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Kakao Ventures, established in April 2012 and rebranded in March 2017, operates as an independent subsidiary of Kakao Corp, headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea. The firm focuses on supporting startups through investments and resources, particularly in deep tech, digital healthcare, and gaming sectors. With a strong presence in the Korean startup ecosystem, Kakao Ventures aims to be the first institutional investor in 90% of its new deals, thereby fostering innovation and growth.
As of now, Kakao Ventures manages approximately $325 million in assets under management (AUM) across 11 vintage funds. The firm has built a diverse portfolio of over 190 companies, showcasing its commitment to early-stage investments. Kakao Ventures has established itself as a significant player in the global venture capital landscape, particularly in Asia, the United States, Germany, India, and Japan.
Kakao Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups, specifically from the seed stage to early Series A. The firm emphasizes sectors such as ICT, software, deep tech, digital healthcare, and gaming. Their investment philosophy centers on supporting entrepreneurs who are committed to solving societal problems through innovative solutions. Kakao Ventures is particularly interested in sectors that address consumer inconveniences, with a keen focus on AI, robotics, and nuclear technology for future investments.
The organization is open to both domestic and international startups, with a current emphasis on markets in Indonesia, India, Japan, Germany, and the United States. Kakao Ventures seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong vision and the capability to execute their ideas effectively. The firm typically invests as the first institutional investor in new deals, which allows them to play a pivotal role in the growth of their portfolio companies.
Kakao Ventures boasts a diverse portfolio of over 190 startups, including notable companies such as:
In addition to these, the firm has invested in various other startups across its focus sectors, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare and gaming. The portfolio reflects Kakao Ventures' strategy of supporting early-stage companies that are poised to make significant impacts in their respective fields.
Ki-Jun Kim, CEO | Partner: Ki-Jun has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the deep tech and gaming sectors. He holds a degree in Business Administration from a prestigious university.
Chi-Won Kim, Vice President | Partner: Chi-Won specializes in ICT and software investments, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles in leading tech firms. He has a strong background in engineering and business.
Jeong-Rok Kim, Senior Director | CFO: Jeong-Rok oversees financial operations and has a track record of managing funds effectively. He has worked in various financial institutions prior to joining Kakao Ventures.
Dong-uk Jang, Director: Dong-uk focuses on early-stage investments and has a keen interest in digital healthcare startups. He has a background in entrepreneurship and technology.
Ji-ung Kim, Principal Associate: Ji-ung supports the investment team with market research and analysis, contributing to the firm's strategic decision-making process.
Hyun-Ik Cho, Senior Associate: Hyun-Ik is involved in deal sourcing and due diligence, leveraging his experience in venture capital to identify promising startups.
Jeong-Ho Shin, Senior Associate: Jeong-Ho focuses on portfolio management and provides support to portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Ju-Yeon Jeong, Senior Associate: Ju-Yeon specializes in market analysis and helps the firm identify trends in the startup ecosystem.
Hye-Won Ahn, Senior Associate: Hye-Won is involved in investment evaluations and supports the team in assessing potential deals.
Young-Moo Kim, Associate: Young-Moo assists in various operational tasks and contributes to the firm's overall investment strategy.
Startups interested in pitching to Kakao Ventures should use the preferred channel of their pitch email at hello@kakao.vc or the contact form available at https://kakao.vc/contact. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Kakao Ventures typically reviews submissions promptly, but response times may vary based on the volume of inquiries.
Kakao Ventures operates the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startups), which combines private investment with government support to foster startup growth. This program offers funding for research and development as well as commercialization, with varying amounts based on the track, including General, Deep Tech, and Global.
In 2024, Kakao Ventures reported recovering 130 billion KRW (approximately $97 million) in exits and returns, showcasing the success of its investment strategy. The firm has been actively involved in 2024, with a breakdown of investments including 6 deals in IT/services, 9 in deep tech, 3 in digital healthcare, and 1 in gaming.
Looking ahead, Kakao Ventures plans to focus on AI, robotics, and nuclear technology for its 2025 investments, continuing its commitment to early-stage funding in impactful sectors. The firm aims to maintain its position as a leading institutional investor in the Korean startup ecosystem.
What are Kakao Ventures' investment criteria?
Kakao Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups, focusing on seed and Series A rounds. They target sectors such as ICT, software, deep tech, digital healthcare, and gaming. The firm looks for entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving societal problems through innovative solutions.
How can startups apply or pitch to Kakao Ventures?
Startups can reach out to Kakao Ventures via their pitch email at hello@kakao.vc or through their contact page at https://kakao.vc/contact. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Kakao Ventures different from other VCs?
Kakao Ventures aims to be the first institutional investor in 90% of its new deals, which allows them to provide significant support and resources to their portfolio companies. Their focus on impactful entrepreneurship and commitment to addressing consumer inconveniences sets them apart.
What is the geographic scope of Kakao Ventures?
The firm invests globally, with a strong emphasis on markets in Asia, including South Korea, as well as the United States, Germany, India, and Japan. They are open to both domestic and international startups.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Kakao Ventures typically invests in the seed and Series A stages, with check sizes varying based on the specific needs of the startup and the potential for growth. Exact figures are not disclosed, but they focus on providing sufficient capital to support early-stage development.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Kakao Ventures have?
Kakao Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies through access to resources, industry insights, and support from a network of experienced professionals. They also operate the TIPS program, which combines private investment with government support to foster startup growth.
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