ELICE Group, a Korean AI infrastructure and cloud start-up that operates GPU-as-a-Service platforms and portable modular data centers, has secured strategic investments from Dongguk Holdings and GS Ventures, with both deals laying the groundwork for collaboration on AI Infrastructure development.

The investment decision was driven by ELICE Group’s cloud technology capabilities and its proven track record in operating cutting-edge GPU infrastructure. The company brings a range of technical strengths to the table: expertise in designing and operating liquid-cooled AI data centers, commercialized large-scale GPU clustering technology, and five years of hands-on experience running high-density PMDC (Power and Mechanical Data Center) facilities.

Liquid cooling technology plays a critical role in AI infrastructure by efficiently managing the heat generated during intensive computing workloads, improving overall power usage effectiveness. Meanwhile, ELICE Group’s container-based GPU clustering technology enables high-density computing within constrained physical environments — making it well-suited for training large-scale AI models. Both investors see the company’s five years of stable, real-world operations across the latest GPU and NPU-based AI cloud infrastructure as a key competitive advantage for managing gigawatt-scale data center environments going forward.

Dongguk Holdings brings its own strategic assets to the partnership. As part of Dongkuk Steel Group, the company controls large-scale power receiving facilities on former steel manufacturing sites — locations with strong potential for conversion into AI data center campuses. The Dongkuk Steel Pohang plant, in particular, already has an established power infrastructure in place, positioning it as a strong candidate for future AI data center development.

GS Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of GS Group, focuses on strategic investments in next-generation businesses. GS Group’s broader portfolio includes GS Donghae Power, which gives the conglomerate the ability to supply both the land and the electricity needed for gigawatt-scale data center projects — offering a comprehensive infrastructure platform for AI development.

ELICE Group plans to leverage this investment to expand its AI data center business by building on its cloud technology stack and large-scale GPU clustering capabilities.

“AI infrastructure is a core element directly tied to national competitiveness, and it all starts with reliable power supply and AI cloud technology,” said Jaewon Kim, CEO of ELICE Group, in a statement. “Through this strategic investment, we will secure a stable power foundation and contribute to building self-sufficient AI infrastructure and expanding the industry ecosystem in Korea.”