video and music production. Shiftup was established in 2013 by art director Kim Hyeong-tae.

RCE

Series A in 2022
RCE specializes in the sales of construction machines.

UCI Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
UCI Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company.

OHouse

Series D in 2022
OHouse is a all-in-one lifestyle platform that integrates content, community, and commerce. The company believes that beautiful homes can change peoples' lives for the better. Its mission is to help users decorate homes with fun, ease, and confidence. OHouse revolutionizes the lifestyle(home furnishing and remodeling) market in Korea with its user-generated style gallery, which helps users discover their preferred styles before purchasing products. On top of the marketplace for home furnishing products, it provides home remodeling services. As the leading innovators of the home furnishing industry, Ohouse aims to become an lifestyle super application that provides the best customer experience. Ohouse won the Best App Award by Google Play in 2018, and its app is downloaded by more than 20 million users.

BIORCHESTRA

Series C in 2022
BIORCHESTRA is a biotech company that develops RNA-based therapeutics for treating neuroinflammatory diseases. They focus on changing the therapeutic paradigm from treating the symptoms to providing a fundamental cure for diseases. BIORCHESTRA develops neuroinflammatory disease therapeutics, with a particular emphasis on comprehensive patient care. BIORCHESTRA's complementary discovery platforms range from diagnosis to treatment monitoring.

MedInTech

Series A in 2022
MedInTech specializes in developing advanced medical devices, specifically smart endoscopes designed for the digestive system. The company's innovative motorized endoscopy device offers a user-friendly control mechanism, featuring a lightweight and comfortable handle that enhances surgical precision. By integrating artificial intelligence, the device aids in lesion detection and classification, thereby helping surgeons reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and improve patient safety. MedInTech's focus on intuitive design and autonomous control positions it as a key player in the field of medical technology.

SPARTA

Series A in 2022
SPARTA is a coding education platform.

SWING

Series B in 2022
Swing Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company established in 2018, specializing in the rental of electric kickboards and scooters. The company offers a personal mobility service that allows users to rent electric scooters for commuting purposes. Customers can ride the scooters and park them in designated safe areas that do not obstruct traffic. This service aims to provide a convenient and efficient transportation option for individuals seeking to navigate urban environments using electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds.

Law&Company

Series C in 2022
Law&Company is representative legal tech company in Republic of Korea. The company provides a service called 'LawTalk(www.lawtalk.co.kr)', which is the largest online legal market place in Korea(5 times bigger then the 2nd player). Since 2016, the company invested on research about Artificial Intelligence especially on Text Mining and Machine Learning technology to analyze lawyers and client's activities in the service which helps to lawyers and clients find the right person based on their experience. Also, the company will launch document automation based service to generate legal documents starting from complaint and contract soon. The company has received more than 3 million dollars from 5 venture capital companies and many angel investors due to previous performance and upside potential in the Korean legal market.

SSEM

Series A in 2022
SSEM is a tax management app.

Archipin

Series A in 2021
Archipin is an edtech company that specializes in online and e-learning solutions for children. It has developed a game-based education platform aimed at transforming traditional curricula into engaging gaming experiences. By leveraging artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies, Archipin creates interactive and stimulating games that promote learning in a fun and enjoyable manner. This innovative approach enables children to experience the joy of learning while enhancing their educational engagement.

Press.A

Series A in 2021
Press.A is a game and software development company that operates an action gaming studio focused on creating engaging and accessible games. Its platform allows users to design their own maps and organize competitions, enhancing the gaming experience by encouraging creativity and community interaction. By prioritizing fun and user-friendly gameplay, Press.A aims to provide an enjoyable environment for gamers.

RECO

Series B in 2021
RECO is a waste management platform that combines digital solutions and customized waste hauling services. They provide optimal waste management solutions for each business site. Their services include improving the emission environment, waste collection and transport, management automation, and resource circulation. They manage the entire process, from waste disposal to final treatment. It offers dedicated software (web/app) to assist with waste management automation. The software can easily manage all tasks, from monitoring emissions data to checking real-time rates and waste reporting documents, reducing work hours.

