This document summarizes Korean startup investment trends in 2017, including:
- A total of 425 investment deals worth $840.75 million occurred in 2017, up from 347 deals in 2016.
- June had the highest monthly investment amount at $109.52 million, driven by a $52.8 million deal for Yanolja.
- Major investments over $3 million were made in companies such as Viva Republica (Toss), Woowa Brothers, and MeshKorea.
- The second half of 2017 saw stronger investment activity than the first half, with 244 deals worth $418.55 million.
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2017 startup investment trends in korea platum
1. COPYRIGHT 2018 Platum Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2017
Startup Investment Trends
in Korea
Apr. 2018 Issued by Platum
2. Startup’s Story Platform, Platum
COPYRIGHT 2018 Platum Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This report summarizes the investment trends of 2017 by month, amount range, business type and years in business, together
with investor information and annual M&A trends based on 425 startup investment deals and 29 M&A deals made in 2017.
This report is based on official deals made last year and the data disclosed by VCs.
Unlisted investments are not included in this report’s scope.
Basic data used in the 2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
1. Investments and M&A deals in 2017: 454 cases (investment - 425, M&A - 29)
2. Startups with investments secured in 2017 (Investee Co.): 387 companies (fully disclosed - 224, partially disclosed - 18, non-disclosed - 145)
3. Companies participating in investments in 2017: 251 companies (based on businesses with their names disclosed)
* Definition of startup: "A company with a business model that is expected to grow rapidly based on new ideas or technologies. It may be a company that is listed on the stock market or
has not yet merged into a large company." (Part of this definition was borrowed from the definition of startup alliance.)
* For companies that received investments on 2 or more occasions during the given year, the amount of investments was calculated based on the total cumulative investment amount
(partial disclosure included).
* The investment scale graph was calculated solely based on the investments made into 242 startups which have either fully or partially disclosed their amounts.
* The age (history) of a business was determined as of December 2017.
* For joint investments, only the number of investments cases and the total amount of investments were taken into consideration since the amounts of individual investments are generally
not disclosed by co-investors.
Platum always supports the growth and advancement of all entrepreneurs and enterprisers.
3. CONTENTS PART 1 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
PART 2 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
PART 3 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Years in Business
PART 4 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
PART 5 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
PART 6 2017 Startup M&As
PART 7 2014-2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
PART 8 2017 Crowdfunding
3
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
4. 4
PART 1
2017 Startup Investment
- Monthly Trends
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
5. 5
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
0
30
60
90
120
0
10
20
30
40
50
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Number of Deals Investment Amount ($M)
61.71
77.59
104.7
26.86
74.42
105.49
109.52
65.97
36.28
94.29
50.14
33.77
48
46
33
29
49
39
34
31
33
25
33
25
33.77
50.14
94.29
36.28
65.97
109.52
105.49
74.42
26.86
104.7
77.59
61.71
2017 Monthly Startup Investment Amount and Figures
Month
Investment
Amount
($M)
Number of Deals
Total Amount Disclosed Amount Undisclosed
Jan. 33.77 25 15 10
Feb. 50.14 33 21 12
Mar. 94.29 25 18 7
Apr. 36.28 33 18 15
May. 65.97 31 22 9
Jun. 109.52 34 17 17
Jul. 105.49 39 28 11
Aug. 74.42 49 32 17
Sep. 26.86 29 16 13
Oct. 104.7 33 19 14
Nov. 77.59 46 23 23
Dec. 61.71 48 28 20
Total 840.75 425 257 168
1-1. 2017 Monthly Startup Investment Trends
• Total number of investments for Korean startups in 2017: 425
• 2017 total investments: $840.75M
• The number of investments made each month: Highest (49) in August; Lowest (25) in March
• Highest investment: June ($109.52M)
• Monthly average of 35 investments
2017 Monthly Startup Investment Overview
6. Second Half: $418.55M
Disclosed Investments: 146 deals
6
1-2. 2017 Startup Investment Trends (First/Second Half)
First Half: 181 cases
Amount Disclosed: 111 deals
Non-disclosed: 70 deals
Second Half: 244 deals
Amount Disclosed: 146 deals
Non-disclosed: 98 deals
First Half: $422.21M
Disclosed Investments: 111 deals
Number of Investment Deals (First/Second Half)
(Total Number of Deals: 425)
Investment Amount (First/Second Half)
(Total Amount: $840.75M)
• 57% of the total number of investments and 54% of the total investment amount were attracted during the second half of the year.
• When comparing the number of first/second half investments, 244 out of 425 deals (57%) were made in the second half.
• Of the $840.75M total, $418.55M (54%) was invested in the second half.
• Month with the highest average investment amount: March ($3.77M) / Month with the lowest average investment amount: September ($0.92M)
Dec.
11%
Nov.
11%
Oct.
8%
Sep.
7%
Aug.
12% Jul.
9%
Jun.
8%
May.
7%
Apr.
8%
Mar.
6%
Feb.
8%
Jan.
6%
57%
43%
Dec.
7%
Nov.
9%
Oct.
12%
Sep.
3%
Aug.
9%
Jul.
13%
Jun.
13%
May.
8%
Apr.
4%
Mar.
11%
Feb.
6%
Jan.
4%
54%
46%
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
7. 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
48
46
33
29
49
39
34
31
33
25
33
25
52
28
21
30
2728
24
27
33
20
17
40
2016 2017
7
0
40
80
120
160
200
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
33.77
50.14
94.29
36.28
65.97
109.52 105.49
74.42
26.86
104.7
77.59
61.71
74.6
44.6
19.5
128.8
29.7
77.3
60.2
110.7
48.2
41
49.2
186.9
2016 ($M) 2017 ($M)
Viva Republica(Toss)
$48.4M
Yanolja
$52.8M
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Monthly Deals 2016 - 2017 Comparison of Monthly Startup Investments
• There were 425 investments reported in 2017, a 22.5% increase compared to the previous year's figure of 347.
• The total amount of investments in 2017 was $840.75M, which is 3.4% lower than $870.7M in 2016.
• The month of August recorded the highest increase in the number of investment cases compared to the same month of the previous year whereas the months of April and June,
which marked the highest investment amounts in the previous year, displayed the biggest drop from the previous year.
• Highest investment: Jun. 2017, Yanolja $52.8M ($12.9M in April, 2016)
Woowa Brothers
$50M
Memebox
$60M
Memebox $66M
Woowa Brothers
$30.8M
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
1-3. Comparisons of 2016 - 2017 Monthly Startup Investment Trends
8. Jan. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Bbros(Ddocdoc) 7.92 Hanwha Investment
2 EOFlow 4.84 LB Investment, KDB Bank, Ideabridge Partners
3 LUXI 4.4 SEMA Translink Investment, Mega Investment, Capstone Partners
4 Komatrade 4 (China) Yunmai
5 Fount 3.34 Korea Investment Partners, KT Investment, Smilegate Investment
Feb. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Baglecode 12.58
IMM Investment, Atinum Investment, LB Investment,
Smilegate Investment
2 Neptune 8.8 K Cube Ventures
3 Global Networks(Meatbox) 7.04
SoftBank Ventures Korea, (U.S) Altos Ventures, Stonebridge Capital,
Devsisters Ventures
4 Balancehero(True Balance) 4.4 KDB Bank, Intervest, Capstone Partners
5 Ylab 3.52 Capstone Partners, Kiwoom Securities, 4:33, TGCK Partners
Mar. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Viva Republica(Toss) 48.4
(U.S) PayPal, (U.S) Bessemer Venture Partners, (U.S) Goodwater
Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures, (France) Partech Ventures etc.
2 ABL Bio 17.6
DSC Investment, Korea Investment Partners, Korea Investment &
Securities, NS Investment
3 Funple Works 8.8 Capstone Partners, Company K Partners
Mar. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
4 Digital First 8.8 IGAWorks
5 Fincon 3.52 K Cube Ventures
Apr. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 FastFive 10.56 TS Investment, Quantum Equity Partners Korea, ID Ventures
2 Precision Biosensor 7.04
DSC Investment, I Sens, Korea Investment Partners, Atinum
Investment
3 Blocko(Coinstack) 4.4 Intervest, Daesung Venture Capital etc.
4 Link Shops 3.52 (U.S) Altos Ventures, Forest Partners
May. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Lendit 8.8 YellowDog, (U.S) Altos Ventures, (U.S) Collaborative Fund
2 One Life One
Technology(Wahome) 7.39
SBI Investment Korea, Samsung Venture Investment, DS Asset,
Ubase
3 DUnit(Seoul Store) 7.04
Samsung C&T, Posco Venture Partners, Smilegate, Timewise
Investment, IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), Songhyun Investment
4 Croquis(Zigzag) 6.16 Stonebridge Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures etc.
5 Teamblind(Blind) 6
Mirae Asset Capital, ID Ventures, (U.S) DCM Ventures, AJU IB
Investment
6 Marketit 4.58 SoftBank Ventures Korea etc.
7 Innogrid 4.4 KB Investment, Neo Plux
8
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
1-4. Startups that Received Major Investments in 2017 - Exceeding $3M (1)
9. May. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
8 Anesto 3.52
DSC Investment, KDB Bank, Korea Technology Finance Corporation,
DAYLI Venture Capital
Jun. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Yanolja 52.8 SkyLake Investment
2 Treasure Hunter 13.2 (Malaysia) Linktu infotainment Sdn Bhd
3 Wanted Lab(Wanted) 8.8
Stonebridge Capital, KTB Network, Kolon Investment, SL
Investment, KDB Bank, IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), Korea
Investment & Securities, TRUBEN Investment, (Japan) Aucfan,
(Japan) Vector, (Japan) Risk Monster
4 Orum Therapeutics 7.92 Intervest, KB Investment, Solidus Investment, LB Investment
5 Neuromeka 5.28
DSC Investment, Wonik Investment Partners, KTB Network, KDB
Bank
6 Qualson 5.1
SoftBank Ventures Korea, Capstone Partners, DSC Investment, IMM
Investment, POSCO
7 People Fund
Company(People Fund) 3.87 (U.S) 500 Startups, Fintech Fund, Wooshin Venture Investment etc.
