Naver D2SF Makes New Investment in Mark & Company, Developing Startup Growth Analysis Data Platform

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Naver's startup nurturing organization D2SF (D2 Startup Factory) announced on the 2nd that it has made a new investment in 'Mark & Company,' which developed a startup data collection and analysis platform. Domestic and international investors and companies, including Naver D2SF, ZVC (Jet Venture Capital), Dunamu, and NICE Information Service, jointly participated in Mark & Company's Series A investment.

Mark & Company developed 'Innovation Forest,' a platform that collects startup-related data and performs integrated analysis of growth trends and market dynamics. It broadly analyzes basic data on startups such as investment history, employment status, financial information, and media coverage, as well as in-depth data including held patents, consumer transaction analysis, traffic, and social network service (SNS) buzz volume.

Launched officially in October 2021, Innovation Forest currently analyzes about 80 types of data per startup team and automatically updates the latest data of approximately 4,000 domestic startup teams every month. It has rapidly grown, recording over 400,000 views within six months of launch, with major customers being investors and corporate clients.

Hong Kyung-pyo, founder of Mark & Company, is a serial entrepreneur and has built solid capabilities while serving as the head of investment at Hanwha DreamPlus. Leveraging his rich experience and network, he plans to expand data-driven business. Currently, he is discussing businesses such as ▲investment in promising startups and ▲mediation between domestic startups and overseas investors with strategic investors and partners.

Hong Kyung-pyo, CEO of Mark & Company, stated, "Just as startups innovate industries through technology, we will innovate startup business through data," adding, "Through this investment, we will enhance the platform, including English localization of data, and actively recruit talented personnel."

Yang Sang-hwan, leader of Naver D2SF, said, "About 120,000 startups were founded in 2020, which is more than twice the number during the 2000 venture boom, indicating that the domestic startup scene is rapidly growing," and added, "Growth data of startups leading the market and technology will become increasingly valuable."

Meanwhile, since its launch in May 2015, Naver D2SF has invested in 89 technology startups. Currently, Naver D2SF is recruiting new investment teams through its website and is conducting various activities to create opportunities for Naver and startups to interact and grow together.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.