Funded startups, ranked by AI

South Korea’s top 40 funded startups

Edition 0 – beta·Published Oct 2026·Next scheduled update 18 Oct 2026

A quarterly ranking of non-listed South Korean startups that have already raised funds, established by artificial intelligence from public information. The market sets the value; our AI estimates it.

Quarterly Claude · multi-AI consensus in a future edition· Published method· Order never changed by a human

Declare an interest in South Korean startups

The market at a glance

40companies ranked

2companies on the radar

USD ~9.6bnraised in 2025

8,542rounds in 2025

New venture investment rose 14% in 2025 to KRW 13.6tn, its second-highest level after 2021 (Ministry of SMEs and Startups; 8,542 investments, all investors combined). First half of 2026: a record KRW 8.87tn (+54%), driven by AI and semiconductors. Sources: Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Korea JoongAng Daily (H1 2026). Intention counters will be shown above a threshold of amount and number of Backers.

Listed benchmarks MakinaRocks · Industrial AI software · KOSDAQ listing May 2026 · sourceHanpass · Cross-border remittance · KOSDAQ listing Mar 2026 · sourceNeosapience · AI voice · KOSDAQ listing Sep 2026 · source Not ranked: no intention is possible on a listed company.

National ranking · all sectors

Top 40 Radar Born here, based elsewhere Challengers

First edition: no movements yet.