Jul. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 MeshKorea 21.12 Naver
2 Bespin Global 14.96
(China) Legend Capital, Premier Partners, (U.S) Altos Ventures,
Hyosung ITX
3 FoodTech 14.7 Woowa Brothers(Baemin), Naver
4 Blank TV 8.8 SoftBank Ventures Korea
Jul. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
5 Plasmapp 7.04
Samsung Venture Investment, LB Investment, K Net Venture Capital,
Stonebridge Capital, Songhyun Investment
6 SuaLab 7.04
KT Investment, Samsung Venture Investment, Stonebridge Capital,
Intervest
7 Brandi 5.63 SEMA Translink Investment, DSC Investment, (U.S) Big Basin Capital
8 Cyworld 4.4 Samsung Venture Investment
9 (U.S) PHANTOM AI 3 DSC Investment, Overseas venture capitals
Aug. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Rainbow(Hubo) 8.8 Korea Investment Partners, KTB Network, SBI Investment
2 ParkingCloud(I Parking) 7.92 HB Investment
3 Cracle Factory
(WomensTalk) 6.64
Seoul Investment Partners, KB Investment, Daesung Venture Capital,
Korea Investment Partners, The Wells Investment, UTC Investment
4 OTD Corporation 6.16 UTC Investment, DS Asset
5 Jubilee Works
(Jubilee TimeTree) 4.66
Cognitive Investment, K Cube Ventures, (Japan) Seibu Shinkin
Capital, (Japan) Toei Animation
6 Zipdoc 4.4
(U.S) Altos Ventures, Kakao Investment, Capstone Partners,
KDB Bank
7 Ice&V(Moolban) 4.4 Korea Investment Partners, Huayi brothers Entertainment etc.
8 Rokit 4.4 Undisclosure
9 Green Resource 4.4 DSC Investment, AJU IB Investment
10 Wisebirds 3.52 Futurestream Networks
9
1-4. Startups that Received Major Investments in 2017 - Exceeding $3M (2)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
10. Sep. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Wadiz 9.68
Smilegate Investment, Korea Investment Partners, STIC Investment,
L&S Venture Capital, Shinhan Bank
2 Tapas Media 4.92
SBI Investment Korea, E&Investment, ID Ventures, Medici
Investment
Oct. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Woowa Brothers(Baemin) 30.8 Naver
2 Poolus 19.36 Mirae Asset Capital, YellowDog, SK, (U.S) Collaborative Fund
3 Drama&campany
(Remember) 8.8 Naver, LINE Plus
4 Manna CEA 7.04 DSC Investment
5 OGQ 6.6 Naver
6 My Real Trip 6.16
Smilegate Investment, (U.S) Altos Ventures, IMM Investment,
Mirae Asset Capital, IBK Capital
7 ZOYI 3.96 (Japan) Global Brain, (Japan) Colopla Next etc.
8 Korea Credit Data
(Cashnote) 3.52 Kakao
9 Bob Games 3.52 Neptune, K Cube Ventures, KClavis
10 Gushcloud International 3 YG Investment, Overseas investors
Nov. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Monolith 13.38
DSC Investment, SJ Investment Partners, Bokwang Venture Capital,
ES Investor, UTC Investment, Individual Investors
Nov. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
2 My Music Taste 11
KTB Network, Stonebridge Capital, YellowDog, SoftBank Ventures Korea,
Samsung Venture Investment, (U.S) Formation 8, Bokwang Venture
Capital, (U.S) Golden Gate Ventures
3 Care Labs 8.8 Green Cross WellBeing, Green Cross
4 Althea 7.04
KDB Bank, (Malaysia) FirstFloor Capital, (India) InnoVen Capital,
BA Partners, (U.S) Tekton Ventures
5 HNC Games 5.28 K Cube Ventures, Aju Secondary Plus Investment Associations, etc.
6 Y Brain 5.28
AJU IB Investment, Daekyo Investment, Mirae Asset Venture
Investment, Stonebridge Capital, KDB Capital
7 Siksin 3.52 HB Investment
8 Aron Flying Ship 3.34 L&S Venture Capital etc.
Dec. Investee Amount ($M) Investor
1 Yanolja 17.6 AJU IB Investment
2 SendBird 16
(U.S) Shasta Ventures, (U.S) August Capital, Twitch TV Co-founder
Justin Kan
3 Trustus(Poing) 3.08 KDB Bank, (Japan) Global Brain
10
1-4. Startups that Received Major Investments in 2017 - Exceeding $3M (3)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
11. 11
Investee Investment Amount (Month/$M) Investor Accumulated Amount ($M)
1 Yanolja
Jun. 52.8 SkyLake Investment
70.4
Dec. 17.6 AJU IB Investment
2 Treasure Hunter
Jun. 13.2 (Malaysia) Linktu infotainment Sdn Bhd
14.2Sep. 1 (H.K) Redfly Communications
Nov. Undisclosed (H.K) CEC Fund
3 OGQ
Oct. 6.6 Naver
8.8
Nov. 2.2 Central Investment Partners etc.
4 Zipdoc
Mar. 0.97 Seoul Investment Partners, Capstone Partners
5.37
Aug. 4.4 (U.S) Altos Ventures, Kakao Investment, Capstone Partners, KDB Bank
5 Waug Travel(Waug)
May 1.76 LB Investment
4.14
Aug. 2.38 Global Taxfree
6 Korea Credit Data(Cashnote)
Aug. 0.24 KG Inicis
3.76Oct. 3.52 Kakao
Nov. Undisclosed KT
7 Sugarhill(Nemo)
Jul. 1.06 Geon Investment
3.7
Nov. 2.64 K Cube Ventures, Geon Investment, KEB Hana Bank
8 (U.S) PHANTOM AI
Feb. 0.62 Korea Investment Partners, local venture capitals in Silicon Valley, Angel Investor
3.62
Jul. 3 DSC Investment, Overseas Venture Capitals
9 Wonders
May 1.14 K Cube Ventures, Donghoon Investment, Union Investment Partners
2.2Aug. 1.06 K Cube Ventures, Donghoon Investment, Union Investment Partners
Nov. Undisclosed Donghoon Investment
10 Umain
Sep. Undisclosed SBA(Seoul Business Agency)
1.85
Dec. 1.85 K Partners, Korea Technology Finance Corporation
1-5. Startups that Received More than 2 Investments in 2017 (1)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
12. 12
Investee Investment Amount (Month/$M) Investor Accumulated Amount ($M)
11 Urbanbase
Jul. 1.85 CKD Venture Capital, Magellan Technology Investment, Capstone Partners
1.85
Dec. Undisclosed SL Investment, Shinhan Capital, KDB Capital
12 Chian Partners
Nov. 1.76 Capstone Partners, DS Asset, DSC Investment
1.76
Nov. Undisclosed (China) InBlockchain
13 Money Brain
Jul. 1.32 L&S Venture Capital
1.76
Aug. 0.44 Donghoon Investment
14 Mata Company(Matazoo)
Jul. 1.41 Undisclosure
1.41
Dec. Undisclosed Korea Pallet Pool
15 Tndn.
Aug. 0.88 Capstone Partners, Startup X
1.32
Dec. 0.44 Evergreen Investment Partners
16 The Wave Talk
Jul. Undisclosed Naver D2 Startup Factory
1.06
Aug. 1.06 Blue Point Partners, Naver, Estech Pharma
17 4D Replay(Esmlab)
Aug. Undisclosed (Japan) Global Brain
1
Nov. 1 KT
18 Trillionaire(Huiseoul)
Apr. 0.97 (Malaysia) Best Team Group, (Singapore) Griffes Capital Partners
0.97
Sep. Undisclosed (U.S) Asset management ventures
19 Goodeats
Feb. 0.26 Carrie Soft
0.7
Feb. 0.44 DSC Investment
20 42Maru
Sep. Undisclosed Spring Camp
0.62
Dec. 0.62 DAYLI Venture Capital
21 Nexel
Mar. 0.26 Coolidge Corner Investment
0.59
Oct. 0.33 Cosine Investment, Coolidge Corner Investment
22 Polariant
Jan. 0.44 Individual Investor , (H.K) NP Equity Partners, Naver, Blue Point Partners
0.44
Jul. Undisclosed Vintage Lab
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 1. 2017 Startup Investment - Monthly Trends
1-5. Startups that Received More than 2 Investments in 2017 (2)
14. 14
PART 2
2016 Startup Investment
- Status by Amount Range
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
15. 15
2-1. 2017 Startup Investment (By Amount Range)
0
100
200
300
400
500
0
30
60
90
120
150
Undisclosure 0~0.99 1~9.99 10~19.99 20~29.99 30~39.99 40~49.99 50~
Investee Investment by Amount Range ($M)
70.4
48.4
30.821.12
144.34
480.49
45.2
111110
127
101
145
45.2
480.49
144.34
21.12 30.8
48.4
70.4
0
100
200
300
400
500
0
20
40
60
80
0~0.49 0.5~0.99 1~2.99 3~4.99 5~6.99 7~8.99 9~9.99
Investee Investment by Amount Range ($M)
9.68
168.43
63.07
118.65120.67
28.92
16.28
1
21
11
30
64
38
63
16.28
28.92
120.67 118.65
63.07
168.43
9.68
Distribution of Investment Volume by Amount Range in 2017
Volume by Number of Investees / Amount Range
Distribution of Investment Volume by Amount Range in 2017
Sub-distribution of Investment Less than $10M
• Total number of startups (Investees) that secured investment during 2017: 387 (fully disclosed: 224, partially disclosed: 18, non-disclosed: 145)
• The amount range with the highest deal count: $1M - $9.99M (127); 0 - $0.99M (101)
* For companies that received investments on 2 or more occasions during the given year, the amount of investments was calculated based on the total cumulative investment amount (partial disclosure included).
* The graph was made solely based on the investments made into 242 startups which have either fully or partially disclosed their amounts.
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
16. 16
Comparison of Number of Investees by Amount Range
(Total Number of Investees: 387)
Comparison of Investment Volume by Amount Range
(Total Investment Amount: $840.75M)
• The amount range with the highest deal count was between $0 and $9.9M, which accounted for 59% of all investees (228 deals).
• The investment between $1M and $9.9M accounted for 57% of the total amount.
• In 2017, two companies attracted investments worth more than $40M.
Yanolja (Total of $70.4M on 2 separate occasions: $52.8M and $17.6M), Viva Republica ($48.4M)
8%
6%
4%
3%
17%
57%
5%
0~0.99
1~9.99
10~19.99
20~29.99
30~39.99
40~49.99
50~
37%
3%
33%
26%
0~0.99
1~9.99
10~19.99
20~29.99
30~39.99
40~49.99
50~
Undisclosure
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
2-1. 2017 Startup Investment (By Amount Range)
17. 0
100
200
300
400
500
0~0.99 1~9.99 10~19.99 20~29.99 30~39.99 40~49.99 50~
70.4
48.4
30.821.12
144.34
480.49
45.2
176
43
30
44.3
118.4
404.4
54.6
2016 ($M) 2017 ($M)
0
30
60
90
120
150
Undisclosure 0~0.99 1~9.99 10~19.99 20~29.99 30~39.99 40~49.99 50~
1111
10
127
101
145
3112
9
136
111
76
2016 2017
17
2-2. 2016 - 2017 Startup Investments (By Amount Range)
• In 2017, the number of investees between $0 and $9.99M decreased from the previous year.
• Compared to the previous year, the investment amount increased between $1M and $19.99M and decreased between $20M and $29.99M.
The amount has also decreased for the range that exceeds $50M.
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Investment Volume by Amount Range
($870.7M in 2016 / $840.75M in 2017)
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Number of Investees by Amount Range
(313 in 2016 / 387 in 2017)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
18. 18
Investee Introduction
Years in
Business
Sector Specific Business Type
Investment
Amount ($M)
Investor
1 Yanolja Accommodation O2O
More than
7 years
ICT Service Travel/Accommodation 70.4 AJU IB Investment / SkyLake Investment
2 Viva Republica(Toss) Easy Remittance
Less than
5 years
ICT Service Finance/Insurance 48.4
(U.S) PayPal, (U.S) Bessemer Venture Partners, (U.S) Goodwater Capital, (U.S) Altos
Ventures, (France) Partech Ventures etc.
