About Kakao
Kakao is a company based in Jeju-si (South Korea) founded in 2010 by Kim Beom-soo.. The company has 4,030 employees as of December 31, 2024. Kakao has completed 14 acquisitions, including Iseeyou, JOH & Company and Kiwi Media Company. Kakao offers products and services including Communication Services and Shopping Services.
- Headquarter Jeju-si, South Korea
- Employees 4030 as on 31 Dec, 2024
- Founders Kim Beom-soo
- Stage Public
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Sectors
Technology
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Email
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Phone
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Website
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Social
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- Legal Name Kakao Corp.
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IPO & Listings of Kakao
Kakao is a publicly listed company on the KRX with ticker symbol 035720 in South Korea, operating in the Technology services sector. As a publicly traded entity, the company provides investors with opportunities to participate in its growth story through equity ownership. The listing enables access to capital markets, enhances corporate visibility, and provides liquidity for shareholders while maintaining transparency through regulatory compliance and regular financial disclosures.
Products & Services of Kakao
Kakao offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including Communication Services and Shopping Services. The company's diverse product and service offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers, address market demands, and provide comprehensive solutions that drive value creation and customer satisfaction across various segments and use cases.
Platforms for messaging and social connectivity services
Tools for online shopping and business transactions
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Funding Insights of Kakao
- Total Funding Total Funding
- Total Rounds 8
- Last Round Last Round
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First Round
First Round
(29 Aug 2011)
- Investors Count 10
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Kakao | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Kakao | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2018 | Amount | Post-IPO - Kakao | Valuation |
investors |
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| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Investors in Kakao
Kakao has secured backing from 10 investors, including institutional and venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Tencent, WeMade Entertainment and BlackRock. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
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Fund of funds focused on pre-seed and seed-stage companies
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Sovereign wealth is managed and private equity investments are facilitated.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Tech-focused seed, early, and mid-stage VC investments are made globally.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
Investments & Acquisitions by Kakao
Kakao has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 14 companies. Notable acquisitions include Iseeyou, JOH & Company and Kiwi Media Company. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 |
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Film production and translation services are offered in South Korea.
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2017 | ||||
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Cryptocurrency trading assistance is offered via an online platform.
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2017 | ||||
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Game publisher and webtoon service provider in south-east Asia region
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2015 |
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
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2017 | ||||
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 |
Financial Statements - Kakao
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Kakao Comparisons
Competitors of Kakao
| Company Name | Domain | Founded year | HQ Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.
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Latest news on Kakao
Frequently Asked Questions about Kakao
When was Kakao founded?
Kakao was founded in 2010 and raised its 1st funding round 1 year after it was founded.
Where is Kakao located?
Kakao is headquartered in Jeju-si, South Korea. It is registered at Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea.
How many employees does Kakao have?
As of Dec 31, 2024, the latest employee count at Kakao is 4,030.
What is the annual revenue of Kakao?
Annual revenue of Kakao is $5.34B as on Dec 31, 2024.
What does Kakao do?
Kakao was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Jeju-si, South Korea. Operations are conducted in the global mobile and internet sectors, with solutions provided across messaging, news, advertising, gaming, e-commerce, and music. Human resources, technology, content, and mobile traffic are utilized to serve international markets.
What products or services does Kakao offer?
Kakao offers Communication Services and Shopping Services.
Is Kakao publicly traded?
Yes, Kakao is publicly traded on KRX under the ticker symbol 035720.
How many acquisitions has Kakao made?
Kakao has made 14 acquisitions, including Iseeyou, JOH & Company, and Kiwi Media Company.
Who are Kakao's investors?
Kakao has 10 investors. Key investors include Tencent, WeMade Entertainment, BlackRock, TPG, and Korea Investment Holdings.
What is Kakao's ticker symbol?
The ticker symbol of Kakao is 035720 on KRX.
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