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Venture capital investment during the second week of August (10th–14th) focused on deep-tech sectors covering materials and components for batteries and semiconductors. Five 'mega-deals' exceeding 10 billion won were completed, marking a week where the spread of AI data centers clearly boosted funding for power and materials companies.
The startups that secured investment during this period include: Solivis, Cosmos Lab, Graphy, Endlight, Bunker Kids, Awesome Ray, ISPI, Aid Korea Company, Solastic, All Made, OYD, Steel Cut, Axiom, and Medicol — totaling 14 companies.
The most notable news was Solivis, a solid-state electrolyte specialist company, securing 23 billion won in Series C funding. Its cumulative investment amount has now reached 65.2 billion won. Solivis was simultaneously selected for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' deep-tech scale-up programs 'Global Deep Leap' and 'Unicorn Bridge.'
Solivis is operating a sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte factory in Hwaseong, Gangwon Province, with an annual capacity of 36 tons, based on over 150 patents and its '3rd Generation Wet Synthesis Yangsan Platform.' The funds secured this time will be used to enhance process automation levels and diversify the materials line.
Cosmos Lab, a non-lithium battery cell company, also secured 22 billion won in Series A funding. Cosmos Lab develops aqueous zinc-halogen batteries using water-based non-flammable electrolytes. Its key strength lies in its integrated cell structure that requires no external electrolyte tank or circulation pump.
As the weight of the battery market shifts from electric vehicles to AI data centers and power grid ESS (energy storage systems), capital is flowing into long-duration technologies that complement lithium-ion batteries. Currently, Cosmos Lab is conducting joint development with SoftBank for large-capacity cell Yangsanization, aiming to begin Yangsan operations next year.
Solastic, a lightweight solar company founded by Hyundai Motor Group's internal venture arm, received 3 billion won in Pre-Series A funding. Its building-integrated photovoltaic (BAPV) products are pursuing KS certification in the second half of the year, while vehicle-integrated (VIPV) parts plans to build a dedicated factory to establish a Yangsan foundation.
Awesome Ray, a carbon nanotube (CNT) materials company, received 7.5 billion won in Series B bridge funding. As a developer of 'CNT Membrane' for EUV (extreme ultraviolet) pellicles, the investment gained momentum with participation from S&S Investment, the corporate venture capital arm of potential customer SS Tech.
With Wonik Investors Partners executing through a defense fund, possibilities for applications in aerospace and defense have also opened. Awesome Ray plans to complete customer evaluations based on its cleanroom production line established in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, and proceed with initial supply. The company targets a technology-special listing by 2028.
ISPI, an inspection equipment company based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, finalized 6.5 billion won in Series B funding. It aims to expand its business, previously centered on PCB and MLCC, into semiconductor damascene processes and secondary battery cathode material inspections, targeting revenue growth from 6.5 billion won last year to 10 billion won this year and 25 billion won next year.
In the AI sector, companies emphasizing 'data' over models secured large-scale funding. Endlight, a physical AI data company, raised 15 billion won led by KDB Industrial Bank. Naver D2SF participated for the third time, following its involvement in Pre-Series A in 2021 and Series A in 2022.
Endlight automatically generates data reflecting physical properties such as mass and friction using its 3D asset creation solution 'Trinixs.' This approach reduces the 'sim-to-real gap' by integrating with NVIDIA Omniverse. The company is participating as a data supplier for physical AI projects by Hyundai Motor and LG Electronics.
Graphy, an AI data infrastructure company that raised 17 billion won, is developing the 'Arcaic' platform that supports full-stack operations from data connection to AI agent execution. It recorded processing speeds 142 times faster than the global benchmark 'LDBC SNB' and is currently conducting validation with agencies including the Agency for Defense Development, Hanwha Ocean, and KB Securities.
Bunker Kids, which operates the AI character chat service 'Weep,' received 15 billion won in Series A funding from eight investors. The average daily stay time of paying users is 217 minutes, and payment revenue grew by an average of 110% per month over nine months since launch. The company plans to increase its overseas sales share to over 60% by year-end.
In the consumer goods sector, brands that have proven their overseas performance were selected. Aid Korea Company, which operates the K-beauty brand 'Marien May,' secured 4 billion won in Series B funding from JB Investment (3 billion won) and KB Securities (1 billion won).
OYD, which operates functional body care 'Shione' and baseball caps 'Onui,' received seed investment from The Venture. It plans to combine its content expansion capabilities verified in Japan with an AI-based localization system. Longevity startup Axion secured seed funding from Kakao Ventures and Future Play.
Early-stage companies in the bio and security sectors also achieved results. Non-invasive diagnostic company All Made received the first round of Pre-Series A investment from Kookmin University Technology Holdings and Mineta Brook Ventures. It aims to target overseas markets with rapid diagnostic kits for inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer utilizing quantum dot luminescence signals.
Deepfake blocking and detection company Steel Cut secured seed funding from Mashup Ventures. By embedding micro-signals into photos while maintaining original image quality, it prevents synthesis itself. The company signed an agreement with Seoul National University and protected 5,800 graduation photos.
Medicol, which operates the dental-specific AI phone coordinator 'Dental Call,' received seed funding led by AI Engine Club, with participation from CNT Tech, Tail Ventures, and Antler Korea. It confirmed overseas business viability by supplying paid services to Thai telecom companies and Philippine medical institutional investors.
Medicol CEO Moon In-wook stated, "We are creating an operational model where AI agents responsible for each area of patient management and medical institution operations collaborate within a single platform, rather than automating just one specific task," adding, "We will expand into AI agents that support the entire operation of medical institutions."
[MoneyToday startup media platform 'Unicorn Factory']
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