The Korean F&B brand Matari has announced that it has secured pre-seed funding from ZD Ventures (ZDVC). The investment amount has not been disclosed.

Matari, the first investment made by ZDVC after establishing its inaugural fund, is a startup that reinterprets Korean traditional culture with a modern sensibility to target the global high-end market. Starting with a business that contemporarily restores the fine silks of noble families and royal courts found in ancient documents, Matari is building a refined, high-end F&B brand that showcases Korean beauty to the global market. Its first product, the premium Korean liquor “MATARI 08,” has consistently sold out since its launch in January, solidifying the brand’s position.

Matari aims to grow as a brand that provides a differentiated high-end hospitality experience rooted in Korea’s traditional food culture. By redefining the standard for premium Korean liquor that pairs well with Korean cuisine, the company plans to focus on promoting Korean aesthetics and identity in the global fine dining and hotel markets.

ZDVC’s CEO, Ha-kyung Kim, stated, “ZDVC will continue to invest in founders who create K-culture across various fields, driven by the philosophy that the most Korean elements can also be the most global. We are particularly confident that Matari will become a global brand representing Korea within the next decade, establishing itself as a cultural leader in the F&B sector.”

Matari’s CEO, Ki-hwa Lee, said, “Matari is not just a brand selling traditional liquor; it reinterprets Korean elegance and beauty in a modern way to create new value in the global high-end market. With ZDVC’s investment, we will build a brand architecture grounded in Korean aesthetics and present Korean beauty to the global market as a comprehensive hospitality brand.”