Top 50 Investors in South Korea

A list of 50 South Korea investors . Updated every month. Powered by Shizune.
Investors in the list rank based on the number of investments in South korea companies. The investor list contains both angel investors and VC funds. You can find favourite industries and stages of each investor on the list. Aug 2022

Investors in South Korea

Name	Number of investments	Relevant deals	Favorite stages	Favorite industries	Description
Capstone Partners Co., Ltd.	100	66	Series A; Seed; Series B	Software; Mobile; Gaming	Capstone Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage companies operating in the Information technology, wireless technology, architecture, pharmaceutical, internet, online game, software, solid state disk, and IP television sectors. It primarily invests in China and South Korea, with a focus in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Thefirm prefers to exit its investments through a trade sale. Capstone Partners was founded in 2008 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.Capstone Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in entrepreneurs seeking success with fresh ideas. Capstone Partners values the funds of union investors better than our own, working for the interests of investors and following the objective of the investments.
Strong Ventures	114	64	Seed; Series A; Series B	Software; Mobile; Commerce/Shopping	Strong Ventures is a seed fund, based in California, that finances, supports, and mentors Korean/Asian/Global entrepreneurs, empowering them to build strong ventures and to break successfully into the global market.With proven experience as operators, executives, and entrepreneurs, they provide hands-on assistance and guidance. On topof their financial investment, they aim to provide tangible value to their entrepreneurs, through network reach, strategic thinking, and execution collaboration. And, as they engage together in their venture endeavors, they hope to make the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where they build companies and labor in, a better, stronger, and more fun place for all.
Kakao Ventures	119	57	Seed; Series A; Funding Round	Software; Hardware; Data and Analytics	We are an independent subsidiary of Kakao Corp. & the most active, startup-friendly early stage VC of Korea. (Limited Partnerships, not strategic.).
Stonebridge Capital	102	36	Series A; Series B; Funding Round	Software; Mobile; Internet	Stonebridge capital, Stonebridge ventures, Specializing in Venture Capital, Private Equity Fund Management
Primer Sazze Partners	51	27	Seed; Series A; Pre-Seed	Software; Commerce/Shopping; Food/Beverage	Primer Sazze Partners - We like to find founders who are making the impossible happen through sheer force of will and a refusal to accept hard truths.
Softbank Ventures Asia	131	23	Series B; Series A; Series C	Software; IT; Internet	SoftBank Ventures Asia is the corporate venture capital arm of SoftBank Group. The firm prefers to invest in the information technology, smart robotics industry artificial intelligence, internet of things and information, communication, and technology sectors. It is based in Seoul, Korea, and was founded in 2000.
Altos Ventures	131	20	Series B; Funding Round; Series A	Software; Internet; Data and Analytics	Altos Ventures was founded in 1996 to invest in early stage technology companies. After starting with $30 million in committed capital, we currently manage more than $8 billion in regulatory assets under management, supporting the full lifecycle of companies from inception to global growth and profitability. We have been the first and leadinstitutional investor in 100+ companies around the world. We invest in both consumer and enterprise tech companies, with particular interest in enterprise SaaS, FinTech, e-commerce, and consumer brands and services. We look to invest in high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led companies. Initial investments can start as small as $500,000 while our follow-on investments can exceed $100 million in a single round, purchasing both primary and secondary shares.
KB Investment	83	20	Series A; Series B; Seed	Software; Science/Engineering; Financial	Founded in 1990, KB Investment Co., Ltd. (KBIC) is one of Korea’s leading investment firms of venture capital and private equity funds with over USD 1.4 Billion of asset under management as of December 2013. KBIC is a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, Korea’s premier financial group with the largest domestic customer base as well as the widestnetwork of service branches in Korea.KBIC’s team is recognized for industry thought leadership, a broad network of powerful industry relationships, and a unique professional investment approach to investing. KBIC passionately support our portfolio companies with active guidance in all key aspects of team building, strategy, operations and governance
Korea Development Bank	42	16	Series A; Series B; Funding Round	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	The Korea Development Bank (KDB) provides long-term financing for projects designed to assist Koreaâ€:tm:s economic growth and development. It offers equipment capital loans and working capital loans to Korean private enterprises that undertake major industrial projects. The bank also extends guarantees to its clients to facilitate their otherborrowings and to finance major industrial projects. KDB guarantees Won-denominated corporate debentures, local currency loans, and other Won liabilities and foreign currency loans from domestic and overseas Korean financial institutions and from foreign institutions. The bankâ€:tm:s other activities include engagement in a range of industrial development activities, including conducting economic and industrial research; performing engineering surveys; providing business analyses and managerial assistance; and offering trust services. As of June 30, 2007, KDB had 40 local branches, 6 overseas branches, and 2 overseas offices. The bank was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
Smilegate Investment	54	15	Series A; Series B; Seed	Software; Health Care; Science/Engineering	Smilegate Investment, founded in 1999 originally as MVP Capital, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has been growing remarkably alongside our many invested companies. From our initial venture capital funding in 2000, we have since organized and managed more than 30 venture capital and private equity funds, and have invested in morethan 200 companies with promising growth potential.
