The Jeju Center for Creative Economy and Innovation (CEO Lee Byeong-seon, hereinafter referred to as the Jeju Center) announced on the 7th that it has completed seed funding for three incubation companies: Jeju Appongdang Co., Ltd., SC Creative Co., Ltd., and With Like Co., Ltd. This investment is intended to support the growth of innovative startups centered in Jeju, focusing on local content, AI technology, and K-culture-based food products.
Jeju Aepongdang (CEO Kim Nam-cheol) is a character IP company that leverages Jeju's unique resources, including Hallabong, Haenyeo, and Dolhareubang. The company has developed original characters like "Burabong," "Yangpongdang," and "Gorbang" and is expanding its business into merchandise, webtoons, and animation. Notably, the animated series "Pongdang Family," airing on terrestrial TV, secured a nationwide distribution network and pop-up store sales channels.
SC Creative (CEO Bok-eun Lee) is developing a responsive, multi-mode barrier-free kiosk using its "VITA Agent," which combines AI interaction and pseudo-holographic technology. This technology supports a variety of input methods, including voice, age, and sign language recognition, enhancing accessibility for vulnerable digital users, including the elderly, foreigners, and people with disabilities.
WeLike (CEO Kim Nam-young) is a K-food startup that develops convenience food products leveraging the IP of influencers like YouTuber Heebap and Chef Jiseon Jeong. Using pristine Jeju ingredients, WeLike differentiates itself as a premium local gourmet brand. Leveraging the CEO's global sales network, WeLike is pursuing expansion into overseas markets, including the US.
This investment brings the Jeju Center's cumulative direct investment to 52 companies, totaling KRW 6.06 billion. Since 2018, the Jeju Center has been identifying and nurturing promising startups, leveraging funding from the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the Mother Fund, and private venture associations. Center-invested companies can also participate in follow-up funding programs, such as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' TIPS, Pre-TIPS, and LIPS.
A Jeju Center official stated, “This investment is significant in supporting a new growth model for startups that combine local expertise, technology, and culture,” adding, “Based on Jeju’s resources and startup ecosystem, we will continue to discover innovative companies that are competitive in the global market.”
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