
Aju IB Investment
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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