Calling all vibrant 'Lycon' brands!
The theme of this episode is #Start-up, and we’re introducing “Next Brand,” a company that’s growing alongsideWadiz.
Through its investment subsidiary, Wadiz,Wadizoffers a growth support program for early-stage companiesWadiz Next Brand”. It provides comprehensive support ranging from direct investment to financial assistance and market expansion.
We have made direct investments in 19 companies with exceptional potential that launched their businesses throughWadiz. Last year, “Next Brand,” a company in which Wadizinvested, reported sales of 26.2 billion won. Its average sales growth rate reached 62%. Although it is an early-stage company, Next Brand achieved strong results last year, generating total sales of 26.1 billion won.
NextBrand identifies small business owners in the lifestyle and local sectors. What they have in common is that they’ve grown by developing products that solve everyday inconveniences or improve quality of life. Let me introduce some of the representative companies selected by NextBrand!
#1 On a rainy day, may the products you use be both useful and stylish… “Rainworks”
View the "I'm 111g" Ultra-Lightweight Umbrella Project
The first place I’d like to introduce is “Normalist,” the company behind the umbrella brand “Rainworks.”
Normalist was a small business owner who started out selling sunscreen but dreamed of expanding his product line to include items like umbrellas. Wadiz, impressed by the company’s successful crowdfunding track record Wadiz, invested in the business, leading to its selection as a Next Brand. Thanks to this, the company received investmentWadizand support from “LIPS*,” a loan program that matches entrepreneurial small business owners with funding.
Through a collaborationWadiz," Wadiz subsidiary specializing in brand incubation, the company has secured positive marketing results and continues to experience explosive growth.
Note 🔍
LIPS refers to the “Private Investment-Linked Matching Loan (LIPS)” program administered by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. For example, it is a government initiative where, if Wadizinvests 100 million won, the government provides a low-interest loan of up to 500 million won. Last year, Wadizwas selected as the top-performing operator of the LIPS program.
Last year, Rainworks recorded sales of 2.3 billion won, a 60% increase from the previous year. As such, Rainworks is a company experiencing remarkable growth. Its flagship products include an ultra-lightweight 111g UV-blocking umbrella, carbon fiber umbrellas, and sunscreen.
#2 Crafted with 122 years of expertise in sound sleep… The “Sleep Tech” brand “Foren”
The second Next Brand we’d like to introduce is Diggimi International, the company behind the sleep tech brand “Foren.”
Thanks to its product planning and technological capabilities, Foren has enjoyed a positive market response since its early days in crowdfunding. It is now growing into a leading brand in the bedding category. During this process, the company was selected as a Next Brand and secured investment, which has significantly accelerated its growth.
OnWadiz, the brand was selected as a "Brand of the Day"—essentially a strategic brand—and demonstrated its marketing prowess. Through content creation and promotions, the brand achieved significant results and expanded into CJ and Hyundai Home Shopping channels via Wadizdistribution support service,Wadiz.” As a result, the brand has recorded remarkable growth, posting sales of 3.2 billion won—a 220% increase from the previous year.
Their flagship products include bedding items such as "eco-friendly pillows" and "duvets." By emphasizing their German manufacturing and highlighting their innovative materials and technological expertise, they have gained significant popularity.
Diggimi International recommends the Wadiz Scale-Up Program. “We usedWadiz funding to secure customers and establish performance metrics, and we’ve added a growth booster by attracting investment quickly,”they added.
With over 1,800 new projects launching Wadizevery month, it’s only natural that there are so many promising small business owners and startups—and that they’re constantly being “discovered.” Wadizplans to expand its efforts to discover and support unique brands in the lifestyle and local sectors.
Please stay tuned for Wadizlatest initiatives, which go beyond financial support—such as direct investment and matching loans—to include domestic distribution channels and overseas expansion!
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