ZD Ventures

ZD Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2023 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The firm is dedicated to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, serving as a foundational partner for young innovators who are shaping the future. They provide not only capital but also mentorship and strategic guidance, with a strong belief in investing in the founders themselves, recognizing their drive and adaptability as crucial for long-term success.

Founded by entrepreneurs under 30, including CEO Hagyeong (Patrick) Kim, Baek In-seong, Kwon Yong-wook, and Jung Kyu-sik, ZD Ventures is recognized as one of Korea's youngest venture capital firms. The firm aims to bridge the gap between local talent and international opportunities, seeking to connect Korean startups with global investors and new markets. They foster a supportive startup culture through initiatives like “Founders in Korea,” a community connecting young entrepreneurs, and by operating founder houses to encourage collaboration.

ZD Ventures strategically focuses its investments across a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, robotics, and metaverse applications, reflecting South Korea's leadership in tech innovation. They also actively invest in consumer goods, beauty, and fashion, as well as deep technology. Notable investments include Fungus International and ViralBase in the business/productivity software industry, Risorious in digital healthcare, Wavv, a tech firm enhancing the entertainment industry with AI for music creation and audio/video editing, and Matari, which focuses on traditional Korean food culture and hospitality.

The firm's team, comprising young partners, brings a unique perspective to the investment landscape. CEO Hagyeong (Patrick) Kim, also chairman of "Founders," a group of young entrepreneurs from top Korean universities, emphasizes their ability to quickly identify and connect with promising young founders. This approach allows ZD Ventures to build an ecosystem that grows alongside the entrepreneurs they support.