Shinhan Capital	30	14	Series A; Series B; Series C	Software; Science/Engineering; IT	Shinhan Capital is a credit-specialized company offering corporate finance services for its clients. It provides financial services, lease, corporate loans, investment financing, housing loans, installment financing, etc. Shinhan Capital was established in 1991. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
Korea Investment Partners	136	14	Series A; Series B; Series C	Software; Health Care; Science/Engineering	Korea Investment Partners (KIP) is a leading venture capital & private equity firm that has over 30 years of experience in providing venture capital to bold and innovative entrepreneurs who want to change the world. Korea Investment Partners invests in leading pioneers like Kakao(KOSDAQ:035720), Naver(KRX:035420), YGEntertainment(KOSDAQ:122870), Bodyfriend, Osstem Implant(KOSDAQ:048260), Doubleu Games(KOSDAQ:192080) and Didi Chuxing. KIP manages over 20 venture and private equity funds with US$1.8 billion in total assets under management. The company operates globally from its Seoul headquarters office with other locations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Sunnyvale.
Naver	60	13	Seed; Series A; Series C	Software; Media and Entertainment; Mobile	Naver operates as a search engine and e-commerce platform providing fintech, digital content, and cloud services.The company introduces innovative search services such as ‘Comprehensive Search,’ ‘Knowledge iN,’ and ‘Real-time Rising Keyword.' It also offers UGC services such as Blog and Cafe; Junior Naver, a children’s portal; Happybean, anonline donation portal. NAVER launched its Webtoon service in June 2004 and has pioneered the distribution and consumption of webtoons, also known as digital comics. In addition, NAVER also offers services for the global market, including the mobile messenger LINE through LINE Corporation, NAVER’s subsidiary; the video messenger Snow; and the group communication service BAND.NAVER is also involved in software development and distribution; performances and exhibitions business; mobile content development and distribution; search advertising; internet commerce and customer service business; the operation and security services of IT infrastructure; operating online shopping services, and mobile applications marketing.Lee Hae-Jin and Lee Joon-ho headquartered the company in Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea in 1999.
DSC Investment	33	13	Seed; Series A; Series B	Other; Software; Apps	DSC Investments invests in early stage and growth companies in the field of corporate identify and focus, IT, software, biotechnology, machinery, and future high-growth areas such as environment and resources.
Aviram Jenik	31	12	Angel; Seed; Series A	Software; IT; Data and Analytics	Founder & CEO @ Beyond Security Venture Partner @ Primer Sazze Partners Partner @ 408 Ventures
LB Investment	51	11	Series B; Series A; Series C	Software; Mobile; Commerce/Shopping	LB Investment is one of the top VCs in Korea. LB invests in diverse industries ranging from Technology and Contents to Bio and healthcare
KTB Network	48	11	Series B; Series A; Series C	Software; Science/Engineering; Health Care	Korea Technology Development Company, a government-funded investment vehicle specializing in technology-related investment opportunities, KTB Financial Group(“KTB”) has since grown into a comprehensive financial group offering a wide range of financial services, including securities, asset management, venture capital, and private equity.KTB alsohas expanded our global network by actively entering overseas markets includes the United States, China, and Thailand.
Devsisters Ventures	15	11	Series A; Series B; Seed	Software; Gaming; Apps	Venture Capital firm in Korea. We are interested in early-stage investment in gaming, healthcare/biotech, IT services and high technology companies.
