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Aju IB Investment

Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Yeoksamdong

Description

Aju IB Investment is a distinguished South Korean venture capital and private equity firm, recognized for its extensive experience and significant footprint in the Asian investment landscape. Established in 1982, it stands as one of the oldest and most seasoned players in the Korean market, boasting a long history of fostering innovation and growth within the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) sector. The firm manages a substantial portfolio, with over $2.5 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM), enabling it to deploy considerable capital across various investment opportunities.

The firm's investment strategy is comprehensive, targeting SMEs across all stages of development, from nascent startups requiring seed capital to mature companies poised for pre-IPO growth. Aju IB Investment demonstrates a diversified sector focus, actively investing in high-potential areas such as Information Technology (IT), Bio/Healthcare, New Materials, and advanced Manufacturing. This broad approach allows them to capture value across different industries and technological advancements, contributing to a robust and varied portfolio.

While its primary geographic focus remains South Korea, Aju IB Investment has strategically expanded its reach with an international presence, including an office in Silicon Valley. This global outlook underscores its commitment to identifying and capitalizing on promising ventures beyond domestic borders. The firm is known for its strong track record of successful exits, frequently facilitating initial public offerings (IPOs) and strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for its portfolio companies, thereby playing a crucial role in the development and maturation of the Korean innovation ecosystem. Their typical first check sizes can range significantly, from approximately $1,000,000 for early-stage ventures to as much as $25,000,000 for leading later-stage growth rounds.

Investor Profile

Aju IB Investment has backed more than 49 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 16% of its total and boasts 22 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series C, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in South Korea, United States, India.
  • Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Biotechnology, Therapeutics.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1M – $25M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (27%)
  • Series C (22%)
  • Series B (16%)
  • Series Unknown (10%)
  • Seed (10%)
  • Series D (6%)
  • Series E (4%)
  • Debt Financing (2%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (2%)

Country Focus

  • South Korea (53%)
  • United States (45%)
  • India (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Health Care
  • Biotechnology
  • Therapeutics
  • Medical
  • Manufacturing
  • Life Science
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Biopharma
  • Oncology
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Aju IB Investment frequently co-invest with?

Industrial Bank of Korea
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 4
HB Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3
Hatteras Venture Partners
North America, North Carolina, United States, Durham
Co-Investments: 4
CA
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 4
Altos Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 3
DSC Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 4
Morningside Group
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Newton Center
Co-Investments: 3
IMM Investment
Asia, Cholla-namdo, South Korea, Kangnam
Co-Investments: 3
Korea Investment Partners
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 4
Qiming Venture Partners
Asia, Shanghai, China, Shanghai
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Aju IB Investment often collaborate with?

JL
North America, California, United States, West Hollywood
Shared Deals: 1
KH
North America, California, United States, Cupertino
Shared Deals: 1
Daphne Teo
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
FB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
SH
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Aju IB Investment?

Illimis Therapeutics

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Illimis Therapeutics is a science and technology company that develops treatment for degenerative brain and autoimmune diseases.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyHealth CarePharmaceuticalTherapeutics
Series BJul 14, 2025
Amount Raised: $42,004,389
Healing Paper

Seocho, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Healing Paper uses ICT to improve medical service access, reduce costs, and balance information between experts and non-experts.

BeautyHealth CareMedicalmHealth
Series CFeb 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $29,702,535
Gangnam Unni

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Gangnam Unni is in the field of beauty medical services, helping users choose a treatment and plastic surgery hospital.

BeautyCosmetic SurgeryMedicalWellness
Series CFeb 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $29,702,535
Sizzle

Incheon, Inch'on-jikhalsi, South Korea

Sizzle is a company that provides an integrated process analysis solution based on accumulated experience.

DatabaseManufacturing
Series UnknownJan 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $16,287,330
Selvatico

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Selvatico is the first indigenous brand and largest perfume manufacturer.

BeautyConsumer GoodsFashion
SeedJan 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,713,650
Kovis Technology

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Kovis Technology is a manufacturer of measurement and inspection equipment intended for global semiconductor and electronic industries.

IndustrialIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing
Series BSep 29, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,631,843
PGT

Pohang, Kyongsang-bukto, South Korea

PGT is a manufacturing company that develops specialty chemicals designed to be used as industrial raw materials.

ChemicalIndustrial ManufacturingManufacturing
Series DSep 9, 2024
Amount Raised: $29,788,391
SigzenGuru

Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea

SigzenGuru is an RF development company that specializes in frequency synthesizers, wideband converters, and communication system business.

Communication HardwareCommunications InfrastructureElectronics
Series ASep 4, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,025,493
BeauBrain Healthcare

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

We are dedicated to working towards prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease through biomarker-based disease prediction

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedical
Series AAug 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,019,141
Hurotics

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Hurotics is a company that pioneered the creation of wearable robotic technology.

ManufacturingRobotics
SeedAug 22, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,610,906