Plask

Seed Round in 2021
Plask offers a Mocap animation tool powered by AI for content creators. Creating animations necessitates time and money, both of which are frequently in short supply, with motion capture being prohibitively expensive and key-framed animation necessitating significant time investments. Plask aims to change that by providing creators with a set of tools that allows anyone to create high-quality animations for a fraction of the cost.

Fount

Series C in 2021
Fount Inc. is an asset management Robo-Advisor company established in 2015 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in providing customized financial portfolios through its advanced Robo-Advisor engine, Bluewhale, which utilizes AI technology and asset allocation theories to determine the optimal mix of assets. Fount's investing algorithm, driven by big data, assists clients in planning for various life events by promoting passive investing strategies that align with individual risk tolerance and time horizons. The company's tools enable clients to monitor financial markets and adjust their asset allocations in response to market fluctuations.

BIGPICTURE

Series B in 2021
We are constantly working on new features to provide you a better esports experience.

Sir.Loin

Series B in 2021
SIR.LOIN is an e-commerce store for Korean beef.

QANDA(Mathpresso)

Series C in 2021
With the mission to provide the most effective education for all, QANDA(Mathpresso) operates the world’s leading learning platform, QANDA, an AI-based learning app that allows students of all levels to receive instant answers and customized learning sources. Recognized for its technological advances, QANDA(Mathpresso) was selected as GSV Edtech 150, national representative of Google AI for Social Good APAC event in 2018, and guest speaker at AWS Public Sector Summit ASEAN in 2019. Since 2015, QANDA(Mathpresso) has raised over $105 million in total from investors including SoftBank Ventures Asia, Legend Capital, Mirae Asset Investment, GGV, and Goodwater Capital. Headquartered in Seoul, QANDA(Mathpresso) has offices in Tokyo, Hanoi, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

CLASSUM

Series A in 2021
CLASSUM Co., Ltd., founded in 2017 and based in Seoul, South Korea, operates as an interactive learning platform designed to enhance communication in educational settings. Targeting higher education and workplace learning, CLASSUM employs a user-friendly interface inspired by chat and social networking features to facilitate seamless interaction between students and instructors. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence and big data analysis to generate comprehensive class reports, providing valuable insights that help improve educational outcomes. Additionally, CLASSUM offers features such as real-time surveys, feedback mechanisms, and classroom creation tools, enabling users to engage effectively and empower their learning experiences.

Lemonex

Series C in 2021
Lemonex Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2013. It specializes in the development and commercialization of biotherapeutics aimed at treating cancers and other challenging diseases. The company focuses on cancer immunotherapeutics, antibody therapeutics, and gene therapeutics. Lemonex offers innovative drug delivery solutions, including DegradaBALL, which facilitates the delivery of drug candidates into cultured cells and lesions, and PANGO, a technology for the rapid screening of antiviral drugs. Additionally, Lemonex is engaged in advancing biosensor technology, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery methods for healthcare professionals.

Qraft

Series C in 2021
Qraft Technologies they are data scientists and researchers, data engineers, and investment experts, who develop investment solutions powered by AI (artificial intelligence).

WELT

Series B in 2021
From Wristworn to Waistworn: WELT, the Smart Belt for Fashion & Healthcare WELT is a 'Smart Fashion Belt' that manages users’ wellness. We encourage users to embrace healthy habits while keeping in style. We promise to help the wearer better track food intake, keep tabs on the activity level, and manage weight. To do this, WELT keeps check on the overall health by measuring (1)Waist size, (2)Steps, (3)Sitting time, and (4)Overeating habits. To help users avoid metabolic risks factors, custom messages to manage these risks are given through the app via BLE. Also, its elegant design makes it look just like a regular, leather belt. Battery is rechargeable, and can stand up to more than 7 days.

Chlngers

Series A in 2021
Chlngers is a health habit app that helps users to manage tasks, habits, and goals. Users of Chlngers can select the small missions they require, such as waking up in the morning, exercising, reading books, and practicing hobbies. They can take on the challenge with no burden in as little as two weeks on average.

