In Seoul, many creative startups are changing different industries. This list shares the top 15 unicorns in Seoul, each worth more than $1 billion. These leading companies are changing areas like, fintech, e-commerce, AI, etc, making Seoul a center of innovation. Learn about the amazing companies that call Seoul home.
List of Top 15 Unicorns in Seoul
1. Toss
A South Korean financial technology company that provides mobile banking services and a financial super app for customers.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $7.40B
- Industry: Fintech
- Founded Year: 2013
- Total Funding Raised: $844.2M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 12/9/2018
- Key Investors: Bessemer Venture Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
- Total Investors: 17
- Total Funding Deals: 6
- Website: https://toss.im/
2. Yello Mobile
A South Korean mobile internet company that provides mobile advertising and commerce solutions for businesses.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $4B
- Industry: Mobile & telecommunications
- Founded Year: 2012
- Total Funding Raised: $216.07M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 11/11/2014
- Key Investors: Formation 8
- Total Investors: 8
- Total Funding Deals: 6
- Website: http://www.yellomobile.com/
3. Kurly
A South Korean online grocery platform that provides grocery delivery solutions and services for customers.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $3.30B
- Industry: Supply chain, logistics, & delivery
- Founded Year: 2014
- Total Funding Raised: $769.86M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 7/9/2021
- Key Investors: Sequoia Capital China, DST Global, DST Global
- Total Investors: 20
- Total Funding Deals: 6
- Website: https://www.kurly.com/
4. Tridge
A global sourcing and trading platform connecting buyers and suppliers
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $2.70 B
- Industry: Internet software & services
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 8/24/2022
- Key Investors: Forest Partners, Softbank Ventures Asia
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://www.tridge.com/
5. WEMAKEPRICE
WEMAKEPRICE is a South Korean e-commerce company that offers various products and services, including daily deals, coupons, travel packages, and more.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $2.34B
- Industry: E-commerce & direct-to-consumer
- Founded Year: 2009
- Total Funding Raised: $486.65M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 9/9/2015
- Key Investors: IMM Investment, NXC
- Total Investors: 3
- Total Funding Deals: 4
- Website: https://www.wemakeprice.com/main
6. MUSINSA
MUSINSA is a Korean online fashion platform that offers a wide range of products from local and international brands.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $2.20B
- Industry: E-commerce & direct-to-consumer
- Founded Year: 2001
- Total Funding Raised: $286.36M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 11/11/2019
- Key Investors: Sequoia Capital
- Total Investors: 2
- Total Funding Deals: 2
- Website: https://www.musinsa.com/
7. ZigBang
ZigBang is a Korean real estate platform that provides information on properties, apartments, and more.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.93 B
- Industry: Mobile & telecommunications
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 6/7/2022
- Key Investors: Black Pearl Ventures, Stonebridge Ventures, Yuanta Investment Korea
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://www.zigbang.com/
8. MEGAZONE
MEGAZONE is a South Korean cloud computing and managed services provider.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.83 B
- Industry: Internet software & services
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 8/16/2022
- Key Investors: Salesforce Ventures, ATP Investment, kt investment
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://www.cloudpia.co.kr/
9. Bucketplace
Bucketplace is a South Korean online shopping platform that offers a wide range of products, including fashion, beauty, and home goods.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.40 B
- Industry: E-commerce & direct-to-consumer
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 5/9/2022
- Key Investors: IMM Investment, Mirae Asset Capital, BOND
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://www.bucketplace.co.kr/
10. RIDI
RIDI is a South Korean e-book service provider that offers a vast selection of e-books and webtoons.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.33B
- Industry: E-commerce & direct-to-consumer
- Founded Year: 2008
- Total Funding Raised: $331.23M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 2/28/2022
- Key Investors: Atinum Investment, Company K Partners, GIC
- Total Investors: 14
- Total Funding Deals: 5
- Website: https://www.ridibooks.com/
11. GPclub
GPclub is a South Korean e-commerce company that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, home appliances, and more.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.32B
- Industry: Other
- Founded Year: 2003
- Total Funding Raised: $66.16M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 10/22/2018
- Key Investors: Goldman Sachs
- Total Investors: 1
- Total Funding Deals: 1
- Website: https://www.gpshop.co.kr/
12. L&P Cosmetic
L&P Cosmetic is a Korean cosmetics company that offers various skincare and beauty products.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.19B
- Industry: Consumer & retail
- Founded Year: 2009
- Total Funding Raised: $118.64M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 1/1/2016
- Key Investors: CDIB Capital
- Total Investors: 4
- Total Funding Deals: 4
- Website: https://www.lpcosmetic.com/
13. IGAWorks
IGAWorks is a South Korean mobile marketing company that offers various mobile marketing services, including user acquisition, retention, and analytics.
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1.00 B
- Industry: Internet software & services
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 11/8/2021
- Key Investors: Korea Investment Private Equity, Atinum Investment, Korea Investment Partners
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://www.igaworks.com/
14. Dunamu
Korean fintech firm that operates the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1B
- Industry: Fintech
- Founded Year: 2012
- Total Funding Raised: $72.44M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 7/22/2021
- Key Investors: Qualcomm Ventures, Woori Investment, Hanwha Investment & Securities
- Total Investors: 10
- Total Funding Deals: 2
- Website: https://www.dunamu.com/
15. Yanolja
South Korean travel and leisure platform that offers booking services for accommodations, restaurants, and activities
Company Details:
- Country: South Korea
- Valuation: $1B
- Industry: Travel
- Founded Year: 2005
- Total Funding Raised: $2.036B
- Joined Unicorn Club: 6/10/2019
- Key Investors: SBI Investment Korea, Partners Investment, GIC
- Total Investors: 11
- Total Funding Deals: 4
- Website: https://www.yanolja.com/
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 15 unicorns we’ve explored are just a glimpse into the many success stories that continue to emerge from Seoul. As these companies reshape industries and set new standards, Seoul is sure to secure its place as a global leader in innovation and growth.