Calling all vibrant ‘Lycon’ brands!

April 17, 2024 | START UP, Adding Value

Wadiz Better P.L.U.S.” introduces Wadizkey initiatives and achievements aimed at the sustainable development of startups and small businesses, organized into five categories: △Partner △Local △Unique △Start-up △Social Impact. Through this program, we aim to continuously contribute to the expansion of the startup ecosystem by fostering a business model that promotes mutual growth with small businesses.
We ask for your interest and support in Wadizefforts to create“a world where anyone can take on a challenge.”

Calling all vibrant ‘Lycon’ brands!

The theme of this episode is #Start-up, and we’ll be introducing “Next Brand,” a company that’s growing alongsideWadiz.

Wadiz Next Brand Showcase, a startup support program

Through its investment subsidiary, Wadiz,Wadizhas launched 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, “NextBrand,” 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 revenue of 26.1 billion won.

Achievements of Startups Selected as Wadiz Next Brands

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 address 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”

Wadiz Next Brand_Startup_Ultra-Lightweight Umbrella Normalist

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 with sunscreen-focused products but dreamed of expanding his 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 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 under which, 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.

Rainworks recorded sales of 2.3 billion won last year, 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 Sun Milk.

The startup support program Wadiz Next Brand Normalist features the umbrella brand Rainworks

#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.”

Wadiz Next Brand, a startup support program, and Diggmi International’s sleep tech brand, Foren

Based on its product planning and technological capabilities, Foren has enjoyed a positive market response since the early days of crowdfunding. It is currently 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, achieving sales of 3.2 billion won—a 220% increase compared to the previous year.

Its flagship products include bedding items such as "eco-friendly pillows" and "duvets." By emphasizing that they are made in Germany and highlighting their innovative materials and technological expertise, the brand has 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.

Wadiz Next Brand, a startup support program, and Diggmi International’s sleep tech brand, Foren

With over 1,800 new projects launching Wadizevery month, it’s only natural that there are many promising small business owners and early-stage 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!