Naver D2 Startup Factory

Naver D2 Startup Factory (D2SF) is the corporate venture capital arm of Naver Corporation, a leading South Korean internet company. Established in 2015, D2SF focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups, particularly those with innovative technologies or developer-driven teams. The firm aims to foster sustainable growth through collaboration with startups, leveraging Naver's extensive resources and expertise.

D2SF's investment strategy emphasizes collaboration, global expansion, and pioneering new markets over purely financial returns. The firm has invested in over 100 startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, augmented reality, virtual reality, internet of things, e-commerce, fintech, media, entertainment, gaming, education, and logistics. Notable investments include AI-powered autonomous driving startup whereable.ai and AI startup NXN Labs.

In addition to financial support, D2SF provides startups with dedicated workspace, cloud infrastructure, public relations and marketing support, and opportunities for collaboration with Naver's technology and business organizations. The firm operates dedicated spaces for startups near Gangnam Station in Seoul and in the 1784 building, where Naver and startups can experiment, collaborate, and grow together. As of the end of 2023, D2SF has connected approximately 1,700 startups with Naver's various technology and business organizations, exploring over 210 collaboration agendas.

D2SF's commitment to fostering collaboration between startups and Naver's technological ecosystem is evident in its active engagement with North American startups. In October 2024, D2SF held a networking meetup in Silicon Valley, expressing its ambition to serve as a gateway for startups seeking global market expansion. The firm continues to actively discover North American startups and promote global synergy, aiming to be a bridge between North America and Asia.

Overall, Naver D2 Startup Factory plays a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage technology startups, providing them with the resources, support, and collaborative opportunities necessary for growth and success in the global market.