# Top 40 Music Startup Investors in South Korea in May 2026

## Altos Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 3
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Software, E-Commerce, Internet

Altos Ventures was founded in 1996 to invest in early stage technology companies. After starting with $30 million in committed capital, we currently manage more than $8 billion in regulatory assets under management, supporting the full lifecycle of companies from inception to global growth and profitability. We have been the first and leadinstitutional investor in 100+ companies around the world. We invest in both consumer and enterprise tech companies, with particular interest in enterprise SaaS, FinTech, e-commerce, and consumer brands and services. We look to invest in high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led companies. Initial investments can start as small as $500,000 while our follow-on investments can exceed $100 million in a single round, purchasing both primary and secondary shares.

## Shinhan Venture Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Series A, Seed
- Focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Information Technology

Shinhan Venture Investment operates as an investment company. Shinhan Venture Investment focuses on earlier-stage venture capital investments and later-stage control investments opportunities derived from the latest megatrends such as the aging population, disruptive technologies, IT convergence, alternative energy and etc.

## Timewise Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Series A, Series B
- Focus: Information Technology, Software, Information Services

TIMEWISE INVESTMENT, formerly known as CJ Venture Investment, is a principal investment firm specializing in investments in video broadcasting, animation, movies, culture contents, games, communications equipment, arts, sports, leisure, manufacturing and service, mobile devices and solutions, information technology, SI, web agency, cell therapy andbiotechnology sectors. The firm primarily invests in South Korea with a focus in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Jeju. CJ Venture Investment was established in 2000 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.

## Capstone Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Series A, Seed, Series B
- Focus: Software, Mobile, Gaming

Capstone Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage companies operating in the Information technology, wireless technology, architecture, pharmaceutical, internet, online game, software, solid state disk, and IP television sectors. It primarily invests in China and South Korea, with a focus in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Thefirm prefers to exit its investments through a trade sale. Capstone Partners was founded in 2008 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.Capstone Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in entrepreneurs seeking success with fresh ideas. Capstone Partners values the funds of union investors better than our own, working for the interests of investors and following the objective of the investments.

## Primer Sazze Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: San Jose, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
- Focus: Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence

Primer Sazze Partners - We like to find founders who are making the impossible happen through sheer force of will and a refusal to accept hard truths. 

## SV Investment Corp
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Software, SaaS, Information Technology

SV Investment Corp is a venture capital firm that provides companies with finance, strategic advice and information at critical stages of their development.

## kocca
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed
- Focus: Apps, Music, Digital Entertainment

Korea Creative Content Agency (kocca) was established on May 7, 2009 to efficiently support the growth of the cultural industry by combining Korea Broadcasting Institute, Korea Culture and Content Agency, Korea Game Industry Agency, Cultural Contents Center, and Digital Contents Business Group of Korea IT Industry Promotion Agency according toArticle 31 of the Framework Act on Cultural Industry Promotion.kocca is an agency dedicated to promoting all areas for content. We established a comprehensive support system to nurture the content industry, and aim to develop Korea as one of the world's top 5 contents powerhouses.kocca conducts various support businesses to help Korea's content industry grow into a global leader in the creative economy.

## Strong Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
- Focus: E-Commerce, Health Care, Apps

Strong Ventures is a seed fund, based in California, that finances, supports, and mentors Korean/Asian/Global entrepreneurs, empowering them to build strong ventures and to break successfully into the global market.With proven experience as operators, executives, and entrepreneurs, they provide hands-on assistance and guidance. On topof their financial investment, they aim to provide tangible value to their entrepreneurs, through network reach, strategic thinking, and execution collaboration. And, as they engage together in their venture endeavors, they hope to make the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where they build companies and labor in, a better, stronger, and more fun place for all.

## Future Science and Technology Holdings
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Daejeon, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Information Technology

Future Science and Technology Holdings is an investment company that specializes in technology-based services.

## SNU Technical Holdings
- Type: VC Fund
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed
- Focus: Apps, Music, Mobile Apps

SNU Technical Holdings

## eBEST
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Yongdungpo, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series B, Private Equity
- Focus: Apps, Music, EdTech

eBest is a brokerage firm.

## P&I Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A
- Focus: Music, Content, Content Marketing

P&I Investment is a venture capital firm based in South Korea.

## ID ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Yeoksamdong, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Seed, Series B
- Focus: Fashion, Media and Entertainment, Health Care

ID ventures is an IP based venture capital firm.

## We Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed
- Focus: Software, Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence

We Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in bio-health, digital content, AI data, and deep tech.

