A VC Platform Identifying Founders, Investing in Startups, and Driving Growth

TBT Partners

Founded in 2018, TBT Partners is a venture capital firm that began with a KRW 110 billion inaugural fund. As of September 2023, it managed seven funds with total assets under management (AUM) of KRW 270 billion. The firm focuses on identifying promising IT startups and venture companies. It has invested in more than 60 innovative startups across various sectors. Its track record includes investing in and supporting around 80 startups, including Grip, Ohouse, Soomgo, and SuperBin.

01Challenge

As a late entrant to the venture capital industry, TBT Partners needed to quickly establish its presence and standing. To achieve this, it sought to actively communicate its investment track record and fund formation progress.

02Approach

TBT Partners drew on the personal brand of CEO Ram Lee to quickly generate interest and build awareness. The source of this appeal was her distinctive track record as a pioneering Korean IT service founder behind Cyworld’s Dotori, Naver Cafe and Blog, BAND, and SNOW.

The PR approach also highlighted Lee’s background as the industry’s only female founder of a VC firm. It focused on demonstrating TBT’s growth through portfolio companies led by women whom the firm had identified, invested in, and supported.

03Outcome

PR efforts highlighted Lee’s investment philosophy, insights into identifying founders, and views on the need to support female entrepreneurs. Alongside this coverage of the firm itself, timely exposure for selected portfolio companies under TBT’s strategic support helped raise awareness of TBT Partners.