KDB Capital	25	11	Series B; Series A; Seed	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	KDB Capital finances offers investment, corporate loan, lease, auto financial, and commercial card services for companies in South Korea.
SparkLabs Global Ventures	72	10	Seed; Series A; Funding Round	Software; Internet; Hardware	SparkLabs Global Ventures is a venture capital firm that offers seed-stage investment services to firms in the SaaS, healthcare, education, IoT, fintech, mobile, commerce, HR, gaming, security, and VR industries. It was founded in Dec 2013 and is based in California.Exceptional entrepreneurs, that are building strong, category defining companiesat highly advantageous valuations – can be found anywhere. The company has a team that is highly experienced in finding such talent and helping our entrepreneurs to develop, grow, network, and scale into other markets throughout the world.
Company K Partners	31	10	Series A; Series B; Series C	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	Company K Partners Limited is a principal investment firm specializing in investments in culture content, electronic components, computer, machinery, broadcasting, arts, sports, and leisure industries. The firm primarily invests in South Korea with a focus in Seoul, Gyeongnam, and Gyeonggi. Company K Partners Limited was established in 2006 and isbased in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
L&S Venture Capital	15	9	Seed; Series A; Series B	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	L&S Venture Capital is a venture capital firm. L&S Venture Capital is specializing in incubation, seed, early, and expansion stage investments. L&S Venture Capital invests in electronic components, including smart phones, pads, televisions and grid; telecommunications equipments; green energy sector, such as solar, wind, fuel cell, LED,and EV; machineries; broadcasting; nanotechnology; intelligent robotics; telematics; medical equipments; media contents, which inlcude creation, distribution and new media. L&S Venture Capital primarily invests in South Korea with a focus in Seoul, Gyeonggi region, and Chungnam province. L&S Venture Capital was founded in 2006 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.
kocca	9	9	Seed	Other; Video; Music and Audio	Korea Creative Content Agency (kocca) was established on May 7, 2009 to efficiently support the growth of the cultural industry by combining Korea Broadcasting Institute, Korea Culture and Content Agency, Korea Game Industry Agency, Cultural Contents Center, and Digital Contents Business Group of Korea IT Industry Promotion Agency according toArticle 31 of the Framework Act on Cultural Industry Promotion.kocca is an agency dedicated to promoting all areas for content. We established a comprehensive support system to nurture the content industry, and aim to develop Korea as one of the world's top 5 contents powerhouses.kocca conducts various support businesses to help Korea's content industry grow into a global leader in the creative economy.
Coolidge Corner Investment	12	9	Seed	Mobile; Software; Internet	Coolidge Corner Investment (CCVC) provides Seed and Seed+ funding to the most innovative tech startup companies in Korea. They proudly provide their portfolio companies a customized support in professional incubating, growth hacking, strategy, network and more.
POSCO Venture Capital	23	8	Series A; Funding Round; Series B	Software; Internet; Other	POSTECH Venture Capital Corporation(POSTECH VC) was founded and financed by POSCO to participate in SME(small and medium enterprise) Revitalization Policy in 1997 for the National Economy Restoration.We seek investment opportunities in diverse markets including Information Technologies, Advanced Materials, Bio Technologies, Renewable Energy,and Life Sciences.And we are to accelerate the commercialization of the valuable technologies from POSTECH(Pohang University of Science and Technology), RIST(Research institute of Industrial Science and Technology), and other institutes in Korea. More than 200 professors in POSTECH help POSTECH VC evaluate the technologiesPOSTECH VC is comprised of a team consisted of experienced venture capitalists who has previous experiences in successful startups, consulting firms, and executive management.We are currently investing from our several funds and manage over 60 billion Won.Our recent primary investment focus is on high growth opportunities in renewable energy such as bio-diesel and photovoltaic technologies.
Premier Partners	23	8	Series A; Series B; Funding Round	Software; Science/Engineering; Internet	Premier Partners (프리미어 파트너스) is a Korean domestic funds management company. It provides investment services for individuals and businesses. Premier Partners was established in September 2005 in Seoul, Korea.
Big Basin Capital	19	8	Seed; Series A; Funding Round	Software; Internet; Science/Engineering	Big Basin Capital is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, investing in early-stage startups in Korea and the United States.
