As we explore ways for Wadizmakers to grow together,
Today, we met with the Ecosystem Development Team, which is working to identify new growth opportunities Wadiz!
Hello, could you please introduce yourself?
So Kang-seop: Hello! I’m So Kang-seop, Director of the Wadiz Ecosystem Development Team. Before joining Wadiz, I worked in the financial sector for 15 years, gaining experience in various roles including corporate finance, retail banking, and strategic planning. I am currently in charge of both Wadiz and Wadiz Partners, Wadizfinancial subsidiaries.
Kim Woo-jin: Hello . I’m Kim Woo-jin from the Ecosystem Investment Team at Wadiz Partners, where I’m responsible for investment reviews and financial support for makers. I’m a dad of three—a fourth-grader, a second-grader, and a 28-month-old—and a true Wadiz enthusiast wholoves and supports new challenges. 😁
Please tell us about your current role and team!
So Kang-seop: The Ecosystem Development Team is a highly specialized team that serves as an enabler for building and expanding the Wadiz platform ecosystem. I’d like you to think of us not as passive supporters, but as active builders of the ecosystem.
First, I work in the Traders division, where I help Wadiz makers expand their distribution channels both domestically and internationally. I’m also focused on the Next Brand program, which works with various partners to discover and nurture promising small brands. Recently, I’ve been involved in developing new business ventures that venture into areas Wadizhas never explored before.
Due to the nature of our work, most of our tasks aren’t routine. We’re constantly taking on new challenges. But it’s not just about taking on challenges—it’s about delivering meaningful results for Wadizfuture.
That’s why I’d like to describe the Ecosystem Development Team as “a team that constantly takes on new challenges and delivers results to secureWadizfuture growth.”
Kim Woo-jin: In a nutshell, my job is to nurture the Wadiz ecosystem by constantly exploring and implementing ways Wadizmakers to grow together. As Mr. So Kang-seop mentioned, my work is divided into two main areas: “Next Brand,” a comprehensive support program for maker scale-up, and “Traders,” which focuses on opening up domestic and international sales channels for makers’ products.
Specifically, I handle the review, execution, and post-investment management of direct investments and financial support for makers. I also distribute makers’ products through direct and indirect partnerships and contracts with various domestic and international partners. In short, you could call it business development.
How did you come to join Wadiz?
Sokang Seop: Many people were curious as to why I decided to leave a stable job to join Wadiz. There are three main reasons for my decision.
First, I wanted to lead a more proactive life. During my more than 15 years at a large corporation, I increasingly felt that an individual’s role was limited within such a large organization. I believe that the workplace is where we spend the majority of our time and is therefore a very important part of our lives. If I had spent half of my career learning the basics at a large corporation, I found myself wanting to spend the other half at a workplace where I could take a more proactive role.
Second, I wanted to be a player in the market rather than a coach. In the financial sector, I collaborated with fintech companies and startups and supported them. I really enjoyed the thrill of taking on new challenges. However, since financial firms essentially act as coaches and supporters rather than players, there were limitations to what I could do. I guess you could say I wanted to experience the joy and exhilaration of being a player firsthand—to have “skin in the game”—at least once.
Third, I wanted to work for a company that makes a positive impact on society. I felt that the satisfaction derived from granting large loans to big corporations had its limits. Under the vision of “creating a world where anyone can take on a challenge,” I found it rewarding to communicate with makers and directly contribute to society.
Kim Woo-jin: While working in the financial sector, I was transferred from a branch office to the Digital Finance Division. It happened to be a time when various platform-based financial businesses, including crowdfunding, were just beginning to take off. That was when I first learned about Wadiz. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about Wadizbusiness and successful funding cases through various internal and external training programs.
I left my first job to take on a new challenge and joined a fintech startup. I joined Wadizbecause I wanted to be part of the process of developing financial support services for makers.
In particular, Wadiz —which means “wadi,” or a river in the desert—and the “why” behind our work—helping funds flow to where they’re most needed in the financial market—resonated with the same sense of purpose I had when I first entered the financial industry. I decided to join Wadiz without hesitation.
