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HG Initiative (HGI) is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Seoul, South Korea. The firm focuses on transforming essential businesses into sustainable entities while maximizing their social and environmental impact. HGI has raised approximately $369 million for impact investing, emphasizing sustainability across various sectors.
The firm operates with a dedicated Sustainability Committee that monitors and manages the sustainable growth of its portfolio companies. HGI's office is located at G203, 2nd floor, 5, Ttukseom-ro 1na-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04779, Korea. The firm has established itself as a significant player in the Asian venture capital landscape, particularly in sectors that address sustainability challenges.
Notable milestones include the co-raising of a 250 billion KRW fund with IGIS Asset Management, aimed at providing co-living spaces in Seoul. HGI operates alongside other Korean impact investors, setting its own standards for measuring and assessing social impact.
HG Initiative invests in sectors that tackle sustainability challenges, categorized into three main themes: Sustainable Planet, Sustainable People, and Sustainable Community. The Sustainable Planet theme focuses on clean energy, environment-friendly solutions, and sustainable food and agriculture. The Sustainable People theme targets healthcare, education, and the promotion of high-quality jobs for small and medium-sized businesses. Lastly, the Sustainable Community theme aims to enhance inclusivity through financial services, affordable housing, and diverse lifestyle and content offerings.
HGI's investment strategy spans various stages, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $30 million. The firm primarily focuses on startups located in Asia, aligning its investments with its mission to address pressing sustainability challenges. HGI seeks to partner with founders who are committed to making a significant social and environmental impact through their businesses.
HGI invests in startups with significant growth potential across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify HGI's commitment to investing in businesses that contribute to a sustainable planet, people, and community.
Bohyun Nam: CEO of HG Initiative, with a background in impact investing and a focus on sustainability.
Soryun Park: Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), responsible for strategic direction and partnerships.
Jaeho Koh: Director of the Investment Team, with expertise in venture capital and startup growth.
Mark Seo: Director of the Investment Team, focusing on identifying and evaluating investment opportunities.
June Kyong Choi: Team Leader of the Investment Team, overseeing deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Yoojin Lee: Director of the Business Management Division, managing operational aspects of portfolio companies.
Hyeeun Jeon: Team Leader of the Business Management Team, providing support to portfolio companies.
Hayeon Oh: Team Leader of the Sustainability Management Team, focusing on enhancing sustainable practices within the portfolio.
To pitch HG Initiative, founders should send an email to hgi@hginitiative.com with a detailed pitch deck. The deck should include information about the business model, market opportunity, and sustainability impact. HGI prefers clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's alignment with their investment themes.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
HG Initiative has established a Sustainability Committee that monitors and manages the sustainable growth of its portfolio companies. This committee is responsible for implementing investment policies aimed at enhancing sustainability across all investments.
Additionally, HGI's co-living fund, co-raised with IGIS Asset Management, provides innovative housing solutions for single-person households in Seoul, further demonstrating the firm's commitment to sustainable community development.
In recent months, HG Initiative has continued to promote its mission of sustainability through its investment strategies. The firm has been actively involved in discussions around impact investing and sustainability in the Asian market.
HGI has also been recognized for its efforts in co-raising a 250 billion KRW fund with IGIS Asset Management, aimed at providing co-living spaces in Seoul. This initiative reflects HGI's commitment to addressing housing challenges while promoting sustainable living.
What are HG Initiative's investment criteria?
HGI focuses on sectors that address sustainability challenges, including climate, healthcare, fintech, commerce, biotech, and edtech. The firm invests in companies at various stages, from Seed to Growth Equity, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $30 million.
How can I apply or pitch to HG Initiative?
Founders can reach out to HGI via email at hgi@hginitiative.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and sustainability impact.
What makes HG Initiative different from other investors?
HGI is distinct in its commitment to sustainability and social impact. The firm has a dedicated Sustainability Committee that oversees portfolio growth and implements investment policies aimed at enhancing sustainability.
What is HG Initiative's geographic scope?
HGI primarily invests in startups located in Asia, focusing on businesses that contribute to sustainability within the region.
What kind of post-investment involvement does HG Initiative have?
HGI actively engages with its portfolio companies through its Sustainability Committee, providing guidance and resources to help enhance their sustainable growth.
What is the fund size and check size range for HG Initiative?
HGI has raised approximately $369 million for impact investing, with check sizes ranging from $1 million to $30 million.
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