3 Woowa Brothers(Baemin) Food Tech
Less than
7 years
ICT Service Food 30.8 Naver
4 MeshKorea IT Distribution
Less than
5 years
Distribution/Service Distribution/Logistics 21.12 Naver
5 Poolus Mobile Carpool Service
Less than
2 years
ICT Service Transportation/Vehicles 19.36 Mirae Asset Capital, YellowDog, SK, (U.S) Collaborative Fund
6 ABL Bio
Anitibody and Immunosuppressive
Therapy Development
Less than
2 years
Bio/Healthcare Medical/Rehab 17.6 DSC Investment, Korea Investment Partners, Korea Investment & Securities, NS Investment
7 SendBird
Mobile Chat API
Development
Less than
6 years
ICT Service SWTech Solution 16 (U.S) Shasta Ventures, (U.S) August Capital, Twitch TV Co-founder Justin Kan
8 Bespin Global Cloud IT Solution
Less than
3 years
ICT Service
Data and Information
Management Solution
14.96 (China) Legend Capital, Premier Partners, (U.S) Altos Ventures, Hyosung ITX
9 FoodTech
POS Management Solution
Development
More than
7 years
ICT Service Business Solution 14.7 Woowa Brothers(Baemin), Naver
10 Treasure Hunter MCN
Less than
3 years
Cultural Content Video/Broadcast/MCN 14.2 (H.K) Redfly Communications / (Malaysia) Linktu infotainment Sdn Bhd / (H.K) CEC Fund
11 Monolith
ICT Non-power Kart
Themepark
Less than
1 year
ICT Manufacturing Others 13.38
DSC Investment, SJ Investment Partners, Bokwang Venture Capital, ES Investor, UTC
Investment, Individual Investors
12 Baglecode Mobile Game Development
Less than
6 years
Game Online/Mobile Games 12.58 IMM Investment, Atinum Investment, LB Investment, Smilegate Investment
13 My Music Taste KPOP Platform
Less than
7 years
Cultural Content
Performance/Music/
Exhibition
11
KTB Network, Stonebridge Capital, YellowDog, SoftBank Ventures Korea, Samsung Venture
Investment, (U.S) Formation 8, Bokwang Venture Capital, (U.S) Golden Gate Ventures
14 FastFive Shared Office
Less than
3 years
Others Real Estate 10.56 TS Investment, Quantum Equity Partners Korea, ID Ventures
15 Wadiz Crowdfuding
Less than
6 years
ICT Service Crowdfunding 9.68
Smilegate Investment, Korea Investment Partners, STIC Investment, L&S Venture Capital,
Shinhan Bank
16 OGQ Social Creator Market Platform
Less than
7 years
Cultural Content Content/Media 8.8 Central Investment Partners etc. / Naver
2-3. Highest Funded Startups in 2017 - Over $5M (1)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
19. 19
Investee Introduction
Years in
Business
Sector Specific Business Type
Investment
Amount ($M)
Investor
17 Funple Works Game O2O Platform
Less than
6 years
Game Related Service 8.8 Capstone Partners, Company K Partners
18 Care Labs Healthcare Platform
Less than
6 years
Bio/Healthcare Healthcare 8.8 Green Cross WellBeing, Green Cross
19 Wanted Lab(Wanted) Recruitment Recommendation Service
Less than
3 years
ICT Service Business Solution 8.8
Stonebridge Capital, KTB Network, Kolon Investment, SL Investment, KDB Bank,
IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), Korea Investment & Securities, TRUBEN Investment,
(Japan) Aucfan, (Japan) Vector, (Japan) Risk Monster
20 Blank TV Video Commerce
Less than
2 years
Distribution/Service Commerce 8.8 SoftBank Ventures Korea
21 Drama&campany(Remember) Business Card Management Service
Less than
6 years
ICT Service Business Solution 8.8 Naver
22 Lendit P2P Finance
Less than
3 years
ICT Service Crowdfunding 8.8 YellowDog, (U.S) Altos Ventures, (U.S) Collaborative Fund
23 Rainbow(Hubo)
Humanoid Robot Research
Development
Less than
7 years
ICT Service Smart Device 8.8 Korea Investment Partners, KTB Network, SBI Investment Korea
24 Digital First Global Adtech Media Lab
Less than
1 year
ICT Service
Advertising/Sales/
Marketing
8.8 IGAWorks
25 Neptune
Mobile and Online Game
Development
Less than
3 years
Game Online/Mobile Games 8.8 K Cube Ventures
26 ParkingCloud(I Parking) Smart Parking Solution
More than
7 years
ICT Service Transportation/Vehicles 7.92 HB Investment
27 Orum Therapeutics
Antibody Platform Technology Cancer
Therapy Development
Less than
2 years
Bio/Healthcare Medical/Rehab 7.92 Intervest, KB Investment, Solidus Investment, LB Investment
28 Bbros(Ddocdoc)
National Hospital Locating O2O
Application
Less than
5 years
Bio/Healthcare Healthcare 7.92 Hanwha Investment
29
One Life One
Technology(Wahome)
O2O Cleaning Service
Less than
3 years
ICT Service Lifestyle Service 7.39 SBI Investment Korea, Samsung Venture Investment, DS Asset, Ubase
30 Plasmapp
Healthcare Device Sterilizer Packaging
Solution
Less than
3 years
Bio/Healthcare Medical/Rehab 7.04
Samsung Venture Investment, LB Investment, K Net Venture Capital, Stonebridge Capital,
Songhyun Investment
31 Precision Biosensor
On-site diagnostic equipment and
diagnostic reagent
More than
7 years
Bio/Healthcare Medical/Rehab 7.04 DSC Investment, I Sens, Korea Investment Partners, Atinum Investment
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
2-3. Highest Funded Startups in 2017 - Over $5M (2)
20. 20
Investee Introduction
Years in
Business
Sector Specific Business Type
Investment
Amount ($M)
Investor
32 Althea Global Digital Beauty Platform
Less than
3 years
Distribution/Service Commerce 7.04
KDB Bank, (Malaysia) FirstFloor Capital, (India) InnoVen Capital, BA Partners, (U.S) Tekton
Ventures
33 SuaLab Smart Factory Solution
Less than
5 years
ICT Manufacturing
Production Facility
Management
7.04 KT Investment, Samsung Venture Investment, Stonebridge Capital, Intervest
34 Manna CEA Smart Farm
Less than
5 years
Bio/Healthcare Bio Agriculture 7.04 DSC Investment
35 DUnit(Seoul Store) Influencer E-commerce Platform
Less than
4 years
Distribution/Service Commerce 7.04
Samsung C&T, Posco Venture Partners, Smilegate, Timewise Investment, IBK(Industrial
Bank of Korea), Songhyun Investment
36 Global Networks(Meatbox) Livestock Distribution Solution
Less than
4 years
Distribution/Service
Distribution/
Logistics
7.04 SoftBank Ventures Korea, (U.S) Altos Ventures, Stonebridge Capital, Devsisters Ventures
37 Cracle Factory(WomensTalk) Mobile Video Commerce
More than
7 years
Distribution/Service Commerce 6.64
Seoul Investment Partners, KB Investment, Daesung Venture Capital, Korea Investment
Partners, The Wells Investment, UTC Investment
38 Croquis(Zigzag)
Women’s Shopping mall Collection
Service
Less than
6 years
ICT Service Fashion/Beauty 6.16 Stonebridge Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures etc.
39 OTD Corporation Food and Restaurant Platform
Less than
4 years
Distribution/Service F&B 6.16 UTC Investment, DS Asset
40 My Real Trip Free Travelling Platform
Less than
6 years
ICT Service
Travel/
Accommodation
6.16
Smilegate Investment, (U.S) Altos Ventures, IMM Investment, Mirae Asset Capital, IBK
Capital
41 Teamblind(Blind)
Anonymous Mobile Community by
Company
Less than
5 years
ICT Service Community 6 Mirae Asset Capital, ID Ventures, (U.S) DCM Ventures, AJU IB Investment
42 Brandi Influencer Shopping
Less than
4 years
Distribution/Service Commerce 5.63 SEMA Translink Investment, DSC Investment, (U.S) Big Basin Capital
43 Zipdoc
Interior Comparing Brokerage
Platform
Less than
3 years
ICT Service Lifestyle Service 5.37
Seoul Investment Partners, Capstone Partners / (U.S) Altos Ventures, Kakao Investment,
Capstone Partners, KDB Bank
44 HNC Games Mobile Game Development
Less than
5 years
Game Online/Mobile Games 5.28 K Cube Ventures, Aju Secondary Plus Investment Associations, etc.
45 Y Brain
Wearable Healthcare Devices and
Data Analysis
Less than
5 years
Bio/Healthcare Medical/Rehab 5.28
AJU IB Investment, Daekyo Investment, Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Stonebridge
Capital, KDB Capital
46 Neuromeka
Comprehensive solution for
cooperative robot
Less than
5 years
ICT Manufacturing Smart Device 5.28 DSC Investment, Wonik Investment Partners, KTB Network, KDB Bank
47 Qualson English Study Service
Less than
6 years
ICT Service Education 5.1 SoftBank Ventures Korea, Capstone Partners, DSC Investment, IMM Investment, Posco
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 2. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Amount Range
2-3. Highest Funded Startups in 2017 - Over $5M (3)
21. 21
PART 3
2017 Startup Investment
- Status by Years in Business
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
22. ––––––
22
3-1. 2017 Startup Investment by Years in Business
Distribution of Startup Investment by Years in Business in 2017
Number of Investees / Investment Amount by Years in Business
Years in
Business
Investment
Amount ($M)
Number of Company
Top Deal
Total Amount
Disclosed
Amount
Undisclosed
Partially
Disclosed
Less than
1 year 37.88 47 23 23 1 - Monolith ($13.38M)
Less than
2 years
95.85 84 42 37 5 - Poolus ($19.36M)
Less than
3 years
158.93 99 54 40 5 - Bespin Global ($14.96M)
Less than
4 years
73.81 50 28 17 5 - DUnit(Seoul Store) ($7.04M)
Less than
5 years
145.3 37 24 13 - - Viva Republica(Toss) ($48.4M)
Less than
6 years 117.82 36 25 9 2 - SendBird ($16M)
Less than
7 years 79.47 18 13 5 - - Woowa Brothers ($30.8M)
More than
7 years 131.69 16 15 1 - Yanolja ($70.4M)
Total 840.75 387 224 145 18
• Years of businesses with the highest deal count: 2 - 3 years (99 companies)
• Years of businesses with the lowest deal count: 7 years or longer (16 companies)
• Years of businesses with the highest investment amount: 2 - 3 years ($158.93M) / 4 - 5 years ($145.3M)
• Years of businesses with the highest investment amount per investee: 4 - 5 years (24 companies with the amount disclosed / $145.3M, average of $6.1M)
Investment Amount and Number of Investees
by Years in Business in 2017
0
50
100
150
200
0
20
40
60
80
100
~1year ~2years ~3years ~4years ~5years ~6years ~7years 7years~
Investee Amount by years in Business ($M)
131.69
79.47
117.82
145.3
73.81
158.93
95.85
37.88
1618
3637
50
99
84
47
37.88
95.85
158.93
73.81
145.3
117.82
79.47
131.69
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 3. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Years in Business
23. 23
4%5%
9%
10%
13%
26%
22%
12%
Less than 1 year
Less than 2 years
Less than 3 years
Less than 4 years
Less than 5 years
Less than 6 years
Less than 7 years
More than 7 years
16%
9%
14%
17%
9%
19%
11%
5%
Less than 1 year
Less than 2 years
Less than 3 years
Less than 4 years
Less than 5 years
Less than 6 years
Less than 7 years
More than 7 years
Comparison of Number of Investees by Years in Business
(Total Number of Investees: 387)
Comparison of Investment Amount by Years in Business
(Total Investment Amount: $840.75M)
• Investments are most frequently made into startups whose years in business are between [2 years or longer and less than 3 years] based on the number of investees and
total investment amount.
• Startups whose years in businesses are between [2 years or longer and less than 3 years] and [4 years or longer and less than 5 years] account for the highest investment amount secured
based on the amount of investment secured.
• Startups whose years in business are between [0 and less than 3 years] account for 60% of total investees, which shows that investments are heavily focused on early-stage startups.
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 3. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Years in Business
3-1. 2017 Startup Investment by Years in Business
24. 0
60
120
180
240
300
~1year ~2years ~3years ~4years ~5years ~6years ~7years 7years~
48.1
12
115.4
283.7
95.5
185.9
111.3
18.8
2016 ($M) 2017 ($M)
0
20
40
60
80
100
~1year ~2years ~3years ~4years ~5years ~6years ~7years 7years~
1618
3637
50
99
84
47
11
8
22
30
38
80
90
34
2016 2017
24
• The number of startups attracting investment with [less than 1 year] in business increased by 38% from the previous year, and their investment amount was also increased by 99%.
• The number of startups attracting investment with [2 years or longer but less than 3 years] in business recorded the largest increase of 19, from 80 to 99.
• The investment amount secured by startups with [6 years or longer] in business showed significant increase whereas the amount secured by startups with
[2 years or longer but less than 5 years] in business displayed an overall decrease from the previous year.