#	Company	Sub-sector	Known funding	Estimated valuation (AI, order of magnitude)	Confidence
1	TossSeoul · founded 2013Viva Republica, HQ Seoul Valuation implied by new shares issued to Ant Group in exchange for its Toss Payments stake. US listing in preparation. Last cash round: Series G, USD 405M, Dec 2022 (Tonic PE). Is this your company? Report an error	Fintech › financial super-app	USD >0.9bn raised Share swap with Ant Group · no cash · Jan 2026 (implied KRW 20.5tn) · source	Last known equity round: Series G · USD 405M · Dec 2022 Published valuation: USD 14.1bn (Jan 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
2	YanoljaSeoul · founded 2007HQ Seoul; split into NOL Universe (consumer) and Yanolja Cloud (B2B) Valued at about USD 6.7bn in 2021. A Nasdaq listing targeting USD 9bn was withdrawn in 2024. Net loss in 2025. Is this your company? Report an error	Travel › travel super-app and hospitality cloud	USD ~2bn raised Growth · USD 1.7bn (about half secondary) · Jul 2021 (SoftBank Vision Fund 2) · source	Last known equity round: Growth round (primary part) · USD 870M · Jul 2021 (SoftBank Vision Fund 2) Published valuation: USD 6.7bn (Jul 2021) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
3	RebellionsSeongnam (Pangyo) · founded 2020HQ Seongnam; merged with SK’s Sapeon Korea (2024) Part of the round is public policy money. KOSPI listing now targeted for H1 2027. Is this your company? Report an error	Semiconductors › AI inference chips	USD ~850M raised Pre-IPO · USD 400M · Mar 2026 (Mirae Asset, Korea National Growth Fund) · source	Last known equity round: Pre-IPO round · USD 400M · Mar 2026 (Mirae Asset, Korea National Growth Fund) Published valuation: USD 2.3bn (Mar 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
4	DeepXSeongnam (Pangyo) · founded 2018HQ Seongnam Round closing in tranches until end-October 2026; IPO planned for 2027. Valuation up from KRW 700bn at the 2024 Series C. Is this your company? Report an error	Semiconductors › edge AI chips	Undisclosed amount raised Series D (first tranche) · USD ~30M · Aug 2026 (Shinhan Financial); up to KRW 350bn planned · source	Last known equity round: Series D first tranche · USD 30M · Aug 2026 (Shinhan Financial) Published valuation: USD 2.2bn (Aug 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
5	IICOMBINED (Gentle Monster)Seoul · founded 2011HQ Seoul; stores worldwide A Jun 2026 secondary sale (ZWC Partners) valued the group at KRW 3.35tn, below Google’s entry. Profitable consumer brand group. Is this your company? Report an error	Consumer › eyewear and lifestyle brands	Undisclosed amount raised Strategic · USD 100M (4%) · Jun 2025 (Google) · source	Last known equity round: Strategic round · USD 100M · Jun 2025 (Google) Published valuation: USD 2.2bn (Jun 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
6	FuriosaAISeoul · founded 2017HQ Seoul; US office Round still being paid in, at KRW 3tn pre-money. Turned down a USD 800M takeover offer from Meta in 2025. About half the round comes from public policy funds. Listing targeted for H2 2028. Is this your company? Report an error	Semiconductors › AI inference chips	USD ~800M (estimate) raised Series D (pre-IPO) · up to USD ~600M (KRW 850bn) · from May 2026 (TS Investment; policy funds) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 578M · May 2026 (TS Investment; policy funds) Published valuation: USD 2.2bn (May 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
7	AblySeoul · founded 2015Ably Corporation, HQ Seoul The KRW 3tn valuation of the Alibaba deal is disputed: secondary prices were reported below KRW 1tn and the company is fully capital-impaired. Is this your company? Report an error	Commerce › fashion and beauty marketplace	Undisclosed amount raised Strategic · USD ~71M (KRW 100bn, 5%) · Dec 2024 (Alibaba) · source	Last known equity round: Strategic round · USD 71.4M · Dec 2024 (Alibaba) Published valuation: USD 2.1bn (Dec 2024) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
8	KurlySeoul · founded 2014HQ Seoul Down round at KRW 2.8tn, against about KRW 4tn in 2021. Record operating profit in Q1 2026; IPO being revived. Is this your company? Report an error	Commerce › online grocery and dawn delivery	Undisclosed amount raised Strategic · USD ~23M (KRW 33bn) · May 2026 (Naver) · source	Last known equity round: Strategic round · USD 23M · May 2026 (Naver) Published valuation: USD 1.9bn (May 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
9	Megazone CloudSeoul · founded 2018HQ Seoul; offices in 8 countries Pre-IPO investment from Neowiz Partners in Sep 2026 (amount undisclosed). KOSPI listing in preparation. Revenue of KRW 1.75tn in 2025. Is this your company? Report an error	Business software › cloud services and AI	USD >430M raised Series C · USD 343M (KRW 450bn) · Aug 2022 (MBK Partners, IMM PE) · source	Last known equity round: Series C · USD 343M · Aug 2022 (MBK Partners, IMM PE) Published valuation: USD 1.8bn (Aug 2022) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
10	UpstageSeoul · founded 2020HQ Seoul region; US office in San Jose Sources differ on the valuation (KRW 1tn to 1.6tn). Acquiring the Daum portal from Kakao through a share swap. Part of the round is public policy money. Is this your company? Report an error	AI › language models and document AI	USD ~500M (KRW ~700bn) raised Series C extension · USD ~405M (KRW 560bn) · Apr 2026 (Korea National Growth Fund, Mirae Asset, SK Networks) · source	Last known equity round: Series C extension · USD 405M · Apr 2026 (Korea National Growth Fund, Mirae Asset, SK Networks) Published valuation: USD 1.2bn (Apr 2026) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
11	MusinsaSeoul · founded 2001HQ Seoul Filed for KOSPI preliminary review on 7 Sep 2026, targeting about KRW 8tn; listing expected in H1 2027. Profitable. Is this your company? Report an error	Commerce › fashion e-commerce and retail	USD ~330M raised Series C · USD 190M · Jul 2023 (KKR, Wellington) · source	Last known equity round: Series C · USD 190M · Jul 2023 (KKR, Wellington) Published valuation: USD 2.7bn (Jul 2023) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
