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Yellowdog is an impact venture capital firm founded in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea. As a first-generation social impact venture capital, Yellowdog focuses on connecting capital markets with impact makers, enhancing the impact investment landscape. The firm operates with a fund size of $64 million and has built a diverse portfolio of 46 companies across various sectors.
Since its inception, Yellowdog has aimed to invest in businesses that address social challenges inadequately tackled by existing systems. The firm prioritizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong commitment to social issues and effective business leadership. Yellowdog has established itself as a key player in the impact investment market, recognized for its dedication to fostering positive social change through innovative technologies and business models.
In 2021, Yellowdog transitioned its assets and team to Envisioning Partners, continuing its mission under the new brand. The firm has maintained its focus on impact investing, with a portfolio that spans across global markets, particularly in the United States, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. Yellowdog's notable milestones include partnerships with SK Group and Korea Development Bank to create a 50 billion won ($43 million) impact startup fund.
Yellowdog invests in a wide range of sectors, including climate, healthcare, edtech, fintech, biotech, food-agtech, consumer, mobility, creator-economy, and govtech. The firm targets various stages of investment, from Friends & Family and Angel rounds to Series A through F and Growth Equity. This broad investment strategy allows Yellowdog to support startups at different points in their growth journey.
The firm emphasizes innovative technologies and business models that create both commercial and social value. Yellowdog seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are dedicated to addressing social issues, thereby fostering a positive impact on society while achieving financial returns. The firm’s investment thesis revolves around the belief that addressing social challenges can lead to sustainable business success.
Yellowdog's approach includes providing strategic guidance, access to networks, and resources that enhance portfolio companies' ability to scale and achieve their social impact goals. The firm is particularly interested in entrepreneurs who exhibit strong leadership qualities and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Yellowdog's portfolio consists of 46 companies, showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Hyunjoo Je: CEO & Managing Partner. Hyunjoo previously served as the CEO of Yellowdog and now leads Envisioning Partners. He has extensive experience in impact investing and has been instrumental in shaping the firm's strategic direction.
Jongpil Won: Managing Partner. Jongpil has a strong background in venture capital and impact investing, contributing to the firm's investment strategies and portfolio management.
Oran Kwon: Partner. Oran brings expertise in financial analysis and investment evaluation, playing a key role in identifying promising startups for investment.
Hansem Park: Investment Analyst. Hansem focuses on conducting due diligence and market research to support investment decisions.
Jiyoon Song: Compliance Officer/Risk Manager/Operations Manager. Jiyoon oversees compliance and risk management, ensuring that the firm adheres to regulatory standards and operational efficiency.
Daewoong Heo: Auditor. Daewoong is responsible for auditing financial statements and ensuring transparency in the firm's financial practices.
To pitch to Yellowdog, founders should utilize the preferred channel available on their website at envisioning.partners. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and social impact objectives. Yellowdog values detailed information on how the startup plans to address social challenges.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the firm's commitment to impact investing. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can facilitate a more favorable reception of the pitch.
In February 2022, Yellowdog closed its oversubscribed Envisioning Climate Solutions Fund, raising $64 million to support climate tech startups. This fund marks a significant milestone in the firm's commitment to impact investing.
Yellowdog has been active in deploying capital across its portfolio, with a total of 46 investments made in various sectors, including notable companies like Jellatech and Lendit. The firm continues to enhance its presence in the impact investment market, connecting capital markets with impact makers.
Recent reports indicate that Yellowdog has transitioned its operations to Envisioning Partners, with Hyunjoo Je continuing as CEO. This transition reflects the firm's ongoing dedication to impact investing and its mission to support socially responsible entrepreneurs.
What are Yellowdog's investment criteria?
Yellowdog invests in businesses that address social issues not adequately tackled by existing systems. The firm prioritizes innovative technologies and business models that create both commercial and social value.
How can I apply or pitch to Yellowdog?
Founders can pitch to Yellowdog through their website at envisioning.partners. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and information on how the startup addresses social challenges.
What makes Yellowdog different from other venture capital firms?
Yellowdog is recognized as a first-generation impact venture capital firm in Korea, focusing exclusively on impact investing. The firm emphasizes collaboration and support for entrepreneurs committed to making a difference.
What is Yellowdog's geographic scope?
Yellowdog has a global investment focus, with particular attention to markets in the United States, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Yellowdog invests across various stages, from Friends & Family to Growth Equity, with check sizes varying depending on the stage and specific needs of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Yellowdog have?
Yellowdog adds value to its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, access to networks, and resources that enhance their ability to scale and achieve their social impact goals.
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