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Number of Investees by Years in Business
(313 in 2016 / 387 in 2017)
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Investment Amount by Years in Business
($870.7M in 2016 / $840.75M in 2017)
37.88
95.85
145.3
117.82
131.69
79.47
158.93
73.81
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 3. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Years in Business
3-2. 2016 - 2017 Startup Investments by Years in Business
25. 25
PART 4
2016 Startup Investment
- Status by Industry Sector
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
26. 26
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 4. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
0
100
200
300
400
500
0
50
100
150
200
250
ICT
Service
Bio/
Healthcare
Distribution/
Service
ICT
Manufacturing
Cultural
Content
Game General
Manufacturing
Others
Investee Amount by Industry Sector ($M)
11.5313.61
52.0152.3360.35
91.4195.41
464.1464.1
95.41 91.41
60.35 52.33 52.01
13.61 11.53
• Sector with the highest deal count: ICT Service (201)
• Sector with the highest investment amount: ICT Service ($464.1M)
• Business type of the investee with the highest amount secured: ICT Service (Yanolja, $70.4M)
4-1. 2017 Startup Investment by Industry Sector
Investment Amount and Number of Investees
by Industry Sector in 2017
201
45 43 32 23 22 18 3
Sector
Investment
Amount ($M)
Number of Companies
Top Deal
Total Amount
Disclosed
Amount
Undisclosed
Partially
Disclosed
ICT Service 464.1 201 119 72 10 - Yanolja ($70.4M)
Bio/Healthcare 95.41 45 28 16 1 -ABL Bio ($17.6M)
Distribution/
Service 91.41 43 26 15 2 - MeshKorea ($21.12M)
ICT
Manufacturing 60.35 32 14 16 2 - Monolith ($13.38M)
Cultural
Content
52.33 23 11 9 3 - Treasure Hunter ($14.2M)
Game 52.01 22 13 9 - - Baglecode ($12.58M)
General
Manufacturing 13.61 18 10 8 - - Anesto ($3.52M)
Others 11.53 3 3 - - - FastFive ($10.56M)
Total 840.75 387 224 145 18
Distribution of Startup Investment by Industry Sector in 2017
Number of Investees / Investment Amount by Industry Sector
27. 1%
5%
6%
6%
8%
11%
12%
52%
ICT Service
Bio/Healthcare
Distribution/Service
ICT Manufacturing
Cultural Content
Game
General Manufacturing
Others
1%
2%
6%
6%
7%
11%
11%
55%
ICT Service
Bio/Healthcare
Distribution/Service
ICT Manufacturing
Cultural Content
Game
General Manufacturing
Others
27
• The industry sector with the highest deal count in 2017 was [ICT Service] (52%, 201 investees), where Yanolja is included ($70.4M).
• [ICT Service] has also attracted the highest investment amount ($464.1M, 55%).
• Regarding the total number of investees, [Bio/Healthcare] (12%, 45 investees) and [Distribution/Service] (11%, 43 investees) followed [ICT Service].
• Regarding the total investment amount, [Bio/Healthcare] (11%, $95.41M) and [Distribution/Service] (11%, $91.41M) also followed [ICT Service].
• More than half of all investments were made into [ICT Service].
Comparison of Number of Investees by Industry Sector
(Total Number of Investees: 387)
Comparison of Investment Amount by Industry Sector
(Total Investment Amount: $840.75M)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 4. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
4-1. 2017 Startup Investment by Industry Sector
28. 1%
5%
5%
45%
1%1%1% 2% 2% 2%
3%
3%
3%
4%
4%
4%
5%
9%
10%
28
Distribution/Service
$91.41M / 11%
Game
$52.01M / 6%
General
Manufacturing
$13.61M / 2%
Others
$11.53M / 1%
ICT
Manufacturing
$60.35M / 7%
Cultural
Content
$52.33M / 6%
Commerce
$45.32M / 5%
Distribution/Logistics
$39.46M / 5%
F&B
$6.16M / 1%
Specialized Service
$0.47M / -
45%
55%ICT Service
$464.1M / 55%
Travel/Accommodation $87.36M / 10%
Finance/Insurance $73.19M / 9%
SW Tech Solution $41.03M / 5%
Food $37.66M / 4%
Business Solution $37.56M / 4%
Transportation/Vehicles $33M / 4%
Advertising/Sales/Marketing $28.74M / 3%
Lifestyle Service $25.43M / 3%
Crowdfunding $24.13M / 3%
Data&Information Management Solutions $19.98M / 2%
Fashion/Beauty $14.78M / 2%
Education $14.12M / 2%
Community $12.42M / 1%
Real Estate $7.57M / 1%
Program/Application $5.63M / -
Other Specialized Service $1.5M / -
Telecommunication Undisclosure / -
• [Travel/Accommodation] where Yanolja is included attracted the largest investment amount, followed by [Finance/Insurance] and [SW Technical Solution].
• FinTech, including [Finance/Insurance] and [Crowdfunding], continued strong presence from the previous year, and [SW Technical Solution] also sustained increasing investments.
• [Lifestyle Service], which secured the largest investment amount until 2016, slightly stalled its momentum.
• More specifically, [Medicine/Rehab] (Bio/Healthcare) followed [Travel/Accommodation] and [Finance/Insurance] (ICT Service), accounting for 8% of the total investment amount
secured.
4-2. 2017 Startup Investment by Specific Business Sector (Top 3 Sectors)
89%
1%
2%
8%
Bio/Healthcare
$95.41M / 11%
Medicine/Rehab
$67.4M / 8%
Healthcare
$20.97M / 2%
Bio Agriculture
$7.04M / -
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 4. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
29. 0
100
200
300
400
500
ICT
Service
Bio/
Healthcare
Distribution/
Service
ICT
Manufacturing
Cultural
Content
Game General
Manufacturing
Others
11.5313.61
52.0152.3360.35
91.4195.41
464.1
9.3
46.539.8
61.9
30.8
194.4
98.2
389.8
2016 ($M) 2017 ($M)
0
50
100
150
200
250
ICT
Service
Bio/
Healthcare
Distribution/
Service
ICT
Manufacturing
Cultural
Content
Game General
Manufacturing
Others
3
182223
32
4345
201
39
202522
2932
173
2016 2017
29
4-3. 2016 - 2017 Startup Investments by Industry Sector
• Overall, the number of investees by sector/investment amount has increased in 2017, except [Cultural Content].
• In 2017, investment amounts were increased in [ICT Service], [Bio/Healthcare], [ICT Manufacturing], [Game] and [General Manufacturing].
• Investment amounts in the fields of [Distribution/Service] and [Cultural Content] showed notable decreases from the previous year.
This is because deals with substantial investment amount were not available in the fields above in 2017 (Memebox and Lezhin Entertainment respectively secured $60M and $43M
in 2016).
2016 - 2017 Comparison of Number of Investees by Industry Sector
(313 in 2016 / 387 in 2017)
2016 - 2017 Comparison Investment Amount by Industry Sector
($870.7M in 2016 / $840.75M in 2017)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 4. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
30. 30
4-4. 2017 Number of Investees and Investment Amount by Specific Sector
Sector
Specific Sector Total
Investment
Amount ($M)
Total
Number of
Investee
CompaniesSpecific Business Type Amount ($M)
Number of
Investee
ICT
Manufacturing
Smart Device 14.61 10
60.35 32
Others 13.38 1
Material/Parts 9.86 8
Machinery/Equipment 9.08 6
Production Facility
Management 8.8 5
IoT System 4.62 2
Cultural Content
Video/Broadcast/MCN 18.28 6
52.33 23
Performance/Music
/Exhibition 12.41 4
Content/Media 10.56 4
Publication/Comics
/Novels 9.32 6
Art 1.76 3
Game
Online/Mobile Games 41.01 16
52.01 22Related Service 11 4
VR/AR Games - 2
General
Manufacturing
Electricity/Machinery
/Equipment 10.05 10
13.61 18
Kids and Baby Products 2.64 2
Daily Supplies 0.48 3
Fashion/Beauty 0.44 3
Others
Real Estate 11.18 2
11.53 3
Energy 0.35 1
Sector
Specific Sector Total
Investment
Amount ($M)
Total
Number of
Investee
CompaniesSpecific Business Type Amount ($M)
Number of
Investee
ICT Service
Travel/Accommodation 87.36 14
464.1 201
Finance/Insurance 73.19 19
SW Tech Solution 41.03 27
Food 37.66 5
Business Solution 37.56 16
Transportation/Vehicles 33 12
Advertising/Sales/Marketing 28.74 18
Lifestyle Service 25.43 14
Crowdfunding 24.13 7
Data&Information
Management Solutions 19.98 10
Fashion/Beauty 14.78 9
Education 14.12 22
Community 12.42 9
Real estate 7.57 5
Program/Application 5.63 5
Other Specialized Service 1.5 7
Telecommunication - 2
Bio/
Healthcare
Medical/Rehab 67.4 33
95.41 45Healthcare 20.97 11
Bio Agriculture 7.04 1
Distribution/
Service
Commerce 45.32 26
91.41 43
Distribution/Logistics 39.46 12
F&B 6.16 3
Specialized Service 0.47 2
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 4. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Industry Sector
32. 32
5-1. Participating Investors in 2017
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 5. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
• Number of Participating Investors in 2017: A total of 251 investors based on the companies disclosing business name.
* Individual investors were excluded because many of them chose to remain anonymous.
• Ratio of Investors by Nationality in 2017: 82% from Korea (205 investors) and 18% from overseas (46 investors).
• Venture capital firms accounted for 40% (83 out of 205) of all local investors in 2017.