12	Danggeun (Karrot)Seoul · founded 2015HQ Seoul Profitable from advertising since 2024. No round since 2021. Is this your company? Report an error	Commerce › hyperlocal marketplace	USD ~205M raised Series D · USD 162M · Aug 2021 (DST Global) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 162M · Aug 2021 (DST Global) Published valuation: USD 2.7bn (Aug 2021) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
13	Bucketplace (Ohouse)Seoul · founded 2014HQ Seoul Valued at KRW 2tn in 2022. Revenue above KRW 300bn in 2025. Is this your company? Report an error	Commerce › home and interior platform	USD ~261M raised Series D · USD 182M · May 2022 (SoftBank Ventures Asia, Bond, KDB) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 182M · May 2022 (SoftBank Ventures Asia, Bond, KDB) Published valuation: USD 1.4bn (May 2022) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
14	Wrtn TechnologiesSeoul · founded 2021HQ Seoul; operations in Japan and the US Valued above KRW 1tn. Overseas sales now exceed domestic sales. Is this your company? Report an error	AI › consumer AI apps	USD ~166M (KRW 230bn) raised Series C · USD 72M (KRW 100bn) · Aug 2026 (Coreline Ventures, Goodwater, KDB) · source	Last known equity round: Series C · USD 72.2M · Aug 2026 (Coreline Ventures, Goodwater, KDB) Published valuation: USD 722M (Aug 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
15	XCENASeongnam (Pangyo) · founded 2022HQ Seongnam Formerly MetisX. Is this your company? Report an error	Semiconductors › CXL computational memory	USD ~185M raised Series B · USD 135M · May 2026 (Atinum Investment) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 135M · May 2026 (Atinum Investment) Published valuation: USD 570M (May 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
16	Holiday RoboticsSeoul · founded 2024HQ Seoul One of the largest Series A rounds in Korea. Is this your company? Report an error	Robotics › humanoid robots for manufacturing	Undisclosed amount raised Series A · USD ~105M (KRW 155bn) · Jul 2026 (KDB, IBK, IMM Investment) · source	Last known equity round: Series A · USD 105M · Jul 2026 (KDB, IBK, IMM Investment) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
17	FlexSeoul · founded 2019HQ Seoul Valued at KRW 500bn. ARR above KRW 30bn. Is this your company? Report an error	HR tech › HR and payroll software	USD ~58M (KRW 80bn) raised Series B-1 · USD ~7M (KRW 10bn) · Jun 2025 (Han River Partners) · source	Last known equity round: Series B-1 · USD 7.3M · Jun 2025 (Han River Partners) Published valuation: USD 366M (Jun 2025) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
18	ZigbangSeoul · founded 2011HQ Seoul Valued at KRW 2.5tn in 2022. The 2025 KRW 60bn from VIG was debt (bonds with warrants), not counted. Is this your company? Report an error	Proptech › property listings and smart home	Undisclosed amount raised Series E · USD ~78M (KRW 100bn) · Jun 2022 (KDB, IMM, Hana) · source	Last known equity round: Series E · USD 78M · Jun 2022 (KDB, IMM, Hana) Published valuation: USD 1.9bn (Jun 2022) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
19	Blue ElephantSeoul · founded 2019HQ Seoul Valued at about KRW 400bn. Part of the round is an option exercisable within six months. Is this your company? Report an error	Consumer › eyewear brand	Undisclosed amount raised Series A · USD ~71M (KRW 100bn) · Aug 2026 (Affinity Equity Partners) · source	Last known equity round: Series A · USD 71.4M · Aug 2026 (Affinity Equity Partners) Published valuation: USD 286M (Aug 2026) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
20	WadizSeoul · founded 2012HQ Seoul Operating profit since late 2024. KOSDAQ listing targeted. Is this your company? Report an error	Fintech › reward and equity crowdfunding	Undisclosed amount raised Series D · USD 68M · Dec 2021 (Lotte Holdings) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 68M · Dec 2021 (Lotte Holdings) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
21	BOS SemiconductorsSeongnam (Pangyo) · founded 2022HQ SeongnamIs this your company? Report an error	Semiconductors › automotive AI chips	Undisclosed amount raised Series A · USD ~60M (KRW 87bn) · Feb 2026 · source	Last known equity round: Series A · USD 60.2M · Feb 2026 Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
22	MyrealtripSeoul · founded 2012HQ Seoul Profitable since 2024. Listing targeted for 2027. Debt not counted. Is this your company? Report an error	Travel › online travel and activities	USD ~113M raised Series F · USD 56.7M (KRW 75.6bn) · Jan 2024 (BRV, IMM) · source	Last known equity round: Series F · USD 56.7M · Jan 2024 (BRV, IMM) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
23	Seoul RoboticsSeoul · founded 2017HQ Seoul; offices in the US and Germany Valued at KRW 280bn at the bridge round. Last disclosed amount: Series B, USD 25M, Jan 2023. Is this your company? Report an error	Robotics › 3D lidar perception for infrastructure	Undisclosed amount raised Bridge · undisclosed · Dec 2024 (TK Investment) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 25M · Jan 2023 Published valuation: USD 200M (Dec 2024) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
24	BanksaladSeoul · founded 2012HQ Seoul Valuation down more than 40% from 2022. KOSDAQ listing in preparation. Is this your company? Report an error	Fintech › personal finance and insurance brokerage	USD ~150M (KRW ~200bn) raised Pre-IPO (underwriter) · USD ~0.4M · Jun 2025 (Mirae Asset Securities) · source	Last known equity round: Pre-IPO round · USD 370k · Jun 2025 (Mirae Asset Securities) Published valuation: USD 187M (Jun 2025) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
