• funding Stage : Series A
• Raising Amount : KRW 2B
• Desired Fundraising Timeframe : 2Q 2025

The idea of measuring particulate matter using CCTV might seem surprising at first. One might wonder why we need to analyze through CCTV when we can see the hazy sky with our own eyes, and how precise such measurements could be. However, Deepvisions‘ ‘Vision Plus’ is far more than just a simple solution.

When particulate matter is present in the air, there’s a change in the ‘visibility distance’ – the range that people can see with their naked eyes. While humans only perceive this as a general ‘haziness,’ ‘Vision Plus’ processes CCTV information through 8 sophisticated filtering stages. When particulate matter levels increase, the wavelength of light in the air changes, and Vision Plus precisely analyzes these wavelength variations to measure particulate matter concentration based on AI-trained historical data.

The critical challenge lies in accuracy. The traditional method for precise particulate matter measurement is the ‘gravimetric method.’ This technology measures particulate matter levels by tracking weight changes of accumulated dust over time, but the equipment is extremely expensive due to the need for ultra-precise measurements. With installation costs of about 200 million KRW (approximately $154,000 USD) per unit, only 37 units have been installed nationwide. Moreover, these units can only provide updates once per hour.

Another measurement method employs light scattering sensors, which measure particulate matter concentration by detecting light scatter patterns in the air. This also requires dedicated equipment and costs about 10-20 million KRW ($7,700-15,400 USD) per unit to install.

In contrast, Deepvisions’ ‘Vision Plus’ offers tremendous cost advantages by utilizing existing CCTV infrastructure without requiring additional hardware installation. It provides real-time particulate matter information and can deliver detailed data anywhere CCTV cameras are installed. This means it can provide real-time particulate matter information across various locations – from local government districts to specific neighborhoods, roads, factories, and residential areas.

While these advantages are significant, they would be meaningless without accuracy. However, Vision Plus has received certification from official institutions for its precision. It demonstrated approximately 85-90% accuracy compared to the ‘gravimetric method,’ which is considered the gold standard. Following this validation, Seoul’s SeongDong-gu office implemented Vision Plus-based particulate matter information services in May this year, and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation adopted the system at Olympic Park.

The need for accurate particulate matter information extends beyond national, local governments, and public institutions. Private sector entities such as power plants, factories, and construction companies that generate particulate matter also require reliable measurement devices. With heightened public awareness about particulate matter, these organizations need to manage their production and address community concerns based on accurate emissions data. This presents significant expansion opportunities for Deepvisions in the private sector.

Deepvisions’ CEO Bong-soo Kang has been passionate about creating socially impactful companies since his college years. His first startup with similar goals wasn’t successful, but learning from this experience, he founded Deepvisions as his second venture, focusing on particulate matter reduction. The journey hasn’t been easy – founded in 2018, the company spent five years in R&D before developing their breakthrough product, ‘Vision Plus.’

As a result, Deepvisions projects annual revenue of 1.8 billion KRW ($1.38 million USD) this year, with 300 million KRW ($231,000 USD) expected from exports.

Deepvisions has secured cumulative Pre-Series A investments of 1.1 billion KRW ($846,000 USD) as of November this year and is actively expanding Vision Plus into Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Beyond particulate matter measurement, they’re developing an agricultural pest detection project in Japan, collaborating with a Southeast Asian retailer on occupancy-based air conditioning optimization, and implementing construction site safety management solutions in Vietnam. To support these initiatives, they plan to raise Series A funding beginning June next year.

Deepvisions’ homepage prominently features a ‘CES Meeting Reservation’ button, clearly demonstrating their global market aspirations. It will be fascinating to see how ‘deep’ an impact Deepvisions can make as they pursue both social impact and commercial success.

Meanwhile, Deepvisions received comprehensive support through the SMART-X LAB online IR support program, jointly operated by Incheon CCEI and KT, including guidance on effectively presenting their products to potential investors.

What problem is the Deepvisions team trying to solve?

Particulate matter pollution has become an escalating threat to global public health. Classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the WHO, its death toll continues to rise, with OECD reports projecting nearly 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

While particulate matter has become a daily health concern, current measurement systems have significant limitations. Government-operated measuring stations require expensive equipment costing 200 million KRW ($154,000 USD) each, and the distance between stations can extend up to 25km, making it impossible to provide accurate localized information. Furthermore, since measurements are only updated hourly, the data often doesn’t reflect real-time conditions affecting individuals.