Distribution of Investors by Nation in 2017
(Total of 251)
0 20 40 60 80 100
47
52
8
19
16
6
20
83
(Unit : number of companies)
Distribution of Investors in 2017
(Total of 251)
Korea
US
Japan
HongKong
China
Malaysia
Taiwan
Singapore
UK
India
France
0 50 100 150 200 250
1
1
1
1
2
3
3
4
9
21
205
Investors Participating in Startup
Investment in 2017
Venture
Capital
Accelerator
Angel
Investent
Other Investment
Companies
Finance
Corporation
Institution/
Foundation/
University
General
Companies
Overseas
Companies
Investors Type Specific Type Number of Companies
Venture Capital
Venture Capital Company 57
83New Technology Business Finance
Company
13
LLC 13
Accelerator Accelerator 20 20
Angel Investment
Angel Investment Club 4
6
Private investment union 2
Other Investment companies Other Investment companies 16 16
Finance Company
Asset management company /
private equity fund manager
7
19
Bank 4
Securities company 3
Credit finance company 5
Institution/Foundation/
University
Institution/Foundation/Association 5
8
Technology holding company 3
General company
Major company 11
52
Semi-major company 7
Medium enterprises 9
Small and medium enterprises 25
Overseas companies
Investment company 37
47
General company 10
(Unit : number of companies)
33. 33
5-2. 2017 Independent Investment by Investors (Investment Amount / Over $3M)
Investor Investee Investment
Amount ($M)
Years in Business Sector Specific Business Type Introduction
1 SkyLake Investment Yanolja 52.8 More than 7 years ICT Service Travel/Accommodation Accommodation O2O
2 Naver Woowa Brothers(Baemin) 350 Less than 7 years ICT Service Food Food Tech
3 Naver MeshKorea 240 Less than 5 years Distribution/Service Distribution/Logistics IT Distribution
4 AJU IB Investment Yanolja 200 More than 7 years ICT Service Travel/Accommodation Accommodation O2O
5 (Malaysia)
Linktu infotainment Sdn Bhd
Treasure Hunter 150 Less than 3 years Cultural Content Video/Broadcast/MCN MCN
6 IGAWorks Digital First 100 Less than 1 year ICT Service Advertising/Sales/
Marketing
Global Adtech Media Lab
7 SoftBank Ventures Korea Blank TV 100 Less than 2 years Distribution/Service Commerce Commerce
8 HB Investment ParkingCloud(I Parking) 90 More than 7 years ICT Service Transportation/Vehicles Smart Parking Solution
9 Hanwha Investment Bbros(Ddocdoc) 90 Less than 5 years Bio/Healthcare Healthcare National Hospital Locating O2O Application
10 DSC Investment Manna CEA 80 Less than 5 years Bio/Healthcare Bio Agriculture Smart Farm
11 Naver OGQ 75 Less than 7 years Cultural Content Content/Media Social Creator Platform
12 Samsung Venture
Investment
Cyworld 4.4 Less than 5 years ICT Service Community Network based Community Service
13 (China) Yunmai Komatrade 4 Less than 3 years Distribution/Service Distribution/Logistics Chinese IT Product Import
14 HB Investment Siksin 3.52 More than 7 years ICT Service Food Restaurant Service
15 Futurestream Networks Wisebirds 3.52 Less than 5 years ICT Service Advertising/Sales/
Marketing
Social Media Advertising Platform
16 K Cube Ventures Fincon 3.52 Less than 6 years Game Online/Mobile Games Mobile Games Development
17 Kakao Korea Credit Data(Cashnote) 3.52 Less than 2 years ICT Service Finance/Insurance Simple Accounting Service
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 5. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
34. 34
Investor
Number of Investor companies Field of Investee
Investee
Total
Amount
Disclosed
Amount
Undisclosed
ICT
Service
ICT
Production Game
Cultural
Content
Bio/
Healthcare
Distribution
/Service
General
Production Others
1
SBA(Seoul Business
Agency) 37 4 33 19 4 1 3 3 4 3
Dreamer's Attic(CastingN), Dohands(Poomgo), Lath Games, Rye&Catchers(Bibly), Luxbelle(Sara's Fit), Luke
Korea(Golden Care), My Shop On Shop, Mega Joint, Mentoreet(Codereet), Monster School(MathMon), Byfi Soft(Orai),
Sodacrew(Soda Transfer), Simple Project(Wecook), Eyedea, Anolzzang, IM Technology, Alleys Wonderlab, Ummawa,
SNB Soft, FRT, Entcrowd, L2C F&B(Mono Cheese), Yeon Systems, Umain, UserHabit, Innopresso(Mokibo),
Imperfect(FonDof), Journey & Joy Travel(There), Chakak, Zuck Corp(I am Ground), Kredit Data(Kredit Job),
Tubloo(Tyle.io), TransBox, Forex Lab, Promisope(Careple), PSR Media(Piclick), Fin2B
2 K Cube Ventures 31 26 5 17 1 6 3 4
Grepp, Dreamer's Attic(CastingN), Nerdgames, Neptune, Deepvalidation, Lablup, Mars Auto, Mini School, Baum, Bob
Games, Cleaning Lab, Sugarhill(Nemo), SkelterLabs, Studio8, ExoSyatems(exoRehab), Un7qi3(ForceTeller), Wonders,
Weekly Shirts, Intelon Optics, Jubilee Works(Jubilee TimeTree), Code Squad, Cochlear.ai, Kooding, Table Manager,
Torooc(LIVot), Perseus, Fincon, Humart Company(Trost), HNC Games
3 Blue Point Partners 31 6 25 8 10 1 2 7 3
Greenoid, The Wave Talk, Didim, RevoStetch, Laufully, Leaphigh, MerryCow, Minkonet(Swing), Vrex Lab(Lush), Sherpa
Space, Smarf, Sijung, Seadronix, Alink, SQand, AILeeSoft, Excello, LM Friends, O2Palm, Oledon, Ihn Lab, InThera,
Genesis Lab, JellyLab, GD Sentron, QuadMedicine, ToGather(Blend), Polariant, Plain Bagle(Skippy), Hypersensing,
Hutom
4 Capstone Partners 26 26 - 16 1 2 2 3 2
Nerdgames, LUXI, Mobidoo, Moin, Methinks, Balancehero(True Balance), Brich, 3boon1, Salesboost, CMI
Partners(Little Closet), I/O(Switcher), Urbanbase, XBrain(Daria), Ylab, One Moment, Jobis&Villains(Jobis),
JeongYookGak, Jienem, Zipdoc, Goodmobile, Chian Partners, Qualson, Tndn., Publy, Funple Works
5 Naver 18 8 10 7 4 3 3 1
Geekble, The Wave Talk, Drama&campany(Remember), DeepMedi, Deepixel, LetinAR, Loplat, MeshKorea, V.DO, CK
Materials Lab, Alethio, Open Gallery, Woowa Brothers(Baemin), CrowdWorks, Polariant, FoodTech, FuriosaAI, OGQ
6
Coolidge Corner
Investment 17 15 2 9 1 3 1 2 1
Nexel, Next Innovation, Mr.Mention, Venditz(24Moa), Story&Brothers(Veteran), Simple Project(Wecook), Ilanding,
Actro, N.code(D.code), Ingine(Inwave), JS Lidar, Zeroweb, Tirebids, Two Hands Games, T-square(Titae)
7 DSC Investment 16 13 3 5 4 3 2 2
(U.S) PHANTOM AI, Goodeats, Green Resource, Neuromeka, D.throne, Law&Company(Law Talk), Liiid(Santa Toeic),
Mycelebs, Manna CEA, Monolith, Brandi, Anesto, ABL Bio, Chian Partners, Qualson, Precision Biosensor
8 Korea Investment
Partners 16 16 - 7 2 6 1
(U.S) Caide Systems, (U.S) PHANTOM AI, Denflex, Rainbow(Hubo), Rewhite, Ice&V(Moolban), EDENLUX, ABL Bio,
Omnious, Wadiz, Infit&Company, Cracle Factory(WomensTalk), Togeter Apps(Together Funding), Fount, Precision
Biosensor, Homesaeng(Daeri Jubu)
9 (U.S) Altos Ventures 13 11 2 8 1 1 3
Global Networks(Meatbox), Lendit, Link Shops, My Real Trip, Mykoon(Spoon), Bespin Global, Viva Republica(Toss),
SweetSpot, Amazing Brewing Company, A-Team Ventures(Shapengine), Zipdoc, Croquis(Zigzag), Kmong
10
BonAngels Venture
Partners 12 3 9 8 1 3
Happymomworld(Mom-sitter), MeasureChina, Methinks, Share Treats, Amazing Brewing Company,
Edticket(Tayotayo), Extriber(Tripstore), Wingbling, Uneedcomms, Tappytoon, Partner(Grap), Pickup Scanner
11 KDB Bank 11 11 - 6 2 1 1 1
Gractor(InCaseLink), Neuromeka, Balancehero(True Balance), Anesto, Althea, Wanted Lab(Wanted), EOFlow,
Jobis&Villains(Jobis), Zipdoc, TouchWorks(Touching), Trustus(Poing)
12 Stonebridge Capital 11 11 - 6 1 1 2 1
Global Networks(Meatbox), Needer(Gubgoo), Lablup, My Music Taste, SuaLab, Odd Concepts, Y Brain, Wanted
Lab(Wanted), Uberple, Croquis(Zigzag), Plasmapp
13 SoftBank Ventures
Korea 11 9 2 7 1 1 2
(U.S) Oben, Global Networks(Meatbox), My Music Taste, Marketit, Mathpresso(Qanda), Blank TV, Security Platform,
Brave Company, Caret Games, Qualson, Pinscreen
14
Samsung Venture
Investment 10 8 2 5 1 2 1 1
My Music Taste, SuaLab, Cyworld, Artisty, One Life One Technology(Wahome), East Control, Classting, Pience(Freefi),
Puzzle Data, Plasmapp
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 5. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
5-3. 2017 Venture Investor Participation Summary (In descending order / 5 or more)(1)
35. 35
Investor
Number of Investor companies Field of Investee
Investee
Total
Amount
Disclosed
Amount
Undisclosed
ICT
Service
ICT
Production Game
Cultural
Content
Bio/
Healthcare
Distribution
/Service
General
Production Others
15 Primer 9 4 5 7 1 1
Dogmate, Laftel, Besome(Sketchware), Salesboost, Eggbun Education, Chacare, CrowdPic, ppLink,
Hogangnono
16 MashUp Angels 9 - 9 3 3 1 2
Dessert Almighty(DessertPick), Lonars(Cork Bear), Rosherin, Monster School(MathMon), Sergical Mind,
Un7qi3(ForceTeller), Farmskin, Hey Beauty, Humanscape(Helen)
17 Sopoong 7 7 - 3 2 2 Amuse Travel, Allbom, Jaranda, Factoreal(Dangolgongjang), Petpick, H2K, MGsolutions
18 Evergreen Investment
Partners 7 6 1 5 1 1 Laftel, Minkonet(Swing), Vitruv(Mata Math), Studio Seed(ProtoPie), Onnuri DMC, Tndn., PSR Media(Piclick)
19 (U.S) Strong Ventures 7 5 2 6 1 Dogmate, Moin, Besome(Sketchware), I/O(Switcher), Eggbun Education, Onuii, ppLink
20 (U.S) Big Basin Capital 7 4 3 4 2 1 Lonars(Cork Bear), Brandi, Swingvy, Wingbling, Zimssa, Tutoring, Hey Beauty
21 LB Investment 6 5 1 2 1 3 Baglecode, Social Network, Orum Therapeutics, Waug Travel(Waug), EOFlow, Plasmapp
22 Intervest 6 6 - 4 1 1 Maxst, Balancehero(True Balance), Brich, Blocko(Coinstack), SuaLab, Orum Therapeutics
23 Banks Foundation For
Young Entrepreneurs 6 4 2 4 1 1 Deepvalidation, 3boon1, Onuii, Weekly Shirts, Partner(Grap), Hey Beauty
24 Spring Camp 6 3 3 5 1 Aurumplanet(Liner), Table Manager, TasteShop, 42Maru, ppLink, Handys
25 Mirae Asset Capital 6 5 1 6 Dabeeo, My Real Trip, Vitalhint Korea(Haemukja), Teamblind(Blind), Poolus, VCNC(Between)
26 L&S Venture Capital 5 5 - 4 1 Maxst, Money Brain, Brich, Aron Flying Ship, Wadiz
27 KTB Network 5 5 - 1 2 1 1 Neuromeka, Rainbow(Hubo), My Music Taste, Shapl, Wanted Lab(Wanted)
28 KB Investment 5 4 1 3 1 1 D.lemon(LemonClip), Orum Therapeutics, Innogrid, Cracle Factory(WomensTalk), Habit Factory(Signal)
29 IMM Investment 5 5 - 3 2 My Real Trip, Baglecode, StyleShare, Kokomo, Qualson
30 Plantree Partners 5 4 1 5 Dreamer's Attic(CastingN), Mini School, Jobis&Villains(Jobis), Chacare, Handys
31 Cognitive Investment 5 4 1 3 1 1 Maxst, Won Family(Dgdr), Jubilee Works(Jubilee TimeTree), Plat(Carplat), Handhug
32 YellowDog 5 4 1 4 1 Lendit, My Music Taste, Stayes, Edticket(Tayotayo), Poolus
33 AJU IB Investment 5 5 - 2 1 1 1 Green Resource, Yanolja, Y Brain, Teamblind(Blind), HNC Games
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 5. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
5-3. 2017 Venture Investor Participation Summary (In descending order / 5 or more)(2)
36. 36
5-4. 2017 Participation Status by Investment Amount
* The following table shows the number of investments made by investors for each amount range, without specifying the individual amount.
Because most investments with ₩1 billion or more were executed through joint investments, individual amounts by each investor were not disclosed in most cases.
(Investors who participated in 5 or more deals were displayed in bold fonts.)