## Naver
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series C, Series A
- Focus: E-Commerce, Software, Information Technology

Naver operates as a search engine and e-commerce platform providing fintech, digital content, and cloud services.The company introduces innovative search services such as ‘Comprehensive Search,’ ‘Knowledge iN,’ and ‘Real-time Rising Keyword.' It also offers UGC services such as Blog and Cafe; Junior Naver, a children’s portal; Happybean, anonline donation portal. NAVER launched its Webtoon service in June 2004 and has pioneered the distribution and consumption of webtoons, also known as digital comics. In addition, NAVER also offers services for the global market, including the mobile messenger LINE through LINE Corporation, NAVER’s subsidiary; the video messenger Snow; and the group communication service BAND.NAVER is also involved in software development and distribution; performances and exhibitions business; mobile content development and distribution; search advertising; internet commerce and customer service business; the operation and security services of IT infrastructure; operating online shopping services, and mobile applications marketing.Lee Hae-Jin and Lee Joon-ho headquartered the company in Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea in 1999.

## Murex Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series B, Series A, Seed
- Focus: Software, Health Care, Virtual Reality

Murex Partners is a VC firm specializing in thesis-driven investing.

## KNet Investment Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B
- Focus: Manufacturing, Information Technology, Gaming

K-Net is a venture capital firm.

## InterVest Co.
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series B, Series A, Series C
- Focus: Software, Artificial Intelligence, Health Care

Creating Innovative Values for Ventures. Knowledgeable & Experienced Professionals. Leading Venture Capital Investor in Korea

## Qihoo 360 Technology
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Beijing, Beijing, China
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Angel, Series B
- Focus: Information Technology, Security, Internet

360 Total Security is a leader in Cybersecurity software. With a billion active internet users, 360 has earned a strong reputation for excellence. Download Free

## KB Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Seed
- Focus: Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence

Founded in 1990, KB Investment Co., Ltd. (KBIC) is one of Korea’s leading investment firms of venture capital and private equity funds with over USD 1.4 Billion of asset under management as of December 2013. KBIC is a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, Korea’s premier financial group with the largest domestic customer base as well as the widestnetwork of service branches in Korea.KBIC’s team is recognized for industry thought leadership, a broad network of powerful industry relationships, and a unique professional investment approach to investing. KBIC passionately support our portfolio companies with active guidance in all key aspects of team building, strategy, operations and governance

## Jong-Il Yoon
- Type: Angel
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel, Pre-Seed
- Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Machine Learning

Jong-Il Yoon - Venture Partner @ BonAngels Venture Partners

## Bass Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seocho, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: E-Commerce, Travel, FinTech

Bass Investment is a venture capital firm based in South Korea.

## E&Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B
- Focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Biopharma

E&Investment is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea.

## Golden Gate Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Singapore, Central Region, Singapore
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: FinTech, E-Commerce, Financial Services

Golden Gate Ventures is a venture capital firm investing across Southeast Asia. Since 2011, the firm has launched four funds, managed US$250M AUM, and invested in 60+ companies in over 7 countries in Asia. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies driven by the rising consumer class in Southeast Asia.

## Softbank Ventures Asia
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series B, Series A, Series C
- Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Software, Information Technology

SoftBank Ventures Asia is the corporate venture capital arm of SoftBank Group. The firm prefers to invest in the information technology, smart robotics industry artificial intelligence, internet of things and information, communication, and technology sectors. It is based in Seoul, Korea, and was founded in 2000.

## Industrial Bank of Korea
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Seed, Series B
- Focus: Software, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology

Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) is committed to honoring its charter of financing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Bank has extended the scope of its expertise to provide a comprehensive range of financial services to individual customers in a quest to emerge as a leading financial services group. In pursuit of that goal, IBK is makingevery effort to enhance its competitiveness, achieve balanced growth and strengthen its global presence.The Bank employs around 10,000 staff and operates a distribution network of 612 branches including 12 overseas branches. Providing complementary services, the Bank also operates several subsidiaries: IBK Capital Corporation, IBK-SG Asset Management, IBK System Co., Ltd., and IBK Credit Information Corporation. In 2008, IBK Investment & Securities was launched, focused on meeting the needs of SME customers for services such as IPOs and M&As. Moreover, strategic alliance with Korea Investment Holdings enhances product competitiveness and affiliation with the National Post Office promoting easy customer access to IBK banking services.

