New Look, a startup that makes wellness traditional Korean liquor by reinterpreting nuruk(the fermentation starter of Korean liquor), announced that it has raised seed funding from The Ventures. 

New Look is a startup that sells a makgeolli called “newlook” made with nuruk reinterpreted in a new way. Using its own fermentation method, New Look has eliminated sugar to 0g and reduced the average calorie content to 23.6kcal per 100g, which is half that of conventional makgeolli. In particular, New Look uses the natural sweetener “allulose” in the makgeolli manufacturing process, breaking the stereotype that “makgeolli is aspartame” and successfully creating a healthy sweetness. In addition, New Look uses ssami(rice that is discarded because it is ugly) from Gyeonggido Korea, which is the main ingredient of makgeolli, to pursue “sustainability” and “coexistence with local farmers.”

New Look’s main target is women in their 20s and 30s who enjoy light and refreshing beer. New Look plans to focus on this market with its light and refreshing makgeolli developed with its own special method. The product is aimed at core consumers in all aspects, including zero sugar, low calorie, 4% alcohol content similar to beer, and a sporty package similar to a carbonated drink.

Kim Cheol-woo, CEO of theventures, said, “I was also interested in the development of products using ssami, alternative sweeteners, and new makgeolli flavors. However, I highly evaluated the passion and execution of the startup team who wanted to change the traditional liquor market.”

“In addition, I was convinced that the co-founders, who have experience in global marketing, sales, and other fields, including CJ ENM, Line, and restaurant entrepreneurship, have the core competencies necessary for global marketing and sales, and that they are a team that understands the target market,” he said.

Kim In-gi, CEO of New Look, said, “All members of our startup team are in their 20s and 30s, which is also our target market. We want to modernize traditional liquor from the perspective of the 2030 generation and compete in the global liquor market with Korean traditional liquor.”

“We plan to secure production facilities and lay the groundwork for market entry through this investment,” she said.