100million - 990million KRW
($0.01M - $0.87M)
1 billion - 2.9 billion KRW
($0.88M - $2.63M)
3 billion - 4.9 billion KRW
($2.64M - $4.39M)
5 billion - 9.9 billion KRW
($4.4M - $8.79M)
10 billion - 29.9 billion KRW
($8.8M - $26.39M)
30 billion KRW -
($26.4M - )
14 Coolidge Corner Investment
12 K Cube Ventures
10 Capstone Partners Capstone Partners
8 K Cube Ventures
7 Sopoong
6 Korea Investment Partners DSC Investment
5 KDB Bank, Stonebridge Capital
4 Banks Foundation For Young Entrepreneurs, SBA(Seoul
Business Agency), Blue Point Partners, (U.S) Strong
Ventures
Evergreen Investment Partners Capstone Partners, Intervest, AJU IB Investment,
Samsung Venture Investment, (U.S) Altos Ventures
3 BonAngels Venture Partners, Plantree Partners,
Primer, Spring Camp
IBK Capital, Stonebridge Capital, (U.S) 500 Startups KDB Bank, DSC Investment, K Cube Ventures LB Investment, KB Investment, Korea Investment
Partners, SoftBank Ventures Korea
KTB Network, Korea Investment Partners, YellowDog,
Naver
2 GS Shop, Korea Investment Partners, K Bridge
Investment, Evergreen Investment Partners, Naver,
KAIST Venture Investment Holdings, (U.S) Big Basin
Capital
SJ Investment Partners, L&S Venture Capital, KT
Investment, KDB Bank, IMM Investment, CKD Venture
Capital, Union Investment Partners , AssetPlus Investment
Management, SoftBank Ventures Korea, Blue Point
Partners, Mirae Asset Capital, Mirae Asset Venture
Investment, Donghoon Investment, The Wells Investment,
(U.S) Altos Ventures
L&S Venture Capital, HB Investment, Korea Investment
Partners, SoftBank Ventures Korea, Korea Technology
Finance Corporation, (Japan) Global Brain, (U.S) Altos
Ventures
UTC Investment, SBI Investment Korea, IMM Investment,
DS Asset, K Cube Ventures, ID Ventures, Songhyun
Investment, SEMA Translink Investment, Mirae Asset
Capital, Daesung Venture Capital
DSC Investment, Korea Investment & Securities,
Stonebridge Capital, Smilegate Investment, SoftBank
Ventures Korea, Bokwang Venture Capital, (U.S)
Collaborative Fund, (U.S) Altos Ventures
1 LSK investment, KITE Entrepreneurship Foundation, KG
Inicis, DSC Investment, BNH Investment, AI Angel Club,
Korea Venture Investment, Hana Financial Investment,
Postech Holdings, Patron Holdings, Fast Investment,
Cosine Investment, Cognitive Investment, Carrie Soft,
Kakao Mobility, Jinhak, Yoonmin Foundation, Wisdome,
Ntels, ENSL Partners, S Cubic Angels, Amantani Partners,
CNH Capital, Series, Stonebridge Capital, Startup X
Angels, Startup X, Spigen Korea, SEMA Translink
Investment, Samsung Venture Investment, Bigbang
Angels, Michuhol Angel Club, Mediati, Magellan
Technology Investment, LOTTE Accelerator, Donghoon
Investment, East Gate Partners, DAYLI Venture Capital,
The Turning Point, Neoply, Neospring, (H.K) NP Equity
Partners, (Malaysia) Best Team Group, (Singapore) Griffes
Capital Partners
LB Investment, KTB Network, KT, KEB Hana Bank, KB
Investment, ICB, HB Investment, GS Shop, DSC
Investment, DS Asset, BC Card, AJ Capital Partners, Hanvit
Investment, Plantree Partners, Primer, Futureplay, Posco
Capital, Timewise Investment, Coolidge Corner
Investment, Kolon Investment, Kolon Innobase, Korea
Omega Investment Finance, Cognitive Investment, K
Partners, K Bridge Investment, K Run Ventures, K Net
Venture Capital, Company K Partners, KAIST Venture
Investment Holdings, G N TECH Venture Capital,
Intervest, Innopolis Partners, YellowDog, Honest
Ventures, Shinhan Capital, Startup X, Songhyun
Investment, Central Investment Partners, Seoul
Investment Partners, Samsung Venture Investment,
Samsung NEXT, KDB Capital, BA Partners, Bokwang
Venture Capital, Mirae Holdings, Magellan Technology
Investment, MAGNA Investment, LOTTE Accelerator, Lotte
Members, LINE Plus, East Gate Partners, Devsisters
Ventures, The Square Company, Neo Plux, Korea
Technology Finance Corporation, Global Taxfree, (H.K)
Redfly Communications, (Japan) Colopla Next, (Japan)
Global Brain, (U.S) Walden International, (U.S) Y
Combinator, (U.S) Strong Ventures, (U.S) Big Basin
Capital
YG Investment, TGCK Partners, SL Investment, KT
Investment, KEB Hana Bank, Premier Partners,
Futurestream Networks, Forest Partners, Partners
Investment, Kiwoom Securities, Cognitive Investment,
KClavis, Company K Partners, Capstone Partners, Kakao,
Geon Investment, Intervest, Wooshin Venture
Investment, Ost Investment, Shinhan Capital, Smilegate
Investment, Smilegate, Sejong Telecom, Samsung
Venture Investment, BA Partners, Mirae Asset Venture
Investment, Mega Investment, DAYLI Venture Capital,
Neptune, Naver, 4:33, GOST Holdings, (China) Yunmai,
(Japan) Miroku Jyoho Service, (Japan) Colopla Next, (U.S)
500 Startups
KTB Network, KT Investment, K Net Venture Capital, IBK
Capital, IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), HB Investment,
Huayi brothers Entertainment, Hyundai Technology
Investment, Hanwha Investment, Posco Venture Partners,
Posco Capital, Timewise Investment, Cognitive
Investment, Kakao Investment, E&Investment, Ubase,
Wonik Investment Partners, Atinum Investment, I Sens,
Ideabridge Partners, Smilegate Investment, Smilegate,
Solidus Investment, Seoul Investment Partners, Samsung
C&T, KDB Capital, BA Partners, Mirae Asset Venture
Investment, Medici Investment, Mega Investment,
(Malaysia) FirstFloor Capital, DTN Investment, Devsisters
Ventures, The Wells Investment, Daekyo Investment,
Naver, Neo Plux, (Japan) Toei Animation, (Japan) Seibu
Shinkin Capital, (India) InnoVen Capital, (U.S) DCM
Ventures, (U.S) Tekton Ventures, (U.S) Big Basin Capital
UTC Investment, SL Investment, SK, SJ Investment
Partners, SBI Investment Korea, LB Investment, L&S
Venture Capital, KDB Bank, IMM Investment,
IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), ES Investor, Hyosung ITX,
Premier Partners, TS Investment, TRUBEN Investment,
Quantum Equity Partners Korea, Kolon Investment, K
Cube Ventures, Company K Partners, Capstone Partners,
Kakao Games, Woowa Brothers, NS Investment, Atinum
Investment, AJU IB Investment, IGAWorks, ID Ventures,
Shinhan Bank, STIC Investment, Samsung Venture
Investment, Mirae Asset Capital, (Malaysia) Linktu
infotainment Sdn Bhd, Green Cross, Green Cross
WellBeing, (China) Legend Capital, (Japan) Aucfan, (Japan)
Vector, (Japan) Risk Monster, (U.S) Formation 8, (U.S)
August Capital, (U.S) Shasta Ventures, (U.S) Golden Gate
Ventures
Naver, (U.S) Altos
Ventures, SkyLake
Investment, (France)
Partech Ventures, (U.S)
PayPal, (U.S) Bessemer
Venture Partners, (U.S)
Goodwater Capital
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 5. 2017 Startup Investment - Status by Investors
38. • 2017 Startup M&As: 29 deals (acquisitions: 24, mergers: 5)
• In 2017, the number of M&A deals increased by 32% from the previous year (acquisitions: 19, mergers: 3)
• M&A activities are increasingly focused on startups with specific know-how, technology and data.
Startup M&As by Month in 2017
38
6-1. Startup M&As in 2017
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 6. 2017 Startup M&As
2016 - 2017 Startup M&A deals by Month
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
333
4
3
2
4
3
22
6
3
2
1
4
111
3
2016 2017
0
1
2
3
4
5
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
11
1
1
1 2
3
2
33
2
4
22
1
Acquisition Merge
39. 39
Acquis-
ition
Bidder Target Introduction (Target company) Remarks
Jan.-1
BalanceHero
(TrueBalance)
Alex&Company Data analysis
Feb.-1 ST Unitas
(U.S) Princeton
Review
Educational institution in the U.S.
Feb.-2 Netmarble Games (U.S) Kabam Mobile Games $710M
Mar.-1 500V Inwoo Fueling from sewage sludge
Mar.-2 Naver Epipolar Expert 3D technology
May-1 Blupan (Japan) Kaigai-Soukin Japanese transfer and payment company
May-2 TMON Fltgraph
Search and reservation service for multi city
flights
May-3 WashOn Clean Fly Collection and delivery service for laundry
May-4 Wonders Bareun Baesong Delivery specialized in lens
Jun.-1
Seven Angels
Holdings
Elefund Real estate P2P financial platform
Jun.-2 Fourthlink CertOn
Blockchain platform and security
certification based on FIDO
Jul.-1 Naver Company AI AI technology
Jul.-2 Line Games Next Floor Game publishing
Jul.-3
Ensight Design
Lab
3Claps
Outbound shopping platform for children
clothing
Aug.-1 B2LiNK BCC Korea Global Cosmetics Distribution
Acquis-
ition
Bidder Target Introduction (Target company) Remarks
Aug.-2
DAYLI Financial
Group
Fund Online Korea Fund investment and asset management
Aug.-3 Parking Cloud Tomato Electronics Parking control equipment manufacturing
$6.16M shares
100%
Sep.-1
RGPKorea
(Yogiyo)
Fly&Company
(Foodfly)
Online restaurant delivery service
Sep.-2 NXC(NEXON) Korbit Cryptocurrency exchange
Nov.-1 MateI DesignXYM Interior sign design specialized for hotels
Nov.-2 SFC Villy P2P loan-type crowdfunding platform
Nov.-3
Samsung
Electronics
Fluenty
Understanding in natural language,
conversational AI technology
Dec.-1
Qdillion
(Joonggonara)
HiOWNER Mediation of used cars
Dec.-2 Naver(LINE Plus)
Drama&campany
(Remember)
Business card management service
Merger Bidder Target Introduction (Target company) Remarks
Jan.
Hanbandosusan,
NoelnSpring
Yamtable Fresh food curation commerce
Mar.
Slowalk,
UFO Factory
Slowalk Software and game business
Aug.
Jienem,
BnbPlanner
Jienem
Guesthouse travel O2O service and
franchise
Sep.
Quicket(Bunjang),
Sellit
Bunjang Living information of local area platform
Dec. Makers, Sedulab Makers Brand (maker) Education Platform
6-2. Startup M&A Deals by Month in 2017
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 6. 2017 Startup M&As
40. 40
Source:
1. The content in this chapter is prepared based on the data contained in the Annual Report on Startup Investment Trends in Korea previously published
by Platum.
2. This chapter does not reflect other data additionally disclosed or presented by other media outlets or platforms after this report is published.
PART 7
2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
41. 1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
4%
5% 5%
12%
15%
19%
41
1. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments
• Number of startups that attracted investments for four consecutive years from 2014 to 2017: 84 ($726.74M in total)
• [ICT Service] attracted the highest cumulative investments. More specifically, [Food] and [Travel/Accommodation] recorded the largest cumulative total.
