Smilegate Investment

Smilegate Investment is a prominent South Korean venture capital and private equity firm, established in 1999 as MVP Capital. The firm has organized and managed over 30 venture capital and private equity funds, investing in more than 200 companies with promising growth potential. Their portfolio spans various sectors, including biopharmaceuticals, digital media, virtual reality, augmented reality, enterprise IT, and transportation.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on identifying companies with significant growth potential, targeting both early-stage and established businesses. Smilegate Investment has a history of supporting companies aiming for global expansion, leveraging its expertise in the Asian market to foster international growth. Notable investments include Bear Robotics, Senti Biosciences, and Shiftup.

In December 2024, Smilegate Investment made a strategic investment in Absurd Ventures, a U.S.-based media and entertainment company founded by Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser. This partnership aims to create vast and sustainable global business opportunities by combining Smilegate's deep expertise in Asian markets with Absurd Ventures' creative vision and AAA game experience.