- Key executives, including Founder Lee
Hae-jin and CEO Choi
Soo-yeon, engage in discussions with the local startup
ecosystem
- The new investment initiative will focus on investing in
promising startups in North
America, starting with video AI startup 'TwelveLabs'
- NAVER has a strong track record of tech startup investments
through its NAVER D2SF and is also known for acquiring Poshmark
SEONGNAM, South Korea, June 7, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- NAVER Corporation (CEO Choi
Soo-yeon) announced the planned establishment of "NAVER
Ventures," its new global venture investment initiative in Silicon
Valley. The launch marks a significant step in NAVER's strategy to
expand its global footprint and foster innovation by investing in
promising startups in North
America.
NAVER Ventures aims to build on NAVER's experience in supporting
startups through its NAVER D2SF, which has invested numerous
early-stage technology startups and supported their overseas
expansion. The company also expanded its global portfolio by
acquiring Poshmark, a leading U.S.-based social commerce platform,
in 2023.
As part of its commitment to the Silicon Valley ecosystem, NAVER
Founder and Chairman Lee Hae-jin,
CEO Choi Soo-yeon, and Kim Namsun,
President of investments visited the region to engage directly with
entrepreneurs, engineers, and investors. They hosted the "Venturing
NAVER's Next Chapter" networking event on June 5 at the Four Seasons Hotel, where they
discussed NAVER's vision for supporting startups and fostering
technological innovation.
NAVER Ventures has confirmed its first investment in TwelveLabs,
a video AI startup recognized for its innovative technology. The
investment aligns with NAVER's focus on AI competitiveness and its
strategy to collaborate with global startups to drive future
growth.
The new investment initiative, NAVER Ventures, overseen by Kim
Namsun, is expected to complete its establishment process later
this month. It will invest capital and expertise to help
category-leading companies accelerate the growth of their
businesses (/END)
About NAVER
Founded in 1999, NAVER is South
Korea's largest Internet company and one of the world's
leading technology companies. NAVER has grown into a global ICT
company that leads in cutting-edge technologies and operates a
diverse portfolio of businesses, including commerce, fintech,
content, cloud services, AI, and robotics, as well as other global
online services such as LINE mobile messenger, Webtoon and Webnovel
publishing, SNOW video camera app and ZEPETO metaverse
platform.
NAVER is expanding its global footprint through strategic
partnerships with industry leaders such as SoftBank, Poshmark, and
Wattpad. Currently, TEAM NAVER strengthens business portfolios and
expands its service regions, including Japan, North
America, and Europe.
In 2024, NAVER reported sales of KRW
10.74 trillion (approximately USD 7.5
billion) and NAVER is ranked as the 12th largest company in
terms of market capitalization in Korea.
To learn more, visit www.navercorp.com/en
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