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Smilegate Investment is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1999. Originally established as MVP Venture Capital, it is part of the Smilegate Group, a prominent player in the gaming and entertainment sectors. The firm manages over KRW 1.1 trillion (approximately $800 million) in assets and has invested in more than 200 portfolio companies since its inception. Smilegate Investment focuses on creating a better future through strategic investments in innovative technologies.
With a commitment to supporting impactful companies, Smilegate Investment plays a crucial role in fostering growth across various sectors, including Bio & Health, ICT, Life & Environment, and Entertainment. The firm emphasizes its dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that impact-driven companies account for a significant portion of its investments.
Smilegate Investment invests across multiple sectors, including climate, AI, SaaS, digital health, and energy. The firm engages in investments at various stages, from seed to growth and buyout, primarily focusing on Korean companies with global ambitions, particularly in content and gaming. Their investment strategy is driven by a commitment to supporting remarkable technologies and management teams with strong entrepreneurial spirit.
The firm values companies that demonstrate borderless market potential and emphasizes the importance of strong management teams. Smilegate Investment's thesis highlights the significance of Korean creativity and global competitiveness in content, making it a strategic partner for startups aiming to scale internationally.
Smilegate Investment has built a diverse portfolio of over 200 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Nam, Ki-Moon - CEO. Ki-Moon has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in leading Smilegate Investment since its inception.
Ku, Young-Kwon - Chief Strategy Officer. Young-Kwon focuses on strategic initiatives and partnerships within the firm.
Kim, Sol-Ha - Senior Manager. Sol-Ha oversees various investment projects and supports portfolio companies.
Paik, In-Soo - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. In-Soo has a strong background in investment management and leads key investment strategies.
Lee, Jong-Ho - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. Jong-Ho specializes in identifying high-potential startups for investment.
Kim, Kyoung-Hwan - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. Kyoung-Hwan focuses on portfolio management and growth strategies.
Ally Lee - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. Ally brings expertise in operational support for portfolio companies.
Chang, Jeong-Ho - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. Jeong-Ho is involved in strategic investment decisions.
Seo, Kyung-Woo - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 1. Kyung-Woo focuses on market analysis and investment opportunities.
Ju, Eun-Ji - Senior Manager, Investment Division 1. Eun-Ji supports investment analysis and portfolio management.
Kim, Seung-Pil - General Manager, Investment Division 1. Seung-Pil oversees operational aspects of the investment division.
Kim, Yu-Mi - General Manager, Investment Division 1. Yu-Mi focuses on investment strategy and execution.
Lee, Ji-Yeon - General Manager, Investment Division 1. Ji-Yeon supports investment operations and portfolio management.
Kim, Seung-Hwan - General Manager, Investment Division 1. Seung-Hwan is involved in investment project management.
Park, Jung-In - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 3. Jung-In focuses on strategic investments in emerging sectors.
Nam, Hoon-Gon - Senior Vice President, Investment Division 3. Hoon-Gon specializes in portfolio growth strategies.
Yun, Won-Jun - Senior Manager, Investment Division 3. Won-Jun supports investment analysis and project management.
Lee, Sang-Gun - Senior Manager, Investment Division 3. Sang-Gun focuses on operational support for portfolio companies.
Ahn, Byung-Hwi - Senior Vice President, PE Team. Byung-Hwi leads private equity investment strategies.
Hwang, Chul-Min - Senior Vice President, PE Team. Chul-Min specializes in private equity management.
Kim, Young-Min - Senior Vice President, Early-stage Investment Team. Young-Min focuses on early-stage investment opportunities.
Son, Ji-Won - Senior Vice President, Early-stage Investment Team. Ji-Won supports early-stage portfolio management.
Joe, Yu-Jin - General Manager, Early-stage Investment Team. Yu-Jin oversees early-stage investment projects.
Shin, Jae-Min - General Manager, Early-stage Investment Team. Jae-Min focuses on operational aspects of early-stage investments.
Choi, In-Ji - Deputy General Manager, Early-stage Investment Team. In-Ji supports early-stage investment analysis.
Moon, Jeong-Won - Associate, Early-stage Investment Team. Jeong-Won assists with investment research and analysis.
Park, MK; Mun-Kyu - Senior Vice President, Management Division. MK and Mun-Kyu focus on management strategies for portfolio companies.
Kim, You-Suk - Senior Vice President, Management Division. You-Suk oversees operational management of the investment division.
Yoon, Hee-Wook - General Manager, Management Division. Hee-Wook supports management operations and portfolio oversight.
Shin, Yu-Mi - Deputy General Manager, Management Division. Yu-Mi assists with management strategies and operations.
Kim, Jung-Hyun - Deputy General Manager, Management Division. Jung-Hyun focuses on operational support for the management division.
Yang, Hyun - Deputy General Manager, Management Division. Hyun supports management operations and portfolio oversight.
To pitch to Smilegate Investment, founders should use the preferred channel of email at siv2@smilegate.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Response times may vary, so founders should be prepared for potential follow-up discussions.
Q?
What are Smilegate Investment's investment criteria?
Smilegate Investment focuses on sectors such as climate, AI, SaaS, digital health, and energy, investing in companies with strong management teams and remarkable technologies.
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How can startups apply or pitch to Smilegate Investment?
Startups can pitch to Smilegate Investment through their website at smilegateinvestment.com/en/company.html or via email at siv2@smilegate.com.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Smilegate Investment engages in investments across various stages, indicating flexibility in funding amounts.
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What makes Smilegate Investment different from other VC firms?
Smilegate Investment leverages its extensive network within the Smilegate Group, particularly in gaming and entertainment, to provide strategic support to its portfolio companies.
Q?
What is the geographic focus of Smilegate Investment?
Smilegate Investment primarily focuses on Korean companies with global ambitions, particularly in content and gaming sectors.
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