Target Information

Doers Corp., the operator of the affiliate platform ZVZO that connects influencers and brands, has successfully raised 10 billion KRW in its Series A funding round as of the 10th of this month. Existing venture capital partners including BASE Ventures, Korea Investment Partners, and Fast Ventures have participated in this subsequent funding, alongside new investors Murex Partners and IMM Investment.

Founded in November 2023 by CEO Won Ji-hyun, a co-founder and former COO of Watcha, and Director Kim Yoo-jun, who previously served as CTO at Abley, Doers secured seed funding just three weeks post-establishment and completed its pre-A funding round in six months, launching its service Zibijio in May 2024. Zibijio has demonstrated rapid growth, achieving more than a 10% weekly increase in transaction volume and nearing break-even on a monthly basis, thereby validating its profitability and leading to a successful Series A funding within just eight months of service launch.

Industry Overview

The affiliate marketing and influencer sector in South Korea is rapidly evolving, with a significant shift towards more data-driven and effective strategies. As digital platforms proliferate, businesses increasingly rely on influencers to tap into targeted demographics and foster engagement. This landscape is further enhanced by the rise of social media platforms where influencers thrive, leading to a more demand-oriented market.

Recent market insights suggest that the impact of influencers on consumer purchasing decisions has grown exponentially. This trend reflects broader changes in media consumption, where traditional advertising methods are being overshadowed by authentic influencer endorsements. The integration of data analytics within influencer marketing strategies enables brands to track performance metrics and optimize their campaigns more effectively.

In particular, South Korean brands have been leveraging the popularity of K-beauty and K-fashion not just domestically but also in international markets. The collaboration between local brands and influencers has become crucial in navigating the competitive e-commerce landscape, and platforms that facilitate these partnerships are becoming increasingly essential.

Furthermore, as the affiliation between brands and influencers matures, the demand for transparent and measurable marketing solutions has surged. Platforms that can ensure real-time performance assessment will likely lead the market, making them attractive investments in a volatile economic landscape.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The funding garnered by Doers Corp. is a strategic move to enhance its growth trajectory and scalability. With the capital infusion, the company aims to refine its platform capability and expand its service offerings across various categories. By focusing on the synergy between influencers and brands, Doers is poised to capitalize on the ongoing commercialization trend driven by creators.

This investment also signifies strong investor confidence in Doers' operational model and growth prospects. Insiders believe that the platform’s unique approach to merging social influence with marketing efficiency positions it favorably against competitors in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Investor Information

BASE Ventures, known for its forward-thinking investment strategies, led the funding round, marking its ongoing commitment to fostering innovative companies within the digital marketing space. According to Yang Hyung-jun, Managing Director of BASE Ventures, the distinctive model that Doers exemplifies—focusing keenly on the essential needs of brands, creators, and customers—has demonstrated impressive execution capability, affirming the decision to invest during challenging market conditions.

Moreover, the incorporation of new investors such as Murex Partners and IMM Investment further amplifies the credibility and collective expertise within the funding circle. These investors bring in extensive experience across various sectors, crucial for Doers as it seeks to scale its operations and explore new market opportunities.

View of Dealert

From an investment perspective, the move by Doers Corp. to secure 10 billion KRW in Series A funding appears promising. The company's differentiated business model and rapid growth indicators position it as a robust player in the affiliate marketing realm. The fact that its valuation has increased tenfold since the seed round underscores its potential for sustained growth.

Moreover, the platform's focus on measurable performance outcomes in influencer marketing aligns with current market needs, making it a compelling proposition for investors. With increasing demand for transparent metrics in marketing, Doers is well-placed to capture a significant market share in both domestic and international landscapes.

However, successful execution will be critical. As competition intensifies and market dynamics shift, the ongoing investment in technology and innovation will determine the long-term viability of Doers' strategies. Fortunately, the targeted hiring and development plans set forth in conjunction with this funding indicate a proactive approach to sustaining growth.

In summary, if Doers maintains its rapid execution and adapts to evolving market demands, this investment could indeed yield substantial returns—presenting a valuable opportunity within the fast-paced influencer marketing sector.

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