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Korea Investment Accelerator

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

Description

Korea Investment Accelerator (KIA) is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm and accelerator based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 2017 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea Investment Holdings, a leading financial group, KIA serves as a crucial platform for nurturing nascent startups. Its core mission revolves around identifying promising early-stage companies and providing them with not only capital but also comprehensive mentorship and strategic guidance from industry experts. The firm's selection process is notably driven by seasoned professionals, ensuring a high caliber of portfolio companies.

KIA primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage investments, targeting a diverse range of sectors including information technology, software, fintech, and e-commerce. The firm is known for its structured accelerator programs, such as the 'KIA Batch,' which are designed to accelerate the growth of selected startups through tailored support and networking opportunities. These programs are instrumental in preparing companies for subsequent funding rounds and market expansion, emphasizing practical guidance and market readiness.

Since its inception in 2017, Korea Investment Accelerator has demonstrated a significant commitment to the Korean startup ecosystem. The firm has actively invested in over 100 startups, deploying a total investment amount exceeding 20 billion Korean Won (approximately $14.5 million USD). Their typical first check for early-stage companies ranges from 100 million to 300 million Korean Won, translating to roughly $72,500 to $217,500 USD. This strategic financial backing, combined with their hands-on mentorship, positions KIA as a key player in fostering innovation and scaling early-stage ventures in South Korea.

Investor Profile

Korea Investment Accelerator has backed more than 22 startups, with 20 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 12 rounds, about 55% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in South Korea.
  • Strong thematic focus on Manufacturing, Information Technology, Transportation.
  • Led 11 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $72.5K – $217.5K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (82%)
  • Series A (18%)

Country Focus

  • South Korea (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Transportation
  • Fashion
  • Battery
  • Renewable Energy
  • Electronics
  • Energy Storage
  • Product Design
  • Software
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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 Korea Investment Accelerator frequently co-invest with?

Samick Mats Ventures
Asia, Kyonggi-do, South Korea, Seongnam
Co-Investments: 1
BlissVine Ventures
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Yongsan
Co-Investments: 1
Bluepoint Partners
Asia, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea, Daejeon
Co-Investments: 2
Evergreen Investment Partners
Europe, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, England
Co-Investments: 1
D·CAMP
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 1
ENSL Partners
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 1
MYSC
Asia, Kyonggi-do, South Korea, Seongdong
Co-Investments: 2
CNTTECH
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 1
ETRIHOLDINGS
Asia, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea, Daejeon
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Korea Investment Accelerator?

LaSemilla

Pyeongchang, Kangwon-do, South Korea

LaSemilla is an ag-tech company that aims to alleviate the food crisis caused by the global climate crisis.

AgricultureAgTechFarming
Series AJul 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $549,059

Askitmore a startup that developed the AI presentation automation solution.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Industrial AutomationPresentations
SeedJul 23, 2025
Wave Shine Tech

Daejeon, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea

Wave Shine Tech is developing the next-generation wireless communication relay device, the Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface.

Information TechnologyTelecommunicationsWireless
SeedJul 22, 2025
Daytium

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Daytium is a company that collects and stores data on car parts from the start.

Data StorageDatabaseInformation Technology
SeedJul 21, 2025
Nanolattis

Suwon, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, South Korea

Nanolattis is a next-generation artificial intelligence technology that processes information by imitating the structure and operation.

ManufacturingSensor
SeedJul 15, 2025
Manda

Ilsandong, Kyonggi-do, South Korea

Manda a company that operates the game-type affiliate marketing platform ' Bam!.

Digital MarketingGamingMarketing
SeedJul 14, 2025
Rovers

Songdong, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Rovers is a medium that connects people all over the world, and aims to become a leading agricultural IP company.

Agriculture
SeedJul 14, 2025
Amount Raised: $362,107
Multiscale Instruments

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Multiscale Instruments is a developer of atomic microscopes for semiconductor inline.

ManufacturingMusical InstrumentsSemiconductor
SeedMay 28, 2025
HydroXpand

Daejeon, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea

HydroXpand is an innovative developer and manufacturer specializing in the design and production of anion exchange membrane.

Clean EnergyEnergy StorageRenewable Energy
SeedMay 19, 2025
PAWCHI

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

PAWCHI is a pet insurance company.

FinanceInsurancePet
Series AApr 29, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,189,472