• Startups with the highest cumulative total: Woowa Brothers($128.2M in total/ $47.4M in 2014, $50M in 2016, $30.8M in 2017)
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 7. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
Startups that attracted investments for four consecutive years from 2014 to 2017
- Ratio of Investments by Sector
(Total of $726.74M)
1%
2%
6%
8%
7%
75%
ICT Service
Distribution/Service
Cultural Content
BIO/Healthcare
ICT Manufacturing
Game
Others
Food $138.98M / 2
Travel/Accommodation $105.67M/5
Finance/Insurance $86.26M/5
Business Solution $34.25M/6
Crowdfunding $33.74M/3
Lifestyle Service $31.41M/5
Fashion/Beauty $23.82M/4
SW Technical Solution $19.22M/4
Advertising/Sales/Marketing $16.8M/4
Transportation/Vehicles $12.72M/4
Other Specialized Service $11.97M/2
Education $10.49M/5
Program/Application $7.29M/2
Data&Information Management Solution $7.04M/2
Real Estate $4.47M/2
Community $1.76M/2
Woowa Brothers
Yanolja
Viva Republica
Treasure Hunter
My Music Taste
Drama&campany
Balancehero
Manna CEA
Lendit
Bbros
0 30 60 90 120 150
2014 2015 2016 2017
Top 10 Startups with the Highest Cumulative Total
(2014 - 2017)
15.1
15.54
14.02
16.3
16.4
21
27.6
75.5
91.8
128.2
Specific Business Sectors (Amount / # of Co.)
(Unit: $M)
42. 42
Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
1
Woowa Brothers
(Baemin)
2014 11.4
(U.S) Altos Ventures, IMM Investment, Stonebridge Capital, (Japan)
CyberAgent Ventures etc.
128.2
2014 36 (U.S) Goldman Sachs
2016 50 (China) Hillhouse Capital Group Consortium
2017 30.8 Naver
2 Yanolja
2015 8.5 Partners Investment
91.8
2016 12.9 KTB Network, (U.S) Goodwater Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures etc.
2017 17.6 AJU IB Investment
2017 52.8 SkyLake Investment
3
Viva Republica
(Toss)
2015 4.3 KTB Network, (U.S) Altos Ventures, IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea)
75.52016 22.8 KTB Network, (U.S) Goodwater Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures etc.
2017 48.4
(U.S) PayPal, (U.S) Bessemer Venture Partners, (U.S) Capital,
(U.S) Altos Ventures, (France) Partech Ventures etc.
4 Treasure Hunter
2015 5.7 4:33
27.6
2015 3.4 Kolon Investment, Albatross Investment, (Japan) JAFCO Investment
2015 Undisclosed DSC Investment
2015 4.3 SK Telecom
2017 1 (H.K) Redfly Communications
2017 13.2 (Malaysia) Linktu infotainment Sdn Bhd
2017 Undisclosed (H.K) CEC Fund
2. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments: over $5M (1)
Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
5 My Music Taste
2016 10
SoftBank Ventures Korea, (U.S) Formation Group, Bokwang
Investment, Samsung Investment, (China) DT Capital
21
2017 11
KTB Network, Stonebridge Capital, YellowDog, SoftBank Ventures Korea,
Samsung Venture Investment, (U.S) Formation 8, Bokwang Venture Capital,
(U.S) Golden Gate Ventures
6
Drama&campany
(Remember)
2014 0.4
Primer Chairman Lee Taek-gyung, Linknow Jung Chairman Jang-
hwan, Capstone Partners
16.4
2014 1.7 Daekyo Investment, (Japan) CyberAgent Ventures, Capstone Partners
2015 5.5
Partners Investment, Korea Investment Partners, AJU IB Investment,
Daekyo Investment
2017 8.8 Naver, LINE Plus
7
Balance Hero
(True Balance)
2015 0.7 BonAngels Venture Partners, Mega Investment
16.3
2016 2.6 SoftBank Ventures Korea
2016 8.6 SoftBank Ventures Korea, Mega Investment, IMM Investment
2017 4.4 KDB Bank, Intervest, Capstone Partners
8 Manna CEA
2015 8.5 K Venture Group
15.54
2017 7.04 DSC Investment
9 Lendit
2015 1.3 (U.S) Altos Ventures
15.12016 5 (U.S) Altos Ventures, Angel investor
2017 8.8 YellowDog, (U.S) Altos Ventures, (U.S) Collaborative Fund
10 B Bros (Ddocdoc)
2016 0.9 LabGenomics
14.02
2016 5.2 UBCare
2016 Undisclosed BITComputer
2017 7.92 Hanwha Investment
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 7. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
43. 43
Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
18
Croquis
(Zigzag)
2016 2.6 (U.S) Altos Ventures
8.76
2017 6.16 Stonebridge Capital, (U.S) Altos Ventures etc.
19 SuaLab
2016 1.7 Stonebridge Capital, Intervest
8.74
2017 7.04
KT Investment, Samsung Venture Investment, Stonebridge Capital,
Intervest
20
One Life One
Technology
(Wahome)
2016 1.3 Daesung Venture Capital, ES Investor, (U.S) 500 Startups
8.69
2017 7.39
SBI Investment Korea, Samsung Venture Investment, DS Asset,
Ubase
21 My Real Trip
2014 0.9 Smilegate Investment, Capstone Partners
8.562015 1.5 (U.S) Altos Ventures
2017 6.16
Smilegate Investment, (U.S) Altos Ventures, IMM Investment,
Mirae Asset Capital, IBK Capital
22 Zeroweb
2015 2.6 GS SHOP
8.4
2015 3 Posco Capital, BK Investment
2016 2.1 Stonebridge Capital, BK Investment
2016 Undisclosed Korea Investment & Securities
2017 0.7 K Bridge Investment, Coolidge Corner Investment
23 Y Brain
2014 3 Stonebridge Capital, DSC Investment
8.282015 Undisclosed Golfzon Newdin
2017 5.28 AJU IB Investment, Daekyo Investment, Mirae Asset Venture
Investment, Stonebridge Capital, KDB Capital
24
ParkingCloud
(I Parking)
2016 Undisclosed Nexen
7.92
2017 7.92 HB Investment
Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
11 Wadiz
2016 1.3 Smilegate Investment, KDB Capital
13.582016 2.6 ID Ventures, DTN Investment, Daekyo Investment
2017 9.68
Smilegate Investment, Korea Investment Partners, STIC Investment,
L&S Venture Capital, Shinhan Bank
12 StyleShare
2014 2.4 LB Investment
10.982016 7.7 Stonebridge Capital, Atinum Investment, KTB Network
2017 0.88 IMM Investment
13
Trust Us
(POING)
2014 Undisclosed Yello Mobile, DSC Investment
10.782016 7.7
Naver, Korea Omega Investment, DTN Investment, Wonik
Investment Partners, Hyundai Venture Investment etc.
2017 3.08 KDB Bank, (Japan) Global Brain
14 Flitto
2015 3 DSC Investment, Atinum Investment, Songhyun Investment,
Stonebridge Capital
10.72016 7.7
SBI Investment Korea, K2 Investment Partners, Stonebridge Capital,
Atinum Investment, DSC Investment, Songhyun Investment
2017 Undisclosed (Japan) Colopla Next
15
Craclefactory
(Womenstalk)
2015 1.7 IMM Investment, NVESTOR, (Japan) CyberAgent Ventures
10.342016 2 Intervest, Capstone Partners etc.
2017 6.64 Seoul Investment Partners, KB Investment, Daesung Venture Capital,
Korea Investment Partners, The Wells Investment, UTC Investment
16
Wanted Lab
(Wanted)
2015 1.4 KTB Network, Mirae Asset Venture Investment, Stonebridge Capital
10.2
2017 8.8
Stonebridge Capital, KTB Network, Kolon Investment, SL Investment, KDB
Bank, IBK(Industrial Bank of Korea), Korea Investment & Securities,
TRUBEN Investment, (Japan) Aucfan, (Japan) Vector, (Japan) Risk Monster
17
Global Networks
(Meatbox)
2016 2.6 SoftBank Ventures Korea
9.64
2017 7.04
SoftBank Ventures Korea, (U.S) Altos Ventures, Stonebridge Capital,
Devsisters Ventures
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 7. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
2. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments: over $5M (2)
44. Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
32
Blocko
(Coinstack)
2016 1.3 Samsung Venture Investment
5.7
2017 4.4 Intervest, Daesung Venture Capital etc.
33 Classting
2015 3 Partners Investment, Individual Investor
5.64
2017 2.64
Samsung Venture Investment, 1st Private Investment Fund for
Classting
34 Stripes
2014 0.9 Smilegate Investment
5.22015 4.3
Fast Track Asia, Smilegate Investment, Stonebridge Capital,
Hyundai Technology Investment, SK Planet
2017 Undisclosed LG Household & Health Care
35 Funda
2015 Undisclosed TheVentures
5.06
2016 0.9 Seven Angels Holdings
2016 1.7 Korean Investment Partners, Intervest
2017 2.46 BC Card
44
Investee
Investment Amount
(Year/$M)
Investor
Accumulated
Amount($M)
25 Kokomo
2015 2.1 K Cube Ventures, LB Investment
7.722016 4.3 K Cube Ventures, Stonebridge Capital
2017 1.32 IMM Investment
26 Althea
2015 0.2 BonAngels Venture Partners
7.242015 Undisclosed (U.S) 500 Startups
2017 7.04
KDB Bank, (Malaysia) FirstFloor Capital, (India) InnoVen Capital,
BA Partners, (U.S) Tekton Ventures
27
Jubilee Works
(Jubilee TimeTree)
2016 2
K Cube Ventures, (Japan) Seibu Shinkin Capital, (Japan) SMBC Venture
Capital, Plantree Partners, (Japan) Toei Animation
6.66
2017 4.66
Cognitive Investment, K Cube Ventures, (Japan) Seibu Shinkin Capital,
(Japan) Toei Animation
28 Ylab
2015 2.6 Value Invest Korea
6.12
2017 3.52 Capstone Partners, Kiwoom Securities, 4:33, TGCK Partners
29 MINDs Lab
2016 5.2 LG UPlus , VC
6.08
2017 0.88 KEB Hana Bank
30 Brandi
2015 0.4 DSC Investment
6.032016 Undisclosed (U.S) Big Basin Capital
2017 5.63 SEMA Translink Investment, DSC Investment, (U.S) Big Basin Capital
31 ZOYI
2014 0.3 BonAngels Venture Partners, Ji-Woong Park/CEO of Fast Track Asia
5.962015 1.7 Korea Investment Partners, AJU IB Investment
2017 3.96 (Japan) Global Brain, (Japan) Colopla Next etc.
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ PART 7. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments in Startups
2. 2014 - 2017 Cumulative Investments: over $5M (3)
45. 45
Basic data employed in the chapter of 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
1. This chapter deals with only equity-based form from rewards-based and equity-based crowdfunding. For startup investments, the report is based on the data
of general businesses, excluding Movies/Performance/Exhibition.
2. Calculations were made based on the data of businesses of which investment was completed between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.
3. Calculations were also made based on official statistics presented by CrowdNet (www.crowdnet.or.kr) and data disclosed by intermediaries.
* Statistics and figures from Crowd Net may display discrepancies, and margins of error do exist depending on information not disclosed by intermediaries.
* Years in business for each company are calculated based on the date on which crowdfunding investment was initiated.
PART 8
2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
* This part was prepared jointly with
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea
46. 46
1. Overall Crowdfunding Trends in 2017
• The total investment amount raised through equity-based crowdfunding in 2017 reached approximately $27.1M, a 164% increase from the previous year.
• The total number of participating investors was about 19,000, a 274% increase from the previous year.
• The total number of deals in 2017 was 283; 183 deals were successfully completed to show a success rate of 65%.
• From 14 intermediaries conducting the business of equity-based crowdfunding with lawful financial business licenses,
Wadiz holds the number one spot, with its market share reaching 52% (based on raised amount).