Consequently, citizens lack access to real-time, localized particulate matter measurements, and local governments cannot implement effective dust reduction strategies due to insufficient data granularity.

How does Deepvisions solve this problem?

Deepvisions invested five years in R&D to develop vision AI technology for particulate matter measurement. Instead of relying on traditional facility-based measurements, they created an innovative solution. Their ‘Vision Plus’ system analyzes existing CCTV video feeds using AI to measure particulate matter levels, enabling more detailed, real-time information delivery to citizens.

What is our competitiveness compared to competitors?

First, we offer real-time monitoring capabilities. While national networks only provide hourly updates, Vision Plus delivers continuous, real-time analysis.

Second, we provide significant cost advantages. Compared to national measurement stations costing 200 million KRW ($154,000 USD) per location, Vision Plus can be implemented for approximately 5 million KRW ($3,850 USD).

Third, we enable hyperlocal monitoring. National networks average only 0.25 stations per local government jurisdiction, with gaps up to 25km between stations. Vision Plus leverages existing CCTV infrastructure to provide comprehensive spatial coverage.

What services do we provide?

‘Vision Plus’ is a software solution that processes video feeds from existing CCTV infrastructure through Deepvisions’ servers to measure particulate matter levels.

We’ve successfully implemented our system in Seoul’s Seongdong-gu district, launching their real-time particulate matter map in July this year. The system has also been deployed at Olympic Park, operated by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, since May.

What is our target market size and who are our core target customers?

The Korean market for real-time particulate matter information services is valued at approximately 260 billion KRW ($200 million USD) (Source: Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute 2020). Our initial domestic commercialization phase targets annual contracts worth 100 million KRW ($77,000 USD) per local government. The global measurement market reaches 1.66 trillion KRW ($1.28 billion USD) (Source: Grand View Research 2021), and we’re pursuing opportunities in OECD countries with significant particulate matter challenges through smart city initiatives.

What is our business model?

The first is our B2G (Business-to-Government) model. We’re actively pursuing government contracts in partnership with local authorities and the Ministry of Environment’s seasonal particulate matter management initiative. We’re currently in advanced discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Korea Environment Corporation.

Through Vision Plus, we utilize existing government CCTV networks to create public particulate matter maps while providing comprehensive air quality management systems to local environmental officials, enabling data-driven reduction strategies.

The second is our B2B (Business-to-Business) model focusing on the fugitive dust measurement market. We provide AI-powered dust management systems to construction sites and Type 1-5 emission facilities.

What are our team’s achievements so far?

We successfully completed our Pre-A funding round at the end of 2023, securing an initial investment of 500 million KRW ($385,000 USD). Following five years of intensive R&D, this investment came just as Vision Plus was ready for commercialization. We subsequently attracted three additional investments, bringing our total funding to 1.085 billion KRW ($835,000 USD).

Our product deployment has also gained significant traction. Following Vision Plus’s commercial launch in early 2023, we secured major contracts with both the Seongdong-gu district office and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation.

In terms of intellectual property, we currently hold 8 registered patents with 5 additional patent applications pending.

What is our team’s competitiveness?

Deepvisions brings together a powerful combination of expertise: our CEO brings valuable entrepreneurial experience, while our CTO holds a Ph.D. specializing in vision AI technology. Our co-founder and CSO oversees comprehensive service delivery, and our CMO brings specialized expertise in B2G and B2B sales. Among our 14 employees, the majority are R&D professionals, ensuring our technical capabilities as an IT company remain strong.

Three reasons why we should receive investment !

Deepvisions’ vision technology and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities are rapidly expanding into diverse B2B applications.

First, we’re finalizing development of an agricultural pest detection solution that revolutionizes traditional approaches. Rather than requiring expensive smart farm infrastructure, our system uses drone-captured imagery to analyze open fields. Once completed, this solution will help minimize crop damage from pests in primary agriculture sectors, particularly crucial given ongoing climate change challenges.

Second, we’re advancing energy conservation through vision AI technology as part of ESG initiatives. By combining indoor air quality measurements with occupancy detection, we’re optimizing air conditioning systems for improved energy efficiency. This technology, integrated into Building Management Systems (BMS), has significant expansion potential.

Third, we’re enhancing construction site safety through vision AI technology. Currently in Proof of Concept (PoC) phase, this system provides real-time monitoring and alerts for safety violations, including helmet compliance and fire detection, all through existing CCTV infrastructure.