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Founded in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea, Yellowdog is a pioneering impact venture capital firm dedicated to bridging the gap between capital markets and social impact makers. As a first-generation social impact venture capital, Yellowdog aims to enhance the impact investment landscape by supporting businesses that address social challenges inadequately tackled by existing systems. The firm has raised a total of $64 million and has a portfolio comprising 46 companies across various sectors. Yellowdog is recognized for its commitment to investing in entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong dedication to social issues and effective business leadership. The firm operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States, and is known for its strategic guidance and resources that help portfolio companies scale and achieve their social impact goals. In 2021, Yellowdog transitioned its assets and team to Envisioning Partners, continuing its mission under a new brand while maintaining the same leadership. This transition has allowed Yellowdog to further solidify its reputation as a leader in impact investing, focusing on innovative technologies and business models that create both commercial and social value.
Yellowdog's investment focus is centered on innovative technologies and business models that generate both commercial success and social impact. The firm actively seeks to support entrepreneurs who are committed to addressing pressing social issues, particularly in sectors such as climate, healthcare, edtech, fintech, biotech, food-agtech, consumer products, mobility, the creator economy, and government technology. Yellowdog invests at various stages, including Friends & Family, Angel, Accelerator/Incubator, Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, and beyond, up to Series F and Growth Equity. The firm is particularly interested in companies that demonstrate a clear potential for social impact alongside financial returns. By prioritizing investments in sectors that align with its mission, Yellowdog aims to foster a positive societal impact while achieving sustainable financial growth. The firm’s approach emphasizes collaboration with entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources and networks to scale their businesses effectively.
Yellowdog boasts a diverse portfolio of 46 companies, showcasing its commitment to impact investing across various sectors. Notable investments include H2, which commercializes vanadium redox flow batteries for large-scale energy storage; Hylium Industries, specializing in liquefied hydrogen technology for mobility; and Mathpresso, which offers AI-based learning content for K-12 students. Other significant portfolio companies include Dimensional Energy, known for converting captured CO2 into high-value products; Shiok Meats, which produces cell-cultured shrimp using stem cell technology; and Socar, a mobile app-based car-sharing service that has achieved unicorn status. Additionally, Lendit, a leading online P2P lending platform in South Korea, highlights Yellowdog's focus on fintech innovation. The firm’s portfolio reflects its strategic emphasis on companies that not only aim for financial success but also contribute positively to society.
Hyunjoo Je - CEO & Managing Partner, formerly CEO of Yellowdog, now leads Envisioning Partners.
Yong Hyun Kim - Co-leader, previously CEO of Hanwha Asset Management.
Jongpil Won - Partner with a focus on impact investments.
June Cha - Partner, now at Envisioning Partners.
To pitch Yellowdog, founders should visit their pitch URL at envisioning.partners or email contact@yellowdog.kr. They prefer clear and concise pitches that outline the business model and social impact goals.
Yellowdog has transitioned its assets and team to Envisioning Partners in 2021, continuing its mission under a new brand. The firm is actively deploying from its $64 million oversubscribed Envisioning Climate Solutions Fund, which closed in February 2022. Recent investments include notable companies across various sectors, reinforcing its commitment to impact investing.
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