Wadiz, the No. 1 Partner of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ ‘Licon’ Program

재고없는 제품 창업으로 주목받았던 크라우드펀딩의 대표주자 와디즈가 창업 10년을 넘기면서 누적 거래액 1조원을 돌파했다. 단순 펀딩을 넘어 제품 유통과 직접투자까지 진행하며 스타트업 생태계의 선순환을 주도하고 있는 와디즈의 행보를 조망하며 국내 크라우드펀딩 산업이 일궈온 성과와 의미, 향후 성장 가능성까지 짚어본다. <편집자 주>

Wadiz, a pioneer in the domestic crowdfunding market, is drawing attention for its role as the leading supporter of the “Licon” initiative promoted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

“Lycon” is a portmanteau of “life” and “local” combined with the word “unicorn,” referring to entrepreneurial small business owners who drive manufacturing-based service innovation in lifestyle sectors such as food, clothing, and housing. This is an area the government is actively promoting as it encourages entrepreneurship among the general public. It is only natural that this concept aligns perfectly Wadiz, a lifestyle crowdfunding platform.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has connected 10 companies through its ‘LIPS’ program…Wadizthe top partner for ‘Licon’

In fact, Wadizis sparing no effort in supporting the growth of “Licon” in partnership with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. As more and more startups selected Wadiz—a subsidiary Wadiz—are securing the Ministry’s Private Investment-Linked Matching Loan (LIPS), the company is gaining recognition as a leading platform for discovering small brands. 

According Wadizon the 29th, Wadiz, a subsidiary Wadiz, is operating theWadiz Next Brand” program, which proactively identifies promising startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and helps them scale up by providing support through Wadizinfrastructure, including investment and loans.

This program selects makers and startups that have successfully secured funding Wadiz, provides them with incubation support, and invests up to 100 million won. In addition, Wadizactively connects startups selected asWadiz Next Brands” with LIPS to help them secure production and marketing funds for scaling up.

To date, a total of 10 companies have received policy-backed matching loans. Notable examples include the organic beauty brand “Power Player” and “Luka Lab Company,” a firm specializing in intellectual property (IP) merchandise. In addition, Beeple, Dear C, 210 Company, Crystal Walker, AOT Corporation, HTO International, Harley K, and Grills Union have also received matching loans.

Supporting market expansion even after funding… A ‘master’ at discovering small brands

Wadizis also establishing itself as a leading platform for supporting small brands by assisting successful crowdfunding campaigns with their subsequent distribution. It actively connects online and offline channels, including department store pop-up stores, TV home shopping, live commerce, and influencer group buys. Furthermore, it actively supports global expansion through live commerce on overseas platforms and by connecting brands with buyers at export trade shows.

A prime example is the beauty product “Green Charcoal Mask.” This product received high ratings through Wadiz, proving its quality. It subsequently appeared on a Hyundai Home Shopping TV broadcast, driving sales that were more than double the average for that time slot. The company also promoted the product to a global audience through live commerce on the Singaporean e-commerce platform Qoo10.

Kim Jae-gyeom, CEO of Lotte Home Shopping (left), and Shin Hye-sung, CEO of Wadiz, pose for a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement.

The fact that products that have succeeded Wadizhave been able to reach consumers through other channels is thanks to Wadizactive partnerships with TV home shopping networks and other platforms.

Wadizhas signed a business agreement with Lotte Home Shopping regarding its “Small Brand Joint Development Project” and is supporting promising brands by helping them expand their sales channels. It is also collaborating with Hyundai Home Shopping to support product sales through live shopping broadcasts.

The reason Wadizis focusing so heavily on nurturing small brands is to expand the crowdfunding ecosystem. Most existing global crowdfunding companies, such as Indiegogo and Kickstarter, limit themselves to acting as intermediaries for reward-based funding. However, Wadizgoes beyond simply facilitating funding; it helps brands develop markets and sales channels, connects them with investors, and even makes direct investments itself.

Among crowdfunding companies, Wadizis the only one that supports the entire value chain for small business owners, from funding to sales, distribution, and investment.

Sok Kang-seop, Managing Director Wadiz, stated, “Our goal is to help promising startups that have proven their market potential through crowdfunding and secured investment to grow steadily,” adding, “We will work closely with our partners, including Lotte Home Shopping, to expand practical sales channels that support small and medium-sized businesses.”

(Original: [Startup Hub Wadiz] Wadiz, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ Top “Licon” Partner… Establishing Itself as a Leading Platform for Discovering Wadiz)