Ascendo Ventures
Venture capitalSeoul · Pre-Seed–Late Stage · 10 people tracked
Investment thesis
Ascendo Ventures invests in early- to growth-stage technology companies, with a stated current fund focus on climate and environmental sectors while maintaining a broad portfolio across AI, semiconductors, healthcare, batteries, renewable energy, SaaS and consumer/leisure platforms. The firm supports cross-border expansion for its portfolio, particularly helping companies enter Southeast Asian and other Asian markets, and continues to invest through market downturns. It participates in seed through growth rounds, sometimes leading rounds and making follow-on investments, and emphasizes backing founders navigating the challenges of building startups internationally, including foreign entrepreneurs operating in Korea.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 27, 2026.
Team · 10 people
from the firm's website & curated & public directories
What they invest in
from 35 of 56 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×12Consumer ×9SaaS ×7Cleantech ×6E-commerce ×6Energy ×5Deep Tech ×4FoodTech ×4
HQs:South Korea×19Australia×1Malaysia×1United States×1
Investments · 56 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathPlatform enabling multi-channel content management, distribution, and monetization for creators in the China market.
Adrop (에이드랍) offers Ad Control, an all-in-one ad monetization platform that lets app publishers run direct-sold and network ads, using first-party data targeting, contextual targeting, native/video ad formats, and backfill from global ad networks (Google AdMob, AdSense, Meta, TikTok Pangle, InMobi).
AdTechMarketing TechSaaS
Korean agritech company AIS operates 'Jalkium', an open-field smart farm service giving crop-stage-based farm work prescriptions.
ALLO is a visual project collaboration tool that combines a canvas for briefs, files, drafts, and feedback with project management views (List, Kanban, Calendar, Timeline, Dashboard), letting teams review versions, comment on work, and record decisions in one place.
AI & Machine LearningFuture of WorkSaaS
Co-investorsAtinum Investment Co. Ltd.
SaaS collaboration product for remote education and remote work.
Alsemy builds AI-driven platforms that generate neural network-based device compact models and optimize semiconductor design and manufacturing through process modeling, simulation, and DTCO.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechSemiconductors
Co-investorsLaguna InvestmentLG Technology Ventures
Korean operator of the 아파트아이 (Apartment i) mobile app for apartment maintenance-fee payment, community and resident services.
South Korean developer of carbon nanotube-based materials, components and equipment for X-ray, semiconductor and air purification uses.
Co-investorsKakao Ventures
Pre-Series A portfolio company.
A chat-based platform where agricultural buyers and sellers connect with an AI broker to transact in commodities trade.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningB2B MarketplacesSt Leonards, AU
Co-investorsTechstars
Caring provides elderly care services in South Korea, offering guidance and free expert consultations on long-term care grades, day care centers, family caregiving, and home visit care.
Digital HealthHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Co-investorsAju IB Invesment CorporationLB Investment
Clickn (클릭엔) is a no-code website builder that lets users create and manage websites by selecting design skins and blocks without technical skills.
E-commerceMarketing TechSaaS
Co-investorsKiwoom Investment
Dalcomsoft is a company whose site promotes a mobile service inviting users to "meet your star on mobile," indicating a mobile entertainment or fan-engagement application.
ConsumerMedia & Entertainment
Co-investorsDunamu & PartnersSM Culture Partners
Korean AI drug discovery company using target-centric structural AI to design molecular glue degraders for undruggable targets.
Fitpet is a South Korean company focused on pet health and care.
ConsumerDigital HealthE-commerceHealthtechSeoul, KR
Ko Jung-wook(CEO (대표))
Co-investorsLB InvestmentPremier Partners
FunNow operates a mobile app for instant booking of local lifestyle and leisure services, including restaurants, hotel stays, spa and massage, salon and nail services, KTV, and activities.
ConsumerMarketplacesTravel & Hospitality
Gentle Energy Corporation provides knowledge and automated tools to optimize and reduce energy consumption, aiming to make energy use more efficient and environmentally friendly.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechEnergy
Charles Kiseok Song(CEO)
Meatbox is an online marketplace for meat and seafood products, offering Korean beef, imported pork, poultry, and other meat categories for retail customers.
B2B MarketplacesE-commerceFoodTech
Co-investorsIMM Investment Japan
Grinergy develops lithium battery technology and energy storage products aimed at supporting environmentally focused, green energy applications.
CleantechEnergyHardware
Grinergy develops battery and energy technology aimed at supporting green and sustainable energy solutions.
CleantechClimate TechEnergy
Operates the MoHaet solar energy investment platform and solar power plant SaaS services.
Havehad is a Korean apparel brand selling menswear and womenswear, including set-ups, outerwear, tops, bottoms, dresses, and caps, with online shopping and global shipping.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerce
Seoul-based health-tech company operating a B2C medical marketplace and a B2B SaaS platform for hospitals and clinics.
Innohas offers a collection of hundreds of recipes designed to be prepared simply using a microwave, along with recommended recipes and member events.
Consumer
Co-investorsVinaCapital Ventures
JIENEM provides managed operations and remodeling/development solutions for accommodation businesses such as hotels and wellness stays, including a contactless operating system (FRONT-X) and startup education courses.
PropTechSaaSTravel & Hospitality
Co-investorsAI Angel ClubSM Culture Partners
Kencoa Aerospace is a total solution provider spanning aviation raw material supply, parts manufacturing, structural assembly, military aircraft depot maintenance, and drone R&D.