Sir.Loin

Series A in 2020
SIR.LOIN is an e-commerce store for Korean beef.

1st Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2020
1STBIO is dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies with a key value to provide novel medicines to patients. We are focused on discovery and development of innovative first-in-class therapeutic candidates with highly likelihood of clinical success. 1STBIO currently has 24 employees with expertise in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and business development. We are working as a core expertise team of drug discovery/development and are rigorously connected to R&D networking of academia, hospitals, industry, CRO’s and investors in Korea, China and US. Our ultimate goal is to use our experience and knowledge to discover and develop effective molecular therapeutics for patients.

MyRealTrip

Venture Round in 2020
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.

SN BioScience

Series B in 2020
SN BioScience specializes in nano-formulation screening services aimed at enhancing the delivery of small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and proteins. Utilizing their proprietary double core-shell technology, the company develops advanced drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer therapeutics, that facilitate the creation of stable nano-sized micelles, nanoparticles, and liposomes. By providing a diverse array of acceptable lipids and polymers, SN BioScience addresses challenges related to solubility and effective drug delivery, offering significant opportunities for clients working with poorly soluble drugs and innovative oncology products.

IDUS

Series D in 2020
IDUS is an online store that sells watches, home fabric, shoes, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, phone cases, digital accessories, and home interior products. They enable customers to transact directly with sellers over the Internet via a web browser or a mobile app. Their goods benefit customers.

Cochl

Series A in 2020
Cochl is a deep-tech startup making a foundation model for sound AI that understands sounds much like what a human would pick up. Our sound AI model is useful for areas such as public safety (recognizing scream, glass break, gunfire), context-aware for smart home (dog bark, baby cry, smoke alarm, doorbell), health monitoring (cough, sneeze, snore, sniff), mood tracking (yawn, sigh, laugh, cry), machine malfunction monitoring, and video closed captioning.

onepredict

Series B in 2019
Established in 2016, OnePredict is a leader in industrial AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and 9 time winner of the 'Global PHM Data Challenge' for the best industrial AI based Machine Digitalization & Intelligence solutions. OnePredict provides advanced AI solutions, the GuardiOne® Series, Cells, Edge, and Cloud solutions. GuardiOne® specializes in industrial AI solutions such as bearings, turbines, wind (wind farm), transformers, robots, and motors, and is expanding to various other industries.

CLASSUM

Venture Round in 2019
CLASSUM Co., Ltd., founded in 2017 and based in Seoul, South Korea, operates as an interactive learning platform designed to enhance communication in educational settings. Targeting higher education and workplace learning, CLASSUM employs a user-friendly interface inspired by chat and social networking features to facilitate seamless interaction between students and instructors. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence and big data analysis to generate comprehensive class reports, providing valuable insights that help improve educational outcomes. Additionally, CLASSUM offers features such as real-time surveys, feedback mechanisms, and classroom creation tools, enabling users to engage effectively and empower their learning experiences.

Deep Eye

Series A in 2019
Deep Eye is an eye wear distribution company.

BIGPICTURE

Series B in 2019
We are constantly working on new features to provide you a better esports experience.

adoc

Seed Round in 2019
adoc provides medical records, discount medical examination, check AI symptoms and compare hospital expenses services.

Coinplug

Series B in 2019
Coinplug is a blockchain developing company leading the next generation of blockchain-based solutions and services, being a pioneer in the field since its founding in 2013 and with over 300 blockchain patents. The company is continuously innovating in the field of blockchain, focusing in the areas of Identity & Authentication (Decentralized Identity, Self-Sovereign Identity), Payment Solutions and Assets Management.

Raonsecure

Venture Round in 2019
Raonsecure is pursuing and holds a number of security technology patents in the IoT / integrated security space. They promote future-oriented technology and products for integrated authentication by combining the next-generation of authentication technology including human/device authentication, security-applied technology, and FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) based on PKI technology.

