Musinsa Partners, Musinsa's venture capital subsidiary, has made a strategic investment in VIA INKINO, a design and lifestyle startup. VIA INKINO operates premium furniture brand WEKINO and specialty coffee brand The Barn Berlin. The amount and round of funding for this investment remain confidential, as agreed upon by both parties.
Launched in Seoul in 2014, Wikino has been presenting furniture products that combine emotional elements with functional minimalism, based on a design philosophy of "the space that makes up life and the time contained within it." Characterized by clean lines, balanced structures, and minimalist details, the brand has garnered attention in the market for its style, which seamlessly blends into a variety of spaces.
With the investment from Musinsa Partners, Viainkino plans to strengthen its domestic presence and accelerate its expansion into the global market. Currently operating showrooms and multi-cultural spaces in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, the company plans to expand to major cities in Asia and Europe, and plans to open its first flagship store in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, in November.
As part of its business expansion strategy, Via Inkino recently appointed Lee Kwang-ho, an artist who has collaborated with global luxury brands, as its new creative director. This appointment aims to strengthen the brand's artistic direction and enhance the creativity and identity of its product line. The company has also introduced new product lines, such as the "Eclipse Shelf," which combines artistry and practicality.
Kim Soo-jin, CEO of Via Inkino, said, “Through this investment, we plan to fully expand our brand and enter the global market,” and added, “We will seek new growth opportunities together with Musinsa Partners.”
A representative of Musinsa Partners said, “Wikino is a home and living brand with a clear design sense and brand identity, and this investment is meaningful in diversifying our portfolio,” and “We expect to expand globally in the lifestyle sector through synergy with Musinsa and 29CM.”
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