South Korean startup ICU Corporation has raised KRW 500 million (approximately $0.38 million) in its pre-Series A funding round, with participation from Series Ventures, NVC Partners, CNTTech, and AI Angelclub.

ICU Corporation is developing “Preznel DTx,” a digital therapeutic using XR (VR) technology to provide non-surgical treatment and supportive care for pediatric strabismus (a condition where the eyes are misaligned). With its innovative approach to digital healthcare, the company aims to commercialize South Korea’s first ophthalmology-focused digital therapeutic, garnering significant industry attention.

Series Ventures remarked, “Preznel DTx’s groundbreaking technology, focus on the niche market of pediatric strabismus, and its goal of achieving certification as an ophthalmology digital therapeutic make ICU Corporation a promising company with strong long-term growth potential.”

CNTTech and AI Angelclub, both of which also participated in the seed round, stated, “ICU Corporation is developing cutting-edge therapeutic solutions based on XR technology. Its focus on the specialized field of pediatric strabismus demonstrates significant potential.”

The company plans to use the funding to complete clinical trials for Preznel DTx and accelerate its certification and commercialization. To support these efforts, ICU Corporation has expanded its operations, starting with the Changwon Uichang Center in 2018, followed by new centers in Daegu Gyeongsan and Daegu Suseong in 2023, and the upcoming Busan Myeongji Center in 2024. Additionally, the company is preparing tailored treatment solutions for pediatric strabismus patients through its optometry brand, “ICU Vision Care.”

Donghyuk Kim, CEO of ICU Corporation, said, “This investment is a major milestone in our journey to advance digital therapeutics. We are dedicated to developing solutions that provide tangible benefits to patients with visual function disorders.”