This article takes stonebridge investments as the core keyword to analyze the major investment institutions behind Korean unicorn companies. Recently, many technology companies in Korea have received attention and investment from institutions in China, the United States, Japan and other countries. For example, Tencent and Kakao are competing to acquire Korean gaming company NEXON. In addition, companies like Coupang, Bluehole, Yello Mobile and Woowa Brothers all have investors from China, the US and other countries. Among them, stonebridge investments, as a Korean early stage venture capital, has invested in multiple unicorn companies such as Bluehole. Its investment strategy and layout are worth learning from for investment institutions in various countries.
Stonebridge investments has invested in Bluehole, the developer of popular game PUBG
Bluehole, the developer of the super popular battle royale game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), is one of Korea’s most valuable technology companies. Early investors in Bluehole include Korean VCs like Stonebridge investments, Premier Partners and IMM Investment Corp. Later on, Tencent tried to acquire Bluehole but was rejected. It could only purchase minority stakes from some early investors. This case shows that Korean unicorn companies don’t necessarily welcome investments from Chinese institutions. However, Stonebridge investments and other local VCs have built close relationships with Bluehole from early on, and benefited tremendously as Bluehole grew rapidly.
Stonebridge investments focuses on early stage investments in Korea
In addition to Bluehole, Stonebridge investments has also invested in other Korean startups like fintech company Toss and artificial intelligence chip maker MangoBoost. Its investment strategy is mainly early stage investments in Korean startups, especially those with global potential in gaming, mobile Internet, artificial intelligence and other hot areas. This strategy has worked out well, as the Korean market has seen the rise of many unicorn companies in recent years across various verticals. By capturing investment opportunities early on, stonebridge investments has generated impressive returns.
China capital also wants a piece of Korean unicorn companies
Chinese investment institutions are also eyeing promising Korean startups, especially gaming, entertainment and consumer companies. However, unlike Stonebridge investments, their access to deals has been more difficult. For example, Tencent could only obtain minority stakes in Bluehole by paying huge premiums to buy out existing shareholders’ shares. There is still much room for Chinese investors to improve in areas like building trust and rapport with Korean entrepreneurs and adjusting their investment mindsets.
In Korea’s venture capital and technology sectors, local investors like Stonebridge investments still have visible advantages, thanks to their early positioning and deep ties with local startups. However, global capital is also competing fiercely for deals. Chinese investors in particular still have much room to grow in this market compared to US peers.