What are the most important skills and experience for this role?
So Kang-seop: Without a doubt , it’s a spirit of initiative. Above all, we need someone with a proactive attitude and a spirit of initiative—someone who isn’t afraid to take on new challenges and is committed to growing both themselves and the organization. Additionally, to effectively lead the Traders team and the Next Brand program, candidates with in-depth knowledge of the retail industry and experience in brand incubation are highly preferred.
Do you have any current projects or tasks, or any memorable projects (as a maker)?
Kim Woo-jin: Since joiningWadiz, I’ve recently completed an investment agreement with a maker—my first project from start to finish, covering everything from identifying potential investment targets to due diligence, investor relations, and investment review. The company is Levitate(product name: Evil Highball Blend). We began the investment review process right after they successfully completed their crowdfunding campaign and just started selling in stores. Currently, the company is growing rapidly, with increasing store sales and expansion into various department store pop-up shops and food tech expos.
Additionally, as a maker selected for the second cohort of ‘Next Brand’ and a business partner of ‘Traders,’ they are growing successfully alongside Wadiz. It’s becoming a great success story. They are currently preparing for funding campaigns for the Highball Blend and other product lines, and we have very high expectations.
Do you have any personal beliefs or principles that you always try to follow at work?
So Kang-seop: “Second, we ride the waves of rapid change and forge ahead” isthe principle that best suits the Ecosystem Development Team. We need to evolve quickly in response to changing market conditions and take on challenges fearlessly at the forefront.
Kim Woo-jin: “The phrase ‘First, we do the right thing’resonated with me the most. Right now, I most identify with the statement ‘Second, we enjoy riding the waves of rapid change and stay ahead of the curve.’Unlike typical investment firms, we generate new ideas and, with perseverance, work together as a team to deliver tangible results—all while embracing the rapid changes and staying ahead of the curve.”
When do you feel happiest working Wadiz?
Kim Woo-jin: I’m happiest when I can work independently and feel the organization’s culture of mutual respect and consideration. The unfair practices I used to take for granted are hard to find Wadiz. Sometimes I feel like I’m doing a really difficult job. But I understand the direction the company is heading, and I’m doing my best to deliver the best results and outcomes.
What kind of new colleagues would you like to work with in the future?
If you have any “personal tips for joiningWadiz” to share with those interestedWadiz, please let us know!
So Kang-seop: In the Ecosystem Development Team, every member is a key player who takes ownership of their specific responsibilities. We need capable and responsible colleagues who can not only manage their assigned tasks but also drive them forward into new business areas.
Kim Woo-jin: Wadizis still a challenger in the market. Together, we’re building a business that creates value by supporting makers’ new ventures and inspiring backers to cheer them on.
We’re looking for colleagues who enjoy building a new world without being constrained by their past work experience.
In particular, we’d love to hear from members of the Ecosystem Investment Team who have gone through the entire process—from start to finish—of launching and operating their own products or services in the finance or retail sectors. We believe that working with individuals who have experience starting a business on their own or as part of a small team would allow us to effectively support each other’s needs.
If I were to offer one piece of advice for applying, I’d recommend fully understanding and embracing the Wadiz Principles. The term that encapsulates all of this is “Authentic Excellence.”I believe that understanding and internalizing this concept is the best way to demonstrate why you’re applying Wadiz. While you can mention it in your application and resume, it’s especially important to explain it in more detail during the interview.
Both the first and second rounds of my Wadiz interview lasted about an hour. The interviews took the form of relaxed conversations about my background, experience, and my attitude and thoughts regarding the job. I believe that if you are familiar with the Five Principles and can explain them well, it will be of great help both before and after joining the company.
Guided by the vision of “creating a world where anyone can take on a challenge,” the Ecosystem Development Team engages with makers to have a direct, positive impact on society.
We make business #better
We’re looking for people who want to connect theWadiz ecosystem, create new value, and grow with us!
Our Ecosystem Development Team is currently hiring👀
▶Click here for the Distribution Channel Specialist job posting
