Korean startup Dosigotgan, which operates premium offline side dish shops, recently secured KRW 2 billion (approximately USD 1.5 million) in Series A bridge funding from CJ Investment and Bilanx Investment. This follows last year’s KRW 3.1 billion (approximately USD 2.3 million) Series A round, bringing their total funding to KRW 6 billion (approximately USD 4.5 million).

Dosigotgan offers a curated selection of over 250 chef-prepared side dishes, along with local traditional liquors and fresh agricultural, livestock, and seafood products, available at more than 50 stores nationwide. Targeting women in their 30s and 40s, the brand attracts 1.7 million members annually.

The company is rapidly expanding its offline presence across the country, including in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Jeolla, Gyeongsang, Gangwon, and Jeju. Dosigotgan ranked first in average sales per store in the food sector, according to the Fair Trade Commission, and is accelerating its growth by opening direct stores in Lotte Mart, Lotte Super, Galleria Department Store, and Hyundai Department Store, in addition to its standalone shops.

Since its founding in 2019, Dosigotgan has seen consistent growth, achieving over KRW 20 billion (approximately USD 15 million) in brand sales in 2023, with expectations to exceed KRW 30 billion (approximately USD 22.5 million) this year.

Hyun-gyu Kim, Senior Investment Manager at CJ Investment, who led this round of investment, commented, “With rising prices and shifting lifestyles, there’s growing demand for tailored food solutions. Dosigotgan, with its unique products and branding expertise, is well-positioned to meet diverse customer needs and lead the market by strengthening its channel competitiveness.”

Dosigotgan’s CEO, Yohan Min, stated, “This investment will enable us to establish a last-mile smart logistics system, enhance our customer purchase data, and rapidly expand our direct store network. We also plan to grow our second brand, Deli House, and explore international expansion.” The company plans to open more than 10 new direct stores this year, with a goal of adding 50 more in the coming years.