A Startup Story Beyond Numbers: Pathfinder's 4,500 Success Journeys

Predicting future unicorns might be impossible, but it is possible to turn their potential into reality. D.CAMP, the Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs, established in 2012 by 19 domestic banks, has played precisely that role, establishing itself as a core component of Korea's startup ecosystem. It serves as a strong camp where young entrepreneurs can cultivate their dreams and take flight. The 2024 Annual Report showcases D.CAMP's remarkable achievements in numbers. It executed cumulative investments totaling 811.7 billion KRW, discovered over 4,500 promising startups, provided incubation space to 781 companies, and offered customized mentoring to 7,734 companies. All these achievements are thanks to the strong collaboration of 445 partner companies. However, D.CAMP's true value lies beyond the numbers. The value of its direct investment companies has grown 4.9 times since the time of investment, reaching 5.24 trillion KRW. It has produced unicorns like ABLY Corporation, which attracted 100 billion KRW in investment from China's Alibaba to achieve a corporate value of 3 trillion KRW, and Rebellions, which merged with an SK Telecom AI semiconductor affiliate and was valued at 1.3 trillion KRW. Five companies, including Innospace, successfully listed on KOSDAQ/KONEX, and GoPizza set an example for global expansion by operating over 1,300 stores in 7 countries worldwide. Based on these achievements, D.CAMP announced its 'Startup Pathfinder' Vision 2.0 in October 2024, embarking on new challenges. Starting in 2025, it will professionally foster a select group of elite startups chosen through 'D.CAMP Batch,' and provide opportunities for subsequent growth, such as investor connections, to companies that have overcome intense 16:1 competition through the 'd.day' demo day. Beyond its achievements, D.CAMP also leads in ESG management. It faithfully fulfills its positive social responsibilities by engaging in resource circulation, social contribution, and carbon neutrality campaigns together with its family startups. As stated by Director Ok Chang-seok of the Planning Office, D.CAMP emphasizes, "We will foster co-growth with startups through long-term partnerships, not short-term support, to create a sustainable startup ecosystem." Hidden within the rigid report, behind the cold numbers, the burning passion of entrepreneurs and D.CAMP's steadfast commitment to support are clearly revealed. This will serve not just as a record of achievements, but as vivid inspiration and a guide for all those who embark on the entrepreneurial path.