Hurotics, a Korean wearable robotics startup, has raised a $19 million Series A round led by Atinum Investment, with strategic backers including Naver, Lotte, and Daewoong. The funding will accelerate the development of its medical gait-rehabilitation exosuit, H-Medi, and a wearable physical-AI data platform.
TL;DR
- Hurotics raises $19M Series A to expand