JOOMIDANG, a Korean AI-powered foodtech startup, has secured $3.8 million (5.5 billion KRW) in Pre-Series A funding to expand its data-driven food business. The company, currently supported by the Gwangju Information and Culture Industry Promotion Institute (GICON)’s Startup Leap Package program, attracted multiple domestic investors based on its proven business model and impressive revenue growth.

The funding round drew interest from major Korean investment firms who recognized JOOMIDANG’s scalable AI-based business model, operational stability, and strong revenue performance. The company leverages AI technology and data analytics to optimize product development, production, and distribution processes, creating differentiated competitive advantages in the food industry.

JOOMIDANG’s growth trajectory demonstrates the viability of its AI-driven approach. After recording approximately $1.5 million (2.1 billion KRW) in revenue last year, the company has set an ambitious target of $11.1 million (16 billion KRW) for this year. This technological excellence recently earned recognition from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which awarded JOOMIDANG the Grand Prize at its AI Adoption Best Practices Competition.

The company has built its foundation through GICON’s Startup Leap Package program, which provided crucial support for business advancement and technical competitiveness. Key support areas included AI-based business model refinement, market validation and commercialization strategy development, and investment networking opportunities. With this new funding, JOOMIDANG plans to enhance its AI technology, expand its specialized workforce, and enter new markets.

Kyung-joo Lee, Director of GICON, noted that JOOMIDANG’s investment represents a significant success case demonstrating how the Startup Leap Package can help regional companies gain recognition for both technology and business viability. Lee emphasized that JOOMIDANG’s AI-foodtech growth model showcases the future potential of regional industries, adding that GICON will continue supporting promising startups through their scale-up and investment attraction journeys.

GICON operates the Startup Leap Package to provide comprehensive support to high-potential startups, including commercialization funding, technology advancement, investment connections, and market development assistance. The program focuses on strategic regional industries including AI, data, content, and foodtech to build a sustainable startup ecosystem.