IMM Investment	50	7	Series B; Funding Round; Series C	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	Korean alternative asset investment firm
Atinum Investment	47	7	Series B; Series A; Series C	Software; Science/Engineering; Data and Analytics	Atinum Investment Co., Ltd. is a principal investment firm specializing in investments in the information technology and communication, materials for Information technology, renewable energy, metal and non-metal, distribution, media and contents, materials and components, and biotechnology and life science industries
DS Asset Management	18	7	Series B	Apps; Other; Software	Investing in listed companies and venture firms
STIC Ventures	16	7	Series A; Series B; Seed	Software; Apps; Transportation	STIC Ventures invests in small and mid-sized venture companies with core technologies and new business models.
Hyundai Motor Company	58	6	Series A; Corporate Round; Series B	Transportation; Software; Hardware	The Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer. It has various vehicle lineups, brand vision, and global campaigns like clean mobility, sustainability, art, and sports partnership.The company was founded in 1967 and, along with its 32.8% owned subsidiary, Kia Motors, together comprise the Hyundai Motor Group,which is the world's fifth-largest automaker based on annual vehicle sales in 2012. In 2008, Hyundai Motor (without Kia) was ranked as the eighth largest automaker. As of 2012, the company sold over 4.4 million vehicles worldwide in that year, and together with Kia total sales were 7.12 million.
Samsung Ventures	168	6	Funding Round; Series A; Series B	Software; Hardware; Science/Engineering	The primary responsibilities of the group are to source, qualify, and invest in technology related companies. Our major investment areas include semiconductors, materials, mobile service, internet, software, security, enterprise solutions, bio engineering & medical, while potential investment subjects range from early-stage startups to pre-IPOcompanies. Currently, the group has over $1.8B under management and invests $250M annually.Samsung Ventures was founded on October 8, 1999, and is based in Seoul, South Korea.
Daniel Shin	10	6	Seed; Angel	Software; Other; IT	Venture Partner @ HOF Capital Co-Founder @ Terra Founder & CEO @ CHAI Founder & Chairman @ TMON Founding Partner @ Bass Investment
Bass Investment	19	6	Seed; Series A; Series B	Software; Commerce/Shopping; Financial	Bass Investment is a venture capital firm based in South Korea.
Hashed	133	6	Seed; Series A; Funding Round	Other; Software; Financial	Hashed is a global, early stage venture fund focused on backing founders who are pioneering the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Hashed is based in Seoul and San Francisco.
Bokwang Investment	10	6	Series A; Series C	Mobile; Other; Events	Bokwang Investment is a Korean investment management firm that supports funds and management for small- and medium-sized companies.
Fast Track Asia	10	6	Seed; Funding Round; Pre-Seed	Software; Apps; Mobile	They're Company Builder, Company Building Company.Fast Track Asia (http://www.fast-track.asia) is Company Builder, start-up holding company. They're backed by Daniel Shin (Founder & CEO of Ticketmonster, acquired by Groupon for $300M), Chester Roh (Founder & CSO of 5rocks, acquired by Tapjoy for $40M, Angel Investor ofTicketmonster, Serial Entrepreneur, ex-Googler), Stonebridge Capital (Korea-based Venture Capital, Investor of Ticketmonster), Insight Venture Partners (US-based Venture Capital & Private Equity Firm, Investor of Ticketmonster), Hur Min (Founder of Wemakeprice, ex-Founder of Neople, acquired by Nexon for $400M) and a lot of local serial entrepreneurs
KB Securities	12	6	Series A; Seed; Series B	Software; Data and Analytics; Health Care	KB Securities is a Financial Services company.
Hanwha Investment Corp	15	6	Series A; Funding Round; Series B	Hardware; Software; Data and Analytics	Hanwha Investment Trust Management is an asset manager applying advanced Hanwha Venture Capital was established in 2000 to nurture startup small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with promising business models and advanced technology but lack capital and management capabilities. The comprehensive support packages include capital, managementexpertise and technology that cover from establishment through initial public offering. In addition, the firm plays a leading role in the Korean venture capital industry. The company utilizes various domestic and overseas networks to secure advanced investment methods and gather information on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the future. Hanwha Venture Capital invests for future value and serves as a trustworthy partner for invested companies, creating venture investment funds that provide stable financing sources and making investment decisions after careful study. The firm also acts as a trusted asset manager for limited partners of the investment funds and helps to strengthen the competitive edge of domestic SMEs.
