HIDDEN NEWS, a burgeoning global jewelry enterprise based in New York, USA, has successfully garnered seed investments from prominent financial entities including Korea Omega Investment, BigBang Angels, Woori Financial Capital, and Shinhan Venture Investment.

The venture was established by Kim Tae-hyung, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in the jewelry retail sector in New York, California, and London since 2015. Kim’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and a Master’s degree from the London College of Fashion (LCF). With HIDDEN NEWS, Kim is poised to pioneer the global jewelry trends in the pivotal American market, collaborating with over 150 distinguished local designer brands from around the world.

Entering the U.S. market remains a formidable challenge for many international jewelry brands due to limited market insights, stringent direct entry requirements, and substantial financial demands. Recognizing these barriers, and perceiving a gap in the market for a jewelry boutique that adequately meets the diverse design preferences of American consumers, Kim initiated this venture.

The U.S. jewelry landscape is anticipated to be propelled by the rise of demi-fine jewelry and robust online marketplaces. Demi-fine jewelry, which occupies the niche between luxurious fine jewelry that utilizes precious metals and fashion jewelry that features imitation stones, is characterized by its use of sterling silver, 14-18K gold plating, and genuine gemstones. This category is increasingly favored by affluent Millennials who value versatility, affordability, and quality in their purchases.

Specializing in demi-fine jewelry, HIDDEN NEWS not only partners with over 150 designer brands from Europe and Korea but also markets its own designs. These products are available at the Miliemoon retail location in SOHO, New York, and through an online storefront. Following a year of market testing, the company has demonstrated significant sales growth and profitability, underpinned by its extensive experience in global sourcing. This successful track record has been crucial in securing its recent seed investments.

Lee Jeong-soo, a team manager at Shinhan Venture Investment and a participant in the funding round, commended HIDDEN NEWS for its effective market penetration and the accumulation of substantial industrial expertise since 2015. 

Kim Tae-hyung, CEO of Hiddennews, stated, “HIDDEN NEWS’s demi-fine jewelry aligns with consumer trends in the U.S. jewelry market, and is expected to expand market share and rapidly enhance brand recognition through innovative technology adoption.”