Future Unicorns
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- RIDIContent platformRIDI is a comprehensive content platform, offering e-books, webtoons, web novels and animation based on its rich intellectual property portfolio. The company boasts over 230,000 types of content materials from over 111,000 creators. RIDI is credited with having pioneered the e-book scene in South Korea. Following its success as an e-book giant, the company has continued to branch out its content IP business by acquiring content companies and launching a global webtoon service, Manta. In August 2021, Manta topped over 2 million downloads just 8 months after its release and became the No. 1 comics app on Google Play Store. So far, the company has raised over 70 billion won.
- GripLive commerceGrip, a trailblazer in South Korea’s live commerce industry, offers a platform where vendors sell products to viewers via livestream. Grip’s creative, catchy content is the backbone of its unique community culture, which has become a hit among next-generation shoppers — millennials and Gen Zers alike. The app has been downloaded over 1.7 million times, boasting over 12,000 sellers on its platform. As of December 2020, the company has logged a cumulative transaction amount of 24 billion won ($21.5 million).
- Sandbox NetworkMulti-Channel NetworkSandbox Network is a multi-channel network that manages over 450 digital creator teams and their content. Despite being late to the game of MCNs, the company has sustained a double-digit revenue growth since its inception in June 2015, and now has a total of 200 million subscribers and a 72 billion view count across its content creators. Rejecting the existing MCN business model of offering simple back-room services for a share of the creator’s income, Sandbox is a ‘comprehensive service provider,’ that offers its creatives personalized assistance in matters ranging from marketing to content creation. A share of Sandbox’s Series D funding of 50 billion won comes from Nexon, Korea’s leading game developer.
- Spoon RadioStreaming ServiceSpoon Radio is an online audio streaming platform with 250,000 streamers and 2.5 million listeners worldwide. It launched Korea's first audio-oriented mobile service where users can create and broadcast their own live radio channels. As an audio-only platform, Spoon Radio continues radio's positive legacy and has also captivated Generation Z by strengthening its position as a two-way media. It addresses the need of those who want to share own stories without having to show their faces like in video streaming. KB Investment is the lead investor for both series B and C rounds.
- AIOBIOBiohealthAIOBIO is a healthcare technology startup that is revolutionizing the dental industry with focus on early diagnosis and preventative care. Its quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF™) technology and Q-ray devices allow easy check on oral health condition in both clinics and at home. Its dental service and solutions embrace disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment as well as post-treatment maintenance stages.
- WiselyConsumer goodsWisely is a startup that offers a subscription service for razor blades and other grooming products. With an online direct to consumer (D2C) model, the company eliminates distribution margins and offers a price that is one third of its competitors. The founder says Wisely will grow to become the next generation’s P&G by expanding product lines to other consumer goods. Altos Ventures was a series A investor in 2018.
Future Unicorns
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RIDI
Published: Sep 28, 2021
Last updated: Oct 01, 2021
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Grip
Published: Apr 19, 2021
Last updated: Apr 30, 2021
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Sandbox Network
Published: Mar 22, 2021
Last updated: Jul 23, 2021
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Spoon Radio
Published: Feb 02, 2021
Last updated: Mar 19, 2021
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AIOBIO
Published: Oct 07, 2020
Last updated: Jun 08, 2021
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Wisely
Published: Sep 20, 2020
Last updated: May 26, 2021