25	CarbonSixSeoul · founded 2024HQ Seoul (a US entity is also listed)Is this your company? Report an error	Robotics › robot foundation models for manufacturing	USD ~47M (KRW ~66bn) raised Series A · USD ~40M (KRW 60bn) · Jul 2026 (DSC Investment, LB Investment) · source	Last known equity round: Series A · USD 40M · Jul 2026 (DSC Investment, LB Investment) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
26	LinerSeoul · founded 2015Dual HQ Seoul and San FranciscoIs this your company? Report an error	AI › research search engine	USD ~64M raised Series C · USD 36.1M · Aug 2026 (LB Investment, KDB) · source	Last known equity round: Series C · USD 36.1M · Aug 2026 (LB Investment, KDB) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
27	FindaSeoul · founded 2015HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Fintech › loan comparison	USD ~50M (KRW 64.4bn) raised Series C · USD ~36M (KRW 47bn) · Jul 2023 (JB Financial Group, 500 Global) · source	Last known equity round: Series C · USD 36M · Jul 2023 (JB Financial Group, 500 Global) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
28	Scatter LabSeoul · founded 2011HQ Seoul Maker of the Zeta app. Is this your company? Report an error	AI › character chat app	Undisclosed amount raised Series D · USD ~36M (KRW ~50bn) · Jun 2026 (Atinum, SBVA, Mirae Asset Venture) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 35.7M · Jun 2026 (Atinum, SBVA, Mirae Asset Venture) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
29	Prazer TherapeuticsSeoul · founded 2019HQ Seoul KOSDAQ listing targeted. Is this your company? Report an error	Biotech › targeted protein degradation	Undisclosed amount raised Pre-IPO · USD ~34M (KRW 50bn) · Jul 2026 · source	Last known equity round: Pre-IPO round · USD 33.8M · Jul 2026 Confidence index: HighMethod	Partial sources
30	Autonomous A2ZGyeongsan · founded 2018HQ Gyeongsan Filed for KOSDAQ preliminary review; listing targeted before end-2026. Is this your company? Report an error	Mobility › level-4 autonomous driving	USD ~85M (KRW 122.5bn) raised Pre-IPO · USD ~29M (KRW 40.5bn) · Mar 2026 · source	Last known equity round: Pre-IPO round · USD 28.9M · Mar 2026 Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
31	RLWRLDSeoul · founded 2024HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Robotics › robot foundation models	USD ~41M raised Seed 2 · USD 26M · Feb 2026 (Headline Asia, Z Venture Capital) · source	Last known equity round: Seed 2 · USD 26M · Feb 2026 (Headline Asia, Z Venture Capital) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
32	Socra AI (ex-Riiid)Seoul · founded 2014HQ Seoul Restructured in 2022, closed its US operations in 2024 and renamed itself Socra AI in Sep 2025. Heavy losses. Is this your company? Report an error	Edtech › AI tutoring and test prep	USD ~250M raised Growth · USD 175M · May 2021 (SoftBank Vision Fund 2) · source	Last known equity round: Growth round · USD 175M · May 2021 (SoftBank Vision Fund 2) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
33	UnastellaSeoul · founded 2022HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	SpaceTech › small launch vehicles	USD ~44M raised Series B · USD ~24M (KRW 33.5bn) · Jun 2026 (Altos Ventures) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 24M · Jun 2026 (Altos Ventures) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
34	PFCTSeoul · founded 2015PFC Technologies (formerly PeopleFund), HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Fintech › AI credit scoring and online lending	USD ~100M (KRW 125.6bn) raised Series C extension · USD ~19M (KRW 24.7bn) · Jan 2023 (Bain Capital) · source	Last known equity round: Series C extension · USD 19M · Jan 2023 (Bain Capital) Confidence index: MediumMethod	Solid sources
35	PromediusSeoul · founded 2019HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Healthtech › AI osteoporosis screening	USD >25M (KRW >35bn) raised Series B · USD ~15M (KRW 21.5bn) · Jun 2026 (Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Naver) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 15.4M · Jun 2026 (Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Naver) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
36	wert IntelligenceSeoul · founded 2015HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Business software › patent intelligence	Undisclosed amount raised Series B · USD 10.9M (KRW 16.5bn) · Jul 2026 (Altos Ventures) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 10.9M · Jul 2026 (Altos Ventures) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources
37	WireBarleySeoul · founded 2016HQ Seoul No disclosed round since 2020. Is this your company? Report an error	Fintech › cross-border remittance	Undisclosed amount raised Series B · USD ~8.5M (KRW 10bn) · Sep 2020 (Magna Investment, Shinsegae I&C) · source	Last known equity round: Series B · USD 8.5M · Sep 2020 (Magna Investment, Shinsegae I&C) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
38	Channel CorpSeoul · founded 2014HQ Seoul; subsidiaries in Japan and the US A quarter of revenue comes from abroad. Is this your company? Report an error	Business software › AI customer messaging	USD ~39M (KRW ~51bn) raised Series D · USD ~8M (KRW 11bn) · Jan 2025 (Bon Angels, Altos Ventures) · source	Last known equity round: Series D · USD 8.4M · Jan 2025 (Bon Angels, Altos Ventures) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
39	SentBeSeoul · founded 2015HQ SeoulIs this your company? Report an error	Fintech › cross-border remittance	USD ~30M (KRW ~40bn) raised Strategic · USD ~3.8M (KRW 5.5bn, 3.4%) · Apr 2026 (Heungkuk Fire & Marine) · source	Last known equity round: Strategic round · USD 3.8M · Apr 2026 (Heungkuk Fire & Marine) Confidence index: LowMethod	Partial sources
40	Class101Seoul · founded 2018HQ Seoul Turnaround after a 2023–24 cash crunch. Is this your company? Report an error	Edtech › online creative classes	USD ~57M (KRW 82.5bn) raised Follow-on · USD ~2.4M (KRW 3.5bn) · Feb 2025 (Strong Ventures) · source	Last known equity round: Follow-on round · USD 2.4M · Feb 2025 (Strong Ventures) Confidence index: HighMethod	Solid sources

