
HB Investment
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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