Big Data Company TDI Establishes 'TDI New Technology Investment'

Possibility of Pursuing Shinkisa as Investment Firm
Synergy Expected with Core Big Data Business

Big data specialist company TDI has established an investment firm. This move is seen as an effort to focus on its core business while simultaneously seeking new growth drivers.

According to the investment banking (IB) industry on March 16, TDI has founded 'TDI New Technology Investment.' The initial capital is 300 million KRW. Although this amount falls short of the requirements for registering as a venture capital company or a new technology business finance company (Shinkisa), it is expected that the company will increase its capital in the future to clarify its direction.

TDI New Technology Investment is based in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The parent company, TDI’s headquarters, is also located in Seocho-dong, placing the subsidiary in close proximity. Kim Hyun has been appointed as an internal director. Since the company was just launched on March 3, the full executive lineup remains to be seen.

The stated business purposes include: ▲Investment and loans to new technology businesses ▲Management and technical guidance for new technology businesses ▲Operation and management of new technology business investment fund capital ▲Corporate restructuring services ▲Operation and management of M&A investment funds ▲Investment in management-participating private collective investment vehicles, among others.

Given these details, it is likely that the investment firm will take the form of a Shinkisa. The fact that the company has chosen 'TDISHINKISA' as its website domain further supports the possibility of pursuing Shinkisa status.

Shinkisa firms have the advantage of a broader investment scope compared to venture capital companies. Additionally, Shinkisa can establish various types of funds, such as new technology investment funds and venture investment funds. Although the required initial capital is 10 billion KRW-much higher than the 3 billion KRW needed for a venture capital company-the wider operational flexibility is seen as a benefit.

The parent company, TDI, is engaged in software development, data analysis, information provision, and related services. It was founded in December 2011. Initially operating as NSMG, the company changed its name to TDI in April 2019. The largest shareholder is CEO Lee Seungjoo, who owns 85% of TDI’s shares.

TDI analyzes a variety of data through its own platform, Data Dragon. It provides a wide range of information, such as analyzing the locations visited by Tmap users or identifying the most recently installed applications (apps). Its annual sales are around 20 billion KRW.

TDI is expected to further strengthen its big data capabilities through TDI New Technology Investment. Attention is focused on whether the company will create synergy between its core business and its equity and strategic investments.

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