STIC Investment: Korea’s Leading Private Equity Powerhouse – Complete Guide for International Investors (2025)
Published on FOFs.kr | Korea’s Premier Fund-of-Funds Intelligence Source
What is STIC Investment? Executive Summary
STIC Investment stands as Korea’s most influential private equity firm, commanding attention from international GPs and LPs seeking exposure to the dynamic Korean venture capital market. With over two decades of proven track record and $6.7 billion in assets under management as of early 2024, STIC Investment has established itself as a cornerstone of Korea’s investment ecosystem.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Founded: July 1999 (25+ years experience)
- AUM: $6.7 billion USD (2024)
- Track Record: 139 investments, 69 successful exits
- Global Presence: 6 countries, 70 professionals
- Star Exits: Golfzon (3.6x, 66.1% IRR), HYBE, Jeil Hydraulics (3x)
STIC Investment Company Profile: Korea’s PE Pioneer
Corporate Overview and Investment Focus
Company Name: STIC Investments Inc.
Founded: July 1999
Headquarters: 10 Fl. MSA Bldg. 12, Teheran-ro 78-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Investment Type: Growth Capital, Buyouts, Secondary Markets
Target Deal Size: $20-50 million per transaction
Geographic Focus: Korea (primary), Asia-Pacific expansion
STIC’s Investment Philosophy and ESG Leadership
STIC Investment has positioned Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) interests as top priority when making investments, establishing itself as a responsible investor since its foundation. The firm’s investment approach centers on:
- 🎯 Growth Capital Excellence: Mid-cap companies seeking expansion
- 📈 Multiple Business Cycles: Proven performance across economic cycles
- 🤝 Value Creation: Hands-on portfolio company support
- 🌍 Cross-Border Expertise: Six-country Asian platform
STIC Investment Leadership: Ownership Structure and Management
Mr. Do | Chairman & Founder
- Experience: 40+ years in financial industry
- Previous: Head of Investment Division, Shinhan Life Insurance
- Leadership: Chairman of Korea Venture Capital Association (2003-2010)
- Education: BA Economics & MBA from Korea University
Key Management Team
- Hong Jin Kim: Managing Director, Investment Operations
- In Kyu Hwang: Managing Director, Strategic Initiatives
- Jason Cho: Managing Director, Portfolio Management
Global Team Structure (70 Total Members)
Headquarters
Greater China
Mainland China
Taiwan
Southeast Asia
Regional Korea
Assets Under Management (AUM): $6.7 Billion Portfolio
$6.7B
Total AUM (2024)
25+
Years Track Record
6
Countries of Operation
STIC Investment Performance: Track Record Analysis
Portfolio Statistics (as of August 2025)
🏆 Golfzon (Legendary Exit)
- Investment: $20.3M (March 2008)
- Exit Value: $72.9M (early 2012)
- Return: 3.6x multiple, 66.1% gross IRR
🎵 HYBE (K-pop Success)
- Company: Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE)
- Exit: 7.57% stake sold (June 2021)
- Success: Capitalized on global K-pop boom
Investment Strategy: Sectors and Portfolio Focus
💻 Information Technology
AI & ML: Next-generation applications
Software: Enterprise and consumer platforms
Digital Infrastructure: Cloud and connectivity solutions
🔬 Healthcare & Biotechnology
Therapeutics: Drug development and clinical trials
Medical Devices: Innovative healthcare solutions
Digital Health: Telemedicine and health platforms
🎮 Entertainment & Gaming
Gaming: Mobile and console game development
Content: Media and entertainment platforms
Music: K-pop and global music industry
🏭 Industrial Services
Manufacturing: Advanced production technologies
Energy: Renewable and traditional energy
Materials: Specialty chemicals and materials
Recent Investment Activity & Market Events (2024-2025)
RenewOne
Agricultural Chemicals
February 2025 Investment
PineTree Therapeutics
Biotechnology
Series A-II (July 2024)
Zeno Health
Generic Medicines
$25M Series C (Feb 2024)