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KDB Capital

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

Description

KDB Capital, a prominent venture capital and private equity firm, operates as a key subsidiary of the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB), playing a pivotal role in fostering the growth of South Korean enterprises. Established with a mandate to support the nation's industrial development, KDB Capital extends a comprehensive suite of financial services, including venture investments, corporate loans, and leasing solutions. Its investment arm is particularly active in the startup ecosystem, deploying capital across various stages from seed to growth equity, with a strategic focus on high-potential sectors critical to South Korea's future economy.

The firm's investment strategy is characterized by its broad sectoral interests, encompassing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. KDB Capital is known for its robust deal flow and its willingness to lead or co-lead significant funding rounds. For instance, in May 2023, the firm notably invested 10 billion Korean Won (approximately $7.5 million USD) in a Series B round for a promising startup, demonstrating its capacity for substantial capital deployment. Its commitment to nurturing innovation is further evidenced by its extensive portfolio, which includes over 150 investments, with a significant number of lead investments and successful exits.

KDB Capital actively manages multiple investment funds, often collaborating with other institutional investors to amplify its impact. These funds are strategically designed to target specific growth areas and support companies poised for significant expansion. The firm's deep roots within the Korean financial landscape, coupled with its strategic alignment with national development goals, position it as a critical partner for startups seeking not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to broader networks. Through its diverse investment activities, KDB Capital continues to be a cornerstone of South Korea's vibrant venture capital landscape, driving innovation and economic progress.

Investor Profile

KDB Capital has backed more than 25 startups, with 10 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 8% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series Unknown, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in South Korea, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $2M – $15M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (32%)
  • Series Unknown (24%)
  • Series C (20%)
  • Series B (12%)
  • Seed (12%)

Country Focus

  • South Korea (88%)
  • United States (8%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Information Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • E-commerce
  • Machine Learning
  • Manufacturing
  • Hardware
  • Automotive
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Drones
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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 KDB Capital frequently co-invest with?

Industrial Bank of Korea
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3
SL Investment
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3
BNK Venture Capital
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2
SBVA
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 5
Mirae Asset Venture Investment
Asia, Kyonggi-do, South Korea, Seongnam
Co-Investments: 4
AI
North America, North Carolina, United States, Apex
Co-Investments: 2
Woori Venture Partners
Asia, Kyonggi-do, South Korea, Seongnam
Co-Investments: 3
FuturePlay
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 2
L&S Venture Capital
Asia, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea, Seoul
Co-Investments: 3

What are some of recent deals done by KDB Capital?

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
HyperAccel

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

HyperAccel provides hardware solutions for developing AI applications.

HardwareManufacturingSemiconductor
Series ADec 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $37,835,796
Meissa

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Construction Drone SaaS

ConstructionSaaSSoftware
Series CNov 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,147,401
Novelty Nobility

Seongnam, Kyonggi-do, South Korea

Novelty Nobility is a private biotech company focused on the research of novel angiogenesis targets and develop antibody-based therapeutics.

BiotechnologyHealth CareLife ScienceTherapeutics
Series CNov 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $16,624,497
LuluMedic

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Lulumedic provides continuous and professional services to improve the health of customers.

ConsultingCustomer ServiceInformation Technology
SeedOct 28, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,592,685
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
Fitogether

Pohang, Kyongsang-bukto, South Korea

Fitogether specializes in football data analysis.

AnalyticsInformation ServicesSports
Series UnknownSep 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,257,362
FUST Lab

Daejeon, Taejon-jikhalsi, South Korea

FUST Lab designs and manufactures ultrasonic equipment for various industries.

IndustrialMachinery ManufacturingManufacturing
SeedSep 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,318,086
Baropharm

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

Baropharm is an online e-commerce platform that sells pharmaceutical products for improved individual care.

BiopharmaE-CommercePharmaceutical
Series UnknownAug 29, 2024
Amount Raised: $11,242,849
Grace

Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea

Grace operates as a health and beauty brand aggregator.

BeautyPersonal Health
Series UnknownAug 28, 2024