SGI Venture Capital	7	5	Series A; Seed; Funding Round	Software; Health Care; Science/Engineering	Founded in 2007, SGI (Samho Green Investment) is the first and only venture capital firm in Korea focused on the green growth sector, including renewable energy, green and agricultural technologies. We engage in venture capital and private equity investments for mergers & acquisitions and buyouts, and conduct business as well as engineeringconsulting for our portfolio and client companies.Our investment focus areas are green technology (greentech) commercialization, green infrastructure and agricultural technologies (agritech), as well as early-stage project development. We have an experienced team of in-house greentech specialists and an extensive domestic and international greentech network, which assists us in deal sourcing, value creation and exit management.
Hana Financial Investment	21	5	Series A; Seed; Series B	Software; Financial; IT	Hana Financial Investment Company Limited offers brokerage, securities dealing, underwriting, mutual funds, and online trading services
Seoul Business Agency(SBA)	6	5	Seed; Pre-Seed; Series A	Software; Data and Analytics; Financial	Seoul Business Agency (서울산업통상진흥원) is a Koran startup providing support services for small businesses to increase their efficiency and foster a stable business. The company provides support in the areas of technology, management, human resources, and more.
Pearl Abyss Capital	10	5	Series A; Seed; Series B	Software; IT; Hardware	Korea-based investment firm, Investment arm of Pearl Abyss
TheVentures	13	5	Seed; Series A; Pre-Seed	Software; Internet; Financial	TheVentures provides their portfolio companies access to on staff world class experts in recruiting, PR, marketing, early stage customer acquisition, raising money, and strategy. They even provide engineering and design support, co-building products with the founding team, while assiting in hiring those difficult to recruit early engineers.
Korea Technology Finance Corporation	5	5	Series A; Pre-Seed	Software; Health Care; Other	Korea Technology Finance Corporation is a South Korea-based fund for small and medium enterprises.
InterVest Co.	25	5	Series B; Series A; Series C	Software; Data and Analytics; Science/Engineering	Creating Innovative Values for Ventures. Knowledgeable & Experienced Professionals. Leading Venture Capital Investor in Korea
SK Planet	7	5	Series B	Apps; Mobile; Software	SK planet, a wholly owned subsidiary of SK telecom, was established in October 1, 2011 with an aspiration to become a global platform innovator.As the lynchpin of SK telecom's future growth, the company was spun off with the industry-leading platform businesses including T-Store, T-map, MelOn, and Cyworld, Korea's biggest mobile appstore, mobile navigation, online music service and SNS respectively. The company also pioneers in new media with hoppin, Korea's first multi-screen premium video service, and continues to build momentum in its online commerce leadership with 11th Street. SK planet aspires to develop a wide scope of global partnerships such as TMK, a media joint venture with Disney. Through collaborations with partners, SK planet is committed to building global platform business in Asia and other strategic markets.
Industrial Bank of Korea	11	5	Series A; Series B; Series E	Science/Engineering; Software; Data and Analytics	Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) is committed to honoring its charter of financing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Bank has extended the scope of its expertise to provide a comprehensive range of financial services to individual customers in a quest to emerge as a leading financial services group. In pursuit of that goal, IBK is makingevery effort to enhance its competitiveness, achieve balanced growth and strengthen its global presence.The Bank employs around 10,000 staff and operates a distribution network of 612 branches including 12 overseas branches. Providing complementary services, the Bank also operates several subsidiaries: IBK Capital Corporation, IBK-SG Asset Management, IBK System Co., Ltd., and IBK Credit Information Corporation. In 2008, IBK Investment & Securities was launched, focused on meeting the needs of SME customers for services such as IPOs and M&As. Moreover, strategic alliance with Korea Investment Holdings enhances product competitiveness and affiliation with the National Post Office promoting easy customer access to IBK banking services.
TS Investment	9	5	Series A	Other; Payments; Software	TS Investment is an Investment firm specializing in engineering, real estate, and food and beverage through various group companies. They identifying, analyzing, and developing real opportunities across multiple disciplines. The firm aims to become a top tier diversified holding company offering its subsidiaries the necessary financial,operational, and managerial support to ensure each transcends its customer’s expectations, meets its employees' contentment, and exceeds its responsibilities to its stakeholders.