South Korean startup WebareSoft, a middleware specialist, has been selected for the 23rd batch program of SparkLabs and has secured seed funding. This marks their second round of seed funding, following an initial investment from Hanyang University Holdings. WebareSoft was chosen from a highly competitive pool, with a selection ratio of 60:1.

WebareSoft has independently developed the ‘OSORI API Gateway and Management’ solution, an API security and monitoring product, using the Rust programming language. Rust is known for its high performance and stability and is recommended by the White House. It is being actively adopted by major companies such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, and AWS.

Additionally, WebareSoft has registered a domestic patent for technology that allows real-time application of security measures and changes, such as API usage limits, and has filed for a patent in the United States. They are also developing SaaS and platform integration products in preparation for global expansion.

Through the SparkLabs 23rd batch program, WebareSoft will participate in one-on-one business diagnostics and tailored coaching, in-depth sessions with leading mentors in various fields, product-market fit (PMF) exploration, and sessions with distinguished SparkLabs alumni. In the final stage of the program, they plan to present their business achievements and secure additional funding at a private demo day attended by major domestic investors.

Kim Yoojin, CEO of SparkLabs, stated, “With the growth of the AI industry, API providers, including generative AI companies, face high entry barriers due to security issues. We anticipate a significant increase in demand for middleware solutions to address these problems, which is why we decided to invest in WebareSoft, a company with innovative technology in this field. We will spare no effort in supporting their solid business foundation in the global market.”

Jang Young-hwi, CEO of WebareSoft, said, “Based on our extensive experience in middleware development, we have independently developed a stable product and filed a domestic patent. From the early stages of our business, we have been aiming for international expansion and have filed for a U.S. patent. We will continue to focus on enhancing our services to ensure that API users can use them easily and safely, and we are committed to creating impactful results.”

WebareSoft was founded in 2021 by three key researchers from TmaxSoft. As the AI industry grows, the Open API market is expanding, and the market for API gateways and management, which are crucial middleware, is also growing. WebareSoft has developed a domestic product that combines performance and stability to meet this demand.