D&D Pharmatech

Series B in 2019
D&D Pharmatech is a operator of a holding company created to fund the development of therapeutic medicines through disease-specific subsidiary companies founded and guided by top-tier medical research faculty. The company's product pipeline focuses on a range of indications including neurodegenerative, metabolic and fibrotic diseases, providing the opportunity to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients.

Law&Company

Series B in 2019
Law&Company is representative legal tech company in Republic of Korea. The company provides a service called 'LawTalk(www.lawtalk.co.kr)', which is the largest online legal market place in Korea(5 times bigger then the 2nd player). Since 2016, the company invested on research about Artificial Intelligence especially on Text Mining and Machine Learning technology to analyze lawyers and client's activities in the service which helps to lawyers and clients find the right person based on their experience. Also, the company will launch document automation based service to generate legal documents starting from complaint and contract soon. The company has received more than 3 million dollars from 5 venture capital companies and many angel investors due to previous performance and upside potential in the Korean legal market.

Orum Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Orum Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company based in Daejeon, South Korea, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the research and development of therapeutic antibodies through its innovative cell-penetrating antibody platform, Oromab™. This platform is designed to target cytosolic proteins, addressing unmet medical needs in cancer and rare genetic diseases. Orum's unique approach allows for the intracellular delivery of active antibody therapeutics or payloads, enabling the inhibition of drug targets that have been previously considered undruggable by conventional small molecules or antibody therapies. Orum's technology is adaptable to various cell types and intracellular proteins without requiring chemical modifications, aiming to develop effective treatments with improved specificity and reduced toxicity.

SN BioScience

Series A in 2019
SN BioScience specializes in nano-formulation screening services aimed at enhancing the delivery of small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and proteins. Utilizing their proprietary double core-shell technology, the company develops advanced drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer therapeutics, that facilitate the creation of stable nano-sized micelles, nanoparticles, and liposomes. By providing a diverse array of acceptable lipids and polymers, SN BioScience addresses challenges related to solubility and effective drug delivery, offering significant opportunities for clients working with poorly soluble drugs and innovative oncology products.

MyRealTrip

Venture Round in 2019
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.

QANDA(Mathpresso)

Series A in 2018
With the mission to provide the most effective education for all, QANDA(Mathpresso) operates the world’s leading learning platform, QANDA, an AI-based learning app that allows students of all levels to receive instant answers and customized learning sources. Recognized for its technological advances, QANDA(Mathpresso) was selected as GSV Edtech 150, national representative of Google AI for Social Good APAC event in 2018, and guest speaker at AWS Public Sector Summit ASEAN in 2019. Since 2015, QANDA(Mathpresso) has raised over $105 million in total from investors including SoftBank Ventures Asia, Legend Capital, Mirae Asset Investment, GGV, and Goodwater Capital. Headquartered in Seoul, QANDA(Mathpresso) has offices in Tokyo, Hanoi, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

Vuno

Series B in 2018
Vuno offers artificial intelligence-based medical solutions for doctors and patients that provides a platform and consulting services for medical data analysis. Vuno develops automatic algorithm against various problems that occurs in medical sites as well as it develops diagnostic and quantification assisting software. The clients of the company are Asan Medical Center and HYUNDAI. The company offers VunoMed that provides different forms of data analyzation for medical videos, ECGs, brain waves, and EMR data. Vuno is located in South Korea and the company was founded in 2014 by Yeha Lee, Kyu-Hwan Jung, and Dannis Kim.

WELT

Series A in 2018
From Wristworn to Waistworn: WELT, the Smart Belt for Fashion & Healthcare WELT is a 'Smart Fashion Belt' that manages users’ wellness. We encourage users to embrace healthy habits while keeping in style. We promise to help the wearer better track food intake, keep tabs on the activity level, and manage weight. To do this, WELT keeps check on the overall health by measuring (1)Waist size, (2)Steps, (3)Sitting time, and (4)Overeating habits. To help users avoid metabolic risks factors, custom messages to manage these risks are given through the app via BLE. Also, its elegant design makes it look just like a regular, leather belt. Battery is rechargeable, and can stand up to more than 7 days.

