LOAS, a Korean startup specializing in AI-powered acoustic inspection systems, has successfully closed its Pre-Series A funding round, raising an additional approximately USD 750,000(KRW 1 billion). This brings the company’s total funding to approximately USD 3 million(KRW 4 billion). The latest investment was led by IBK Venture Investment and FuturePlay, with the capital earmarked to expedite LOAS’s entry into international markets.

Investors were drawn to LOAS’s proprietary AI acoustic inspection technology, which has the potential to significantly enhance product quality and prevent major industrial accidents in the manufacturing sector. The technology’s competitiveness in global markets further solidified their decision to invest.​

In 2024, LOAS was selected as a “First Penguin Company” through the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund’s (KODIT) ‘Innovation1’ support program, which recognizes startups with innovative technology and high growth potential. That same year, in October, the company secured approximately USD 2.25 million(KRW 3 billion) in Pre-Series A funding from KODIT, Stick Ventures, D.CAMP, and MobyDick Ventures. The ‘First Penguin’ designation provides startups with tailored financial and non-financial support to foster their growth into global unicorns.​

Over the past three years, LOAS has developed ‘AI Square,’ the world’s first visualization-based AI acoustic detection, tracking, and inspection software engine. ‘AI Square’ is capable of detecting subtle noises and gas leaks in high-noise environments like power plants and manufacturing facilities, thereby improving product quality and preventing potential human casualties. The technology has garnered attention from key domestic infrastructure operators and international manufacturers.​

A notable application of ‘AI Square’ is in LOAS’s autonomous robotic industrial facility diagnostic system, ‘Tfoi.’ Southwestern Power Co. has deployed ‘Tfoi’ at its Seoincheon Power Plant to effectively detect micro-leaks in aging industrial gas pipelines, enhancing safety management efficiency. This successful implementation was recognized as an exemplary case in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups‘ ‘WIN-WIN HONORS’ program.​

“Despite AI acoustic inspection systems being relatively unfamiliar both domestically and internationally, LOAS’s technological capabilities have been acknowledged by national critical facilities and global companies,” said Jaehyun Lee, CEO of LOAS. “We will continue our relentless efforts to be recognized globally and grow into the world’s leading developer of AI acoustic inspection systems.”