CreatripTeam

Kim So-young, a former announcer and influencer, has caught the spotlight by securing a 7 billion KRW ($5.3 million) investment for her brand 'Beplant' from Altos Ventures, a prominent American venture capital firm. This marks a significant shift where influencers in South Korea, beyond just social media presence and selling celebrity merchandise, are entering the formal startup ecosystem. Influencers are leveraging their follower base to build brands in various sectors, ranging from wellness products to skincare, and are now competing at levels comparable to established companies. This transformation is driven by influencers focusing on sustainable brand building through long-term trust and transparency, witnessing enhanced valuations and global expansions. Such dynamics in influencer commerce reveal that these personalities are evolving as serious contenders in the entrepreneurial landscape, with significant interest from venture capitalists.