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HB Investment

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

Description

HB Investment Inc. is a prominent venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, with a strong focus on investing in small and medium-sized businesses that demonstrate potential for sustained growth and profitability. Established as a key player in the Korean venture ecosystem, the firm primarily targets early to growth-stage companies, providing not just capital but also strategic support to enhance their value. Their investment philosophy centers on identifying innovative companies across various high-growth sectors and actively participating in their development through M&A and IPO consulting.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by its broad sectoral interest, encompassing critical areas such as Information Technology (IT), Biotechnology (Bio), New Materials, and Content. HB Investment is known for its active management of a diverse portfolio of funds, many of which are backed by significant institutional limited partners, including the Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC). As of their latest disclosures, HB Investment manages an impressive 19 funds, reflecting their deep commitment and extensive reach within the Korean startup landscape. They aim to be a long-term partner, guiding companies through various growth phases from initial seed funding to later-stage Series B rounds.

HB Investment's significant presence is underscored by its substantial assets under management (AUM), which exceed ₩1 trillion (approximately $750 million USD). This considerable capital base enables them to make meaningful investments across a wide spectrum of companies. Their robust investment activity is evidenced by their portfolio, which includes over 170 investments, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation across multiple sectors. The firm has also demonstrated a strong track record of successful exits, with more than 25 companies having achieved liquidity events, validating their investment thesis and value-add approach. Their focus on "value-up" through strategic support, rather than just capital injection, positions them as a crucial partner for emerging businesses in South Korea.

Investor Profile

HB Investment has backed more than 20 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 1 rounds, about 5% of its total and boasts 13 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in South Korea, Singapore, Philippines.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Food and Beverage.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series B (45%)
  • Series A (20%)
  • Series Unknown (10%)
  • Seed (10%)
  • Series C (10%)
  • Series D (5%)

Country Focus

  • South Korea (90%)
  • Singapore (5%)
  • Philippines (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Food And Beverage
  • Health Care
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Manufacturing
  • Biotechnology
  • Medical Device
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Product Design
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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 HB Investment frequently co-invest with?

Industrial Bank of Korea
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 4
TONY Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2
Daesung Private Equity
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2
IMM Investment
Asia, Cholla-namdo, South Korea, Kangnam
Co-Investments: 2
Shinyoung Securities
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Yongdungpo
Co-Investments: 2
Aju IB Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Yeoksamdong
Co-Investments: 3
BNH Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2
BSK Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3
KB Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3
Premier Partners
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2

What are some of recent deals done by HB Investment?

Robros

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Robros is continually creating technology in order to bridge the gap between people and robots.

Industrial AutomationRobotics
Series AJul 8, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,923,663
MediQStar

Gwangju, Kwangju-jikhalsi, South Korea

MediQStar is a startup developing a generative AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Generative AI
Series AJul 4, 2025
Big Value

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Big Value is a price analysis for multiplex houses.

Big DataInternetReal Estate
Series BJun 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,695,821
INTAKE foods

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

INTAKE foods is a company focused on food content development and food branding.

ContentFood and BeveragePublishing
Series CApr 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $9,184,179
ProtoPie

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

The easiest interaction design tool for all digital products, allowing designers to build highly interactive prototypes.

Human Computer InteractionProduct DesignSaaSSoftwareUX Design
Series BJan 22, 2025
Amount Raised: $21,000,000
Dnotitia

Seocho, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Dnotitia is a software firm that specializes in developing vector database by integrating AI and data.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)DatabaseDeveloper Platform
SeedDec 10, 2024
Amount Raised: $14,631,618
Enterobiome

Gyeongju, Kyongsang-bukto, South Korea

Enterobiome is a biopharmaceutical company that develops microbiome drugs.

BiopharmaBiotechnologyPharmaceutical
Series COct 16, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,061,849
Lucas

Yeoksamdong, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Lucas develops a system to detect, measure, categorize and track nodules in the screening CT images.

Medical DeviceSoftware
Series BOct 2, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,282,560
Unastella

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Unastella operates its own launch vehicles to provide human space travel platform services.

Aerospace
Series ASep 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $14,589,543
Oncosoft

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Oncosoft develops anti-cancer treatment software to detect cancer.

Health DiagnosticsOncologySoftwareSoftware Engineering
Series BSep 23, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,245,012