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
Overall Crowdfunding Trends in 2017 Overview of Crowdfunding Intermediaries in 2017
based on raised amount
16%
4%
7%
10%
11%
52%
Wadiz
Crowdy
IBK Securities
Open Trade
Ian Investment
Others
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
27.1
16.5
2016 ($M) 2017 ($M)
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000 19,291
7,031
2016 2017
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
111
233
2016
183
283
2017
Total Investment
based on raised amount
Total number of Deals Number of Investors
Total Success Total Success
Rank Intermediary
The Number
of Offerings
Total Number
of Successful
Deals
Amount
Raised
Actual
Amount
Invested
Number
of
Investors
1 Wadiz 126 85 13,946,916 11,928,471 15,499
2 Crowdy 21 17 3,015,602 2,903,606 951
3 IBK Securities 20 13 2,681,334 2,694,800 678
4 Open Trade 28 14 1,831,021 1,683,798 698
5 Ian Investment 5 4 1,196,455 1,154,110 222
47. 141
217
Total number of startup fundings
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
183
283
Total number of fundings
Total Success
Ratio of Crowdfunding for Startups in 2017
47
2. Startup Crowdfunding in 2017
• The total amount of investment raised by startups, excluding movies/performances/exhibitions, from the entire crowdfunding reached approximately $21M.
The number of deals was 217, accounting for 77% of all crowdfunding deals.
• Upon comparison between the 1st half and 2nd half of the year, the total number of deals slightly increased from 105 in the 1st half to 112 deals in the 2nd half.
However, as the raised amount increased by 154% (from $8.3M to $12.7M), it is clear that the activity of general investors was increasing.
• The success rate of equity-based crowdfunding for startups was 65%; the attraction point that led to most investments was the issuance of common stocks.
Startup Crowdfunding in 2017
Investment Volume for Startup Funding in 2017
based on amount raised
Number of Deals in 2017
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
21
27.1
Total Raised
Amount ($M)
Raised Amount
for Startups ($M)
Common stock 92 deals
Ordinary bond 20 deals
(Redeemable convertible) Preferred stock
16 deals
Others (Convertible bond) 13 deals
9%
11%
14%
65%
35%
65%
Success 141 deals
Failure 76 deals
Success Rate of Startup Crowdfunding
(Total of 217 startup deals)
Ratio of Startup Shares/Bonds
(Total of 151 successful deals)
Total Success
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
48. 48
3. Startup Crowdfunding by Amount Range in 2017
• The average amount of investment secured by a single startup during the entire year of 2017 was approximately $139K. Investments up to $264K were found most common.
* For startups that successfully attracted 2 or more investments during the year, the calculation was made by considering each investment case individually.
• From all startups with successful funding, about 66% of those startups carried their corporate value at less than $5B, which shows that companies in their early stages
actively participated in order to secure seed investments.
• 16% of all cases were represented the companies that hold a corporate value exceeding $10B.
3%
3%
4%
14%
21%
55%
0~99.9
100~199.9
200~299.9
300~399.9
400~499.9
500~599.9
600~ (Max. 616)
Startup Crowdfunding by Amount Range in 2017
(Total of 141 successful fundings)
Startup Crowdfunding by Corporate Value Range in 2017
(Total of 108 successful fundings, excluding 33 deals with bonds)
Amount($M)
Successful
Fundings
0~99.9 78
100~199.9 30
200~299.9 20
300~399.9 5
400~499.9 4
500~599.9 -
600~ (Max. 616) 4
Value($M)
Successful
Fundings
~999 11
1,000~4,999 61
5,000~9,999 19
10,000~ 17
16%
18%
56%
10%
~999
1,000~4,999
5,000~9,999
10,000~
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
49. 49
4. Startup Crowdfunding by Years in Business in 2017
• Startups that had been in business between [0 and less than 4 years] accounted for about 77% of total successful deals.
Companies falling under the bracket of [1 year or longer but less than 2 years] accounted for the highest percentage at 26%,
followed by the companies under the bracket of [3 years or longer but less than 4 years] at 19%.
• Companies that had been in business [7 years or longer] represented a relatively small number of cases,
but the investment amount was notably high compared to the number of investments.
• Substantial investments were made in companies that showed rapid growth or promising potential despite having been in business for a relatively short time.
8PERCENT (less than 2 years but surging growth) has secured an investment amount of approximately $606K, and Gore Wind Power ([less than 1 year] in the field of renewable energy) obtained investment of $440K.
Distribution of Startup Crowdfunding by Years in Business in 2017
Number of Fundings / Investment Amount by Years in Business
Number of Startup Crowdfunding Deals and Amounts
by Years in Business in 2017
Years in Business
Number of Deals Investment Amount ($M) Company with Highest Investment Amount
Total Success Amount
Raised
Actual
Amount
Invested
Company No. of
Investors
Amount
Raised
($K)
Amount
Invested
($K)
Inter-
mediary
Less than
1 year 40 25 3.5 3.3
Gore Wind
Power
428 440 440 Wadiz
Less than
2 years 51 37 4.7 4.4 D.Lab 213 472 440 Wadiz
Less than
3 years
31 19 3.8 3.1 8PERCENT 467 697 616 Wadiz
Less than
4 years 34 27 4.0 3.8 iPeoples 769 657 616 Wadiz
Less than
5 years 20 6 0.7 0.6
Quorum
Bio
190 278 220 Wadiz
Less than
6 years
12 7 0.9 0.7 Irisys 24 268 264
Kiwoom
Securities
Less than
7 years 11 8 1.6 1.5
Newsy
Stock
345 631 616 Wadiz
More than
7 years 18 12 2.2 2.2 Aga World 58 358 358
Ian
Investment
Total 217 141 21.4 19.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Less than
1 year
Less than
2 years
Less than
3 years
Less than
4 years
Less than
5 years
Less than
6 years
Less than
7 years
More than
7 years
Total Number of
Fundings
Successful
Fundings
Total Amount
Rasied ($M)
Amount of Successful
Investment ($M)
2.21.50.70.6
3.73.14.43.3
12
876
27
19
37
25
3.3 4.4 3.1 3.7
0.6 0.7 1.5 2.2
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
50. 50
• [ICT Service] successfully completed the most investments at 35% of all successful cases, followed by [General Manufacturing] (16%), [ICT Manufacturing] (13%) and
[Distribution/Service] (11%).
• Concerning investment volumes by business type, [ICT Service] recorded the highest, followed by [General Manufacturing] and [Distribution/Service] in that order.
• Substantial investments were made into companies with B2C business models familiar to the general public or recognized to have promising potential.
Jeju Beer Company (well-known by the general public), iPeoples (launched mobile games based on Blue Marble, a widely popular game): Both secured investment of approximately $606K.
Distribution of Startup Crowdfunding by Industry Sector in 2017
Number of Fundings / Investment Amount by Industry Sector
Business Type
Number of Cases Investment Amount ($M) Company with Highest Investment Amount
Total Success Amount
Raised
Actual
Amount
Invested
Company No. of
Investors
Amount
Raised
($K)
Amount
Invested
($K)
Inter-
mediary
ICT Service 76 50 7.6 7.3 8PERCENT 467 697 616 Wadiz
General
Manufacturing 40 22 3.0 2.9
Goldmax
Group
66 461 440
IBK
Securities
ICT Manufacturing 27 18 2.6 2.2 Irisys 24 268 264
Kiwoom
Securities
Distribution/Service 27 16 2.7 2.3 Jeju Beer 474 655 616 Crowdy
Cultural Content 15 11 1.6 1.5
Mohenic
Stay 311
273 340 340 Wadiz
Game 14 13 1.6 1.5 iPeoples 769 657 616 Wadiz
Bio/Healthcare 12 8 1.3 1.2
Quorum
Bio
190 278 220 Wadiz
Others 6 3 0.9 0.9
Gore Wind
Power
428 440 440 Wadiz
Total 217 141 21.0 19.6
0
20
40
60
80
100
0
20
40
60
80
100
ICT Service General
Manufacturing
ICT
Manufacturing
Distribution/
Service
Cultural
Content
Game Bio/
Healthcare
Other
Total Number of
Fundings
Successful
Fundings
Total Amount
Rasied ($M)
Amount of Successful
Investment ($M)
0.91.21.51.52.32.22.9
7.3
3
8
1311
1618
22
50
7.3
2.9 2.2 2.3 1.5 1.5 1.2 0.9
Number of Startup Crowdfunding Deals and Amounts
by Industry Sector in 2017
5. Startup Crowdfunding by Industry Sector in 2017
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
51. 51
6. Hot Deals on Startup Crowdfunding in 2017
Top 5 Companeis with the Largest Investment Raised
Investee Introduction
Years in
Business
Sector
Number of
Investors
Amount Raised ($)
Actual
Amount Invested ($)
Security Type Intermediary
1 8 Percent P2P Finance Less than 4 years ICT Service 467 697,154 615,842 Common Stock Wadiz
2 Ipeoples Bluemarble Game Less than 4 years Game 769 657,008 616,000 General Bond Wadiz
3 Jeju Beer Company Craft Beef from Jeju Less than 3 years
General
Manufacturing
474 655,270 616,000 Common Stock Crowdy
4 Newsystock
RoboAdvisor Investment Algorithm
Plaform
Less than 7 years ICT Service 345 630,749 615,859 Common Stock Wadiz
5 D.LAB Sofware Coding Education Less than 2 years ICT Service 213 472,074 439,994 Common Stock Wadiz
Top 5 Companies with the Most Participating Investors
Investee Introduction
Years in
Business
Sector
Number of
Investors
Amount Raised ($)
Actual
Investment Amount ($)
Security Type Intermediary
1 Ipeoples Bluemarble Game Less than 4 years Game 769 657,008 616,000 General Bond Wadiz
2 Jeju Beer Company Craft Beef from Jeju Less than 3 years
General
Manufacturing
474 655,270 616,000 Common Stock Crowdy
3 8 Percent P2P Finance Less than 4 years ICT Service 467 697,154 615,842 Common Stock Wadiz
4 Gore Wind Power Wind power Less than 1 years Other 428 439,859 439,859 Common Stock Wadiz
5 Newsystock
RoboAdvisor Investment Algorithm
Plaform
Less than 7 years ICT Service 345 630,749 615,859 Common Stock Wadiz
2017 Startup Investment Trends in Korea ㅣ Part 8. 2017 Equity-based Crowdfunding
52. This report is published with the clear goal to provide an overview of the trends in Korean startup investment for the year of 2017.
It examines and delivers in-depth information concerning monthly investment trends during 2017, current investments by their
size, current investments by business types and history, investor information, and annual M&A trends based on 425 investments
in startups and 29 M&A deals publicly announced during the year of 2017.
All basic data including the name of startups (investees), investors, investment volume, and time of investment is based on the
information disclosed or presented by both investees and investors. The final figures were derived by Platum through analyzing
monthly trends as well as the distribution and ratio of investments and applying comprehensive calculation methods and percent
ratios. The industrial classification system was established based on the middle classification scheme adopted from the Korea
Standard Industry Code (KSIC) by the Korea Venture Capital Association.
In the course of classifying the business types of startups in accordance with the industrial classification system, the detailed
business types of each startup was determined at the discretion of the Research Team at Platum based on the primary business
type of each investee.
In the event that the entirety or part of this report is used for external purposes, it must be expressly stated that the information
originated from research done by Platum.
I hope this report containing information on startup investment trends in Korea is useful and helpful to its readers.
Thank you.
Sangrae Jo, CEO/Platum
Seunghee Han, Senior Researcher/Platum China Research Center
Contributed by Nok-sil Kwon/Wadiz (for the Part on Crowdfunding)
For more information: contact@platum.kr
* This report uses the annual average rate of exchange in 2017 (1,000KRW=$0.88) to specify the investment amount in USD, except for cases in which the
amount is already displayed. There may be a discrepancy between figures that are expected to be the same.
Issued by Platum
Date of publication ㅣ Apr. 2018
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