Ranking in descending order of AI-estimated valuation, based on public information, following a published method, with no human intervention on the order. Valuation ranges are indicative editorial estimates: neither a financial valuation, nor an offer, nor investment advice. Only the market sets a company’s value, through a funding round or a sale. Edition 0: produced by Claude (Anthropic); a consensus of several AI models will apply in a future edition. Eligibility: at least $1M raised including one equity round, non-listed company, main operations in South Korea. Request a correction

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How to read this ranking

Rank

Companies are ranked by AI-estimated valuation, highest first. The market sets the value; our AI estimates it.

Range

An order of magnitude, never a figure.

Hundreds of k$
Millions $
Tens of M$
Hundreds of M$
Unicorn
Decacorn

Confidence

High: recent published valuation or round (under 24 months).
Medium: older data.
Low: single or unconfirmed source.

Full method →

Rankings by sector

Four verticals at launch, more when the feasibility test allows.

Coming soon · Top 10

AI & semiconductors

AI chips, language models and consumer AI apps.

Coming soon · Top 10

Commerce & consumer

Fashion, grocery, marketplaces, travel and brands.

Coming soon · Top 10

Fintech & crypto

Super-apps, lending, remittance and crowdfunding.

Coming soon · Top 10

Robotics & deeptech

Humanoids, robot foundation models, space and autonomy.

HealthtechProptechEdtechContentB2B software

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Strength in numbers

Alone, a small ticket opens no doors. Together, Backers carry weight.