## SparkLabs Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Seed, Series B
- Focus: E-Commerce, Enterprise Software, Software

SparkLabs Ventures is a new venture capital launched by SparkLabs Group. Our vision is to lead the revolution of Korean startup ecosystem by bridging the gap between Korea and the rest of the world

## DT Capital Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Health Care, Medical, Software

DT Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm that provides growth capital to early and expansion stage companies. They invest in dynamic businesses that have high growth potential, strong management teams, and demonstrated revenue models in both technology-based and traditional industries. DT Capital Partners currently manages overUSD$500 Million in capital across multiple US dollar and RMB funds, and also has a close affiliation with Madrone Capital in the US, the investment entity for members of the Walton family.In addition to funds, the invested company also benefits from their extensive experience in operating capital markets across the country, close relationships with local governments and companies, and synergies with other investment companies.DT Capital Partners was awarded the “Top 10 China's Best Return Venture Capital Institution” in 2016, and the founding partners of Detong Capital, Shao Jun and Tian Lixin. DT Capital Partner was founded in 2006 and is based in Shanghai, China.

## Formation 8
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: San Francisco, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Seed
- Focus: Software, SaaS, Analytics

Formation 8 is a venture capital firm that provides financial and strategic capital to early growth smart enterprise and energy technology companies. They support entrepreneurs who seek to transform the most important global industries by solving hard problems with technology solutions. Partnership is in their DNA. Formation 8 value trustedrelationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners through their global network.As a partner to young companies, Formation 8's goal is to create long-term, sustainable value through operational expertise and business development partnerships. Formation 8 leverage their deep and distributed networks to provide the market knowledge, deployment expertise, sales channels, and relationships needed to expand into and thrive in Asia. With local teams in Korea, China and Singapore, Formation 8 connect Silicon Valley start-ups to dynamic multinational corporations in these geographies.

## Series Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Changwon, Kyongsang-namdo, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage

Series Ventures is an investment company for the beauty care, engineering, healthcare, social platform, and enterprise sectors.

## Wargaming
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Pre-Seed
- Focus: Gaming, Information Technology, Apps

A catalogue of games produced by the leading game developer in the CIS.
Legendary and new games from Wargaming for PC, iOS, Android, Xbox and Playstation.

## Access Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Software, Information Technology, SaaS

Access Ventures is a venture capital firm focusing on early stage technology companies in Vietnam, Indonesia and Korea. They provide strategic expertise to their founders and access to their unique network of executives and technology professionals. Leveraging their robust network of strategic investors, they also focus their attention on creatingand executing sound exit strategies.

## Partners Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series B, Series A, Series C
- Focus: Biotechnology, Health Care, Education

As a responsible and long-term partner, they aim to make various constructive contributions to portfolio companies.

## IAM
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A
- Focus: Music, Content, Content Marketing

IAM is an IT company that offers railway operation information management systems.

## Samsung Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B
- Focus: Software, Information Technology, Manufacturing

The primary responsibilities of the group are to source, qualify, and invest in technology related companies. Our major investment areas include semiconductors, materials, mobile service, internet, software, security, enterprise solutions, bio engineering & medical, while potential investment subjects range from early-stage startups to pre-IPOcompanies. Currently, the group has over $1.8B under management and invests $250M annually.Samsung Ventures was founded on October 8, 1999, and is based in Seoul, South Korea.

## Bokwang Investment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Seed
- Focus: Mobile, Music, FinTech

Bokwang Investment is a Korean investment management firm that supports funds and management for small- and medium-sized companies.

## Maven Capital Partners
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Glasgow, Glasgow City, United Kingdom
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Seed
- Focus: Software, Information Technology, SaaS

Maven is one of the UK's leading private equity and investment firms. We provide essential capital and expertise to help businesses unlock their potential.

## YG Entertainment
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Corporate Round
- Focus: Software, Media and Entertainment, Information Technology

YG Entertainment, the entertainment company established by Yang Hyun Suk, of the popular Korean act Seo Tae Ji and Boys, has been at the forefront of the popularization of hip-hop music in Korea. From its inception, YG Entertainment has been the birthplace of some of Korea’s most popular and well-respected artists, from YG’s earlier artists such asJINUSEAN and 1TYM, to the immensely successful current acts, BIGBANG and 2NE1. The company has flourished by creating a family-like atmosphere where ideas on music, fashion, art and culture are exchanged freely between the artists, producers and staff members alike. The YG Family also includes a respected roster of actors and actresses, including actress and director, Ku Hye Sun, best known for the popular TV-drama “Boys Over Flowers” and Jeong Hye Young

## CRIT Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series B
- Focus: Information Technology, Blockchain, Software

The Road Not Taken

## Netmarble
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Gaming, Video Games, Online Games

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