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OCTOBER 2019: A Korean startup is fueling a World Series rally cry; WeMakePrice raises $334M; A Korean TikTok?
Hello friends, It’s one of my favorite times of year: World Series baseball. My team, the LA Dodgers, is out, but I’m rooting for the Washington Nationals -- and who would have thought that a Korean startup was so strongly connected to their run up to the Fall...
OCTOBER 2019: A Korean startup is fueling a World Series rally cry; WeMakePrice raises $334M; A Korean TikTok?
Hello friends, It’s one of my favorite times of year: World Series baseball. My team, the LA Dodgers, is out, but I’m rooting for the Washington Nationals -- and who would have thought that a Korean startup was so strongly connected to their run up to the Fall...
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019: Viva Republica Raises $64M; Braille Tablet Dot Pad Is Here
Hello friends, Welcome back from an extended summer break. Things are finally starting to heat up on the investment front in Korea, including a $64 million boost to Toss developer Viva Republica and M&As by Kakao Mobility, Yanolja and LG Household & Health...
JULY 2019: Flitto goes IPO; Zigbang raises $136M; Hello from Uganda
Hello friends, Greetings from Uganda, where I’m exploring lush East African landscapes and appreciating the simple life Meanwhile in South Korea, the money has been warming up, with funding rounds for future unicorn Zigbang as well as NHN Payco and Fastfive. Here's...
JUNE 2019: See you in Seoul July 5-15; Yanolja raises $180M
Hello friends, It's been a big month for Yanolja, Baedal Minjok and NXC. It's also been a big month for me, as I've completed my master's degree in media innovation and entrepreneurship at Northwestern University. It's been quite an interesting experience learning...
MAY 2019: Yello Mobile settles legal woes; GroundX launch date June 27; Noom raises $58M
Hello friends, Happy summer! Which, in Chicago, means it's 50 degrees. The tech scene has picked back up with public and private investments as well as Ground X setting a launch date. Here's a shortlist of news from this month: Big money for Noom, SendBird, Market...
APRIL 2019: Samsung’s botched Galaxy Fold; Kurly raises $88M; Banks back fintech startups
Hello friends, Happy April. It has been a slow news month, save for Samsung's Galaxy Fold blowout. Here's a shortlist of news from this month: Big money for Kurly M&A for SKT/Incross Samsung will delay the release of its Galaxy Fold smartphone over display issues...
Startup Special Issue: And the South Korea winners of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia 2019 list are…
Hello friends, The time has finally come for the grand unveiling of Forbes’ esteemed 30 Under 30 Asia 2019 list. Editors, journalists and judges have worked for over six months to discover the best and brightest leaders, pioneers and entrepreneurs under age 30 across...
MARCH 2019: Kakao vs SoCar in e-bike sharing; Airport biometric ID systems; Shinhan splits from Viva Republica’s internet bank deal
Hello friends, Greetings from Spain, where I'm having my fill of tapas in the warm spring weather. Thanks for filling out our anonymous readership survey last month. It's great to hear from such a diverse crowd interested in Korean startup news. I'm pondering some...
FEBRUARY 2019: Nexon’s suitors, 5G countdown; Robot jajangmyeon; Readership survey
Hello friends, Exciting times are on the horizon - Samsung and LG have unveiled new phones with ridiculous features (foldable? why?), but more importantly, they're equipped with 5G as South Korea preps to roll out commercial service next month. Plus, the battle is on...