Declare an interest

In the country or one of its sectors, with a ticket range, and if you wish a preferred company. Paid, to show you are serious; valid for life, and movable to another pool until its pool is passed to the partner.

Critical mass is reached

When the pool’s combined amount reaches its critical mass, a floor amount estimated by the AI, the pool is passed to the local partner, who presents this demand to the company.

The local partner structures

If the company’s expectations and the Backers’ converge, the partner builds a transaction and presents it directly to the Backers concerned.

Closing

Capital raise or sale of existing shares: small tickets are pooled in a common vehicle set up by the local partner. Each Backer decides whether to take part.

Uback does not advise, does not negotiate, collects nothing. Each transaction is run by the local partner, under the law shown on the company’s profile.

Get notified when intentions open What happens after my declaration? Intention declarations open once the local partner signs · price per ticket band · valid for life · movable until the pool is passed on

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Radar · known eligible companies, not ranked

Sorted by date of last round, with no judgement and no AI call. Undisclosed amount: the round is confirmed by the press, not its amount.

Enlighten · Climate tech › rooftop solar for industryProject-level funding · USD ~21M (KRW 30bn) · Jan 2026 (Templeton Hana Asset Management) · source
Doctornow · Healthtech › telemedicine and e-pharmacySeries B follow-on · undisclosed · late 2025 (Hashed, Mirae Asset); last disclosed: USD ~32M (KRW 40bn), Jun 2022 · source

Born in South Korea, based elsewhere

Companies of South Korean origin whose main operations are now abroad: not ranked, shown with the law governing their shares.

Moloco · Adtech › machine-learning advertising
Korean founders; HQ Redwood City (US), large Seoul officeSeries C · USD 150M · 2021 (Tiger Global) · source
Twelve Labs · AI › video understanding models
Korean founders; HQ San Francisco, R&D in SeoulSeries B · USD 100M · Jul 2026 (NEA, Naver Ventures) · source
Sendbird · Business software › chat APIs and AI agents
Founded in Korea; HQ San Mateo (US), co-HQ SeoulSeries C · USD 100M · Apr 2021 (Steadfast, SoftBank Vision Fund 2) · source
Point2 Technology · Semiconductors › data-centre interconnect
KAIST spin-off; HQ San Jose (US)Series B extension · Series B total USD 136M · Aug 2026 (LB Investment, Nvidia, Arm) · source
LinqAlpha · Fintech › AI agents for investors
Korean founders; HQ New YorkSeries A · USD 22M · Jul 2026 (Atinum Investment, GFT Ventures) · source
INOCRAS · Healthtech › whole-genome cancer diagnostics
Korean origin; HQ San Diego (US)Series B · USD ~31M (KRW 44.35bn) · Aug 2026 (IMM Investment) · source

Not ranked

Dunamu (Upbit) · Merger into Naver Financial by share swap pending, now expected at end-2026 (valued about USD 10bn)source
Kakao Mobility · Subsidiary of Kakao (KOSPI), 57%; US listing filed confidentially (Jun 2026)source
Kakao Entertainment · Controlled by Kakao (KOSPI)source
Kakao Style (Zigzag) · Owned by Kakao (KOSPI) since 2021source
Kream · Naver group company (KOSPI)source
Bithumb · Not venture-funded: controlled by a holding companysource
Korbit · Acquired by Mirae Asset (Jul 2026)source
TMON · Receivership (Jul 2024), then acquired by Oasis (Jun 2025)source
WeMakePrice · Declared bankrupt by the Seoul Bankruptcy Court (Nov 2025)source

The method in South Korea

Calendar. Quarterly ranking, published on the 15th of January, April, July and October. Next edition: October 18, 2026.

Eligibility: at least $1M raised including one equity round, non-listed company, main operations in South Korea.

Partner sought. Securities firm or investment adviser licensed by the FSC (Financial Services Commission of Korea), or investment bank.

Sources. Korean and international business and technology press (Korea JoongAng Daily, Korea Herald, Yonhap, KED Global, Seoul Economic Daily, Maeil Business, The Bell, Startup Recipe, TechCrunch, Bloomberg), Ministry of SMEs and Startups and THE VC data, company and investor announcements.

Method and rules, common to all countries →