Advanced ManufacturingDefense TechHardwareSpace Tech
Kenny Minkyu Lee, MBA(Founder)inKenneth Minkyu Lee(CEO)
Lattice is a B2B-focused operating holding company startup that uses M&A and new business ventures to build a portfolio and address corporate challenges, with a focus on the Korean market.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Jack Altman(Co-founder)in
Korean medical device maker of ArtiSential articulating laparoscopic instruments and the STARK surgical robot.
Co-investorsLB Investment
Livestock direct-transaction marketplace listed on KOSDAQ (475460) in January 2025.
Medipixel develops AI-based clinical solutions in the medical technology field, working with hospitals and healthcare partners.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthMedical Devices
Co-investorsAscendo VenturesCompany K PartnersMirae Asset Venture InvestmentPremier PartnersAI Angel Club
Solar energy investment platform for small solar power plants, operated by H-Energy.
MusicSpray is an online platform for global music distribution that connects musicians with the music market and supports artists' creative work.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerCreator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentAnyang, KR
South Korean maker of HVAC, ventilation and HEPA air filters and water purifiers supplying public agencies, hospitals and industry.
원두데일리 is a B2B office coffee brand that provides subscription access to beans from well-known Korean roasteries and cafés along with matched coffee machines for offices, studies, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
Enterprise SoftwareFoodTech
Onnuri Store is a South Korean online retailer that sells health functional foods and medical devices as a registered e-commerce and mail-order business.
E-commerceRetail TechWellness & FitnessSeoul, KR
Hyosoo ParkinPark Hyo-su(CEO)
Pensees develops cultivated meat produced by growing animal cells, using its patented 3D bioprinting technology.
BiotechFoodTechHardware
Co-investorsLotte Ventures
Quarterback Asset Management (쿼터백자산운용) is a South Korean asset management firm that runs data- and algorithm-based investment strategies for retirement pensions (IRP, DC), pension savings, ISA, and stock accounts.
AI & Machine LearningFintechSaaS
조홍래(대표이사 (CEO))
Remann provides IT asset recovery, secure data erasure, reuse, and resource recycling services, and reports carbon reduction and environmental value based on its ESG service portal data.
Circular EconomyCleantechClimate TechPocheon, KR
구자덕(CEO / 대표이사)
Reset provides environmental consulting services, including research, analysis, diagnosis, and information provision on environmental regulations covering waste, chemical substances, water quality, and environmental management.
Circular EconomyCleantechEnergy
Healthcare company that recently went public.
Pre-Series A portfolio company.
New York, US
Christopher Miguel Sanchez-Grice(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Robby Lauder Abaya(Executive Officer, Promoter)
Simple Labs is a jewelry production service that manufactures jewelry for retailers and businesses, using experienced craftsmen to handle production processes on behalf of clients.
Advanced ManufacturingSaaS
Co-investorsAju IB Invesment Corporation
H2K (에이치투케이) is a social venture that develops an AI-based Korean-language (Hangeul) learning app for children, including slow learners, using big data and artificial intelligence.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerEdTechImpact & Social Good
홍창기(Co-founder)김우현(Co-founder)
AI industry portfolio company.
TEN builds AIPub, an enterprise AI infrastructure platform that uses spatial GPU partitioning and dynamic resource allocation to raise GPU utilization, plus RA:X workload benchmarking consulting, managed AI cloud, and modular AI data centers.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingData & Infrastructure
The Trive operates an online marketplace for buying and selling used luxury and premium vehicles such as Porsche, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Land Rover.
E-commerceMarketplacesMobility & TransportationSeoul, KR
Lee Hyun-bok(Representative (대표자))
Co-investorsAI Angel ClubHashed
Withrobot designs and sells imaging and sensing hardware, including USB 3.0 cameras (color, mono, stereo, global/rolling shutter), attitude/heading reference and orientation sensor modules, and embedded boards.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareIoTRoboticsSeoul, KR
Kim Do-yun(CEO (대표이사))Jung In-su(CAO/CFO)Lee Jong-hun(Head of Business Division (사업본부장))Hong Yoon-sik(Head of Research Institute (연구소장))
Zti Biosciences is a Daejeon, South Korea-based company founded in 2020, operating at the Gwahak-ro research campus.
Platform for multi-channel content management, distribution, and monetization for creators expanding into China.
Co-investorsLaguna InvestmentWe Ventures
Exits · 1
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioEatigoacq. by FunNow
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesCaring · ctvnews.ca · Aug 21, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Ascendo Ventures made?
- Ascendo Ventures has 42 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited via acquisition or IPO.
- What stage does Ascendo Ventures invest at?
- Ascendo Ventures invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What sectors does Ascendo Ventures focus on?
- Ascendo Ventures focuses on AgTech, AI & Machine Learning, Cleantech, Climate Tech, Consumer, Creator Economy, Data & Infrastructure, Energy, FoodTech, Healthtech, Media & Entertainment, SaaS, Semiconductors.
- Where is Ascendo Ventures located?
- Ascendo Ventures is headquartered in Seoul, KR.
- Does Ascendo Ventures lead rounds?
- Yes, Ascendo Ventures leads investment rounds.
- Who does Ascendo Ventures co-invest with?
- Ascendo Ventures most often shares deals with AI Angel Club, Laguna Investment, LB Investment, among 9 tracked co-investors.
Images
Co-investors · 1
Alchemist Accelerator runs a six-month program for technical founders building enterprise-focused AI-SaaS and deeptech companies, providing coaching, mentorship, commercialization support, and access to Silicon Valley investors.
Firms observed investing alongside Ascendo Ventures, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with Ascendo Ventures's recorded portfolio.
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