Inventage lab

Seed Round in 2018
inventory Lab is promoting the development of new and improved drugs for the treatment of refractory and chronic diseases by establishing a new drug delivery system. In addition, inventory will strategically develop various consumer-oriented pipelines to create new values ​​of human happiness and technological innovation.

D&D Pharmatech

Series A in 2018
D&D Pharmatech is a operator of a holding company created to fund the development of therapeutic medicines through disease-specific subsidiary companies founded and guided by top-tier medical research faculty. The company's product pipeline focuses on a range of indications including neurodegenerative, metabolic and fibrotic diseases, providing the opportunity to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients.

MyRealTrip

Series C in 2017
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.

Vuno

Series A in 2016
Vuno offers artificial intelligence-based medical solutions for doctors and patients that provides a platform and consulting services for medical data analysis. Vuno develops automatic algorithm against various problems that occurs in medical sites as well as it develops diagnostic and quantification assisting software. The clients of the company are Asan Medical Center and HYUNDAI. The company offers VunoMed that provides different forms of data analyzation for medical videos, ECGs, brain waves, and EMR data. Vuno is located in South Korea and the company was founded in 2014 by Yeha Lee, Kyu-Hwan Jung, and Dannis Kim.

Fount

Series A in 2016
Fount Inc. is an asset management Robo-Advisor company established in 2015 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in providing customized financial portfolios through its advanced Robo-Advisor engine, Bluewhale, which utilizes AI technology and asset allocation theories to determine the optimal mix of assets. Fount's investing algorithm, driven by big data, assists clients in planning for various life events by promoting passive investing strategies that align with individual risk tolerance and time horizons. The company's tools enable clients to monitor financial markets and adjust their asset allocations in response to market fluctuations.

Stripes

Series B in 2015
Stripes is a Korea-based apparel company established in January 2013, specializing in the design and manufacture of men's clothing. The company offers a diverse collection that includes both trendy and everyday essentials such as t-shirts, shirts, and suits. Stripes also provides personalized styling services, allowing customers to customize their clothing for a perfect fit. The company's online platform facilitates convenient shopping, enabling consumers to purchase apparel from the comfort of their homes. In addition to individual sales, Stripes offers professional style consulting and customized group clothing options for businesses, helping male customers access quality apparel and accessories at competitive prices.

Wishket

Series A in 2015
Wishket (위시켓) is a Korean outsourcing platform for companies and freelancers to post projects, outsource work, or search for jobs online. Through its website, Wishket enables companies to find suitable freelancers for development work in a secure and cost effective manner. Companies can sign up and simply post projects and wait for responses from freelancers. Wishket also enables freelancers to find new projects and opportunities.

MyRealTrip

Series B in 2015
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.

YAP

Venture Round in 2015
The YAP Company is a Korean startup providing O2O commerce platform using an independent hybrid beacon technique.With YAP, you will experience a whole new dimension of bestowed happiness and astonishment beyond expression.

Parking Square

Series A in 2015
Parking Square Inc provides smart mobile solutions and services for parking services in Korea. It provides solutions for real time parking services involving booking and discounts. Parking Square Inc provides an application known as Park Here, which allows users to find, locate, and book parking spaces at discounted rates. Parking Square is available as an iOS and Android app. It also enables garage owners and operators to promote and rent out their idle parking space. The company was established on May 7, 2013, based in Seoul, Korea.

Stripes

Series A in 2014
Stripes is a Korea-based apparel company established in January 2013, specializing in the design and manufacture of men's clothing. The company offers a diverse collection that includes both trendy and everyday essentials such as t-shirts, shirts, and suits. Stripes also provides personalized styling services, allowing customers to customize their clothing for a perfect fit. The company's online platform facilitates convenient shopping, enabling consumers to purchase apparel from the comfort of their homes. In addition to individual sales, Stripes offers professional style consulting and customized group clothing options for businesses, helping male customers access quality apparel and accessories at competitive prices.

MyRealTrip

Series A in 2014
Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.
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