Korean startup SeedN, which develops AI– and cloud-based real-time energy control technologies for buildings, has successfully closed an approximately USD 4.74 million(KRW 6.5 billion) Series A funding round.

The round was led by Murex Partners, with participation from new investors including Explo Investment (the venture capital arm of GS E&C), Industrial Bank of Korea(IBK), and SK Shieldus. This brings SeedN’s total funding to approximately USD 7.3 million(KRW 10 billion).

SeedN offers a subscription-based service that analyzes real-time data affecting energy efficiency and uses its proprietary cloud-based technology to control power devices, significantly reducing electricity costs such as heating and cooling. The company primarily targets retail spaces equipped with existing energy devices, and its cloud-based infrastructure enables simultaneous control of hundreds of stores.

One notable success is the “CAPS Smart Heating and Cooling” business, launched jointly with SK Shieldus. Sales of air conditioning units under the program soared from 745 units in the first year to 4,300 units within just a year, marking a 477% growth.

SeedN has expanded its customer base from mainly food and beverage sectors to consumer goods retailers, furniture stores, factories, and residential complexes. The startup is drawing attention from large manufacturers, franchise operators, and small businesses seeking solutions to rising electricity costs.

According to Dongmin Kang, CEO of Murex Partners, SeedN’s competitive edge lies in its rich database collected over a decade of field testing. He emphasized that field data encompassing spatial information, user environments, seasons, climate conditions, and types and layouts of energy devices forms the core of SeedN’s energy management services.

Hyunwoong Choi, CEO of SeedN, stated, “With this funding, we plan to not only strengthen our existing partnerships but also boost direct sales of our services and launch new products.”

He added, “We are particularly excited about 2025, as we expect to see tangible results in both domestic and international markets. Growing interest in energy savings in offices and factories supports our plans to officially launch the ‘Leaf Office’ and ‘Leaf X’ services in early May.”

The “Leaf X” service is designed for easy management of large-scale facilities such as factories, schools, and apartment complexes. This summer, SeedN plans to roll out additional features such as air quality sensors, smart outlets, and lighting control switches, creating a comprehensive building energy management solution.

The new funding will also accelerate SeedN’s global expansion. A proof-of-concept (PoC) trial with FamilyMart Taiwan is set for late April, alongside telecommunications certification procedures. The company has already completed service validation tests during business trips to Singapore and Indonesia, receiving positive feedback from multiple overseas buyers. SeedN plans to push ahead with expansion into Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian markets.

Moreover, SeedN has been selected for the South Korean government’s 2025 First Innovative Product Program, preparing to supply its services to public sector clients. It was also recognized as an outstanding company in Shinsegae’s ESG Support Program and selected for the “Super Gap Startup 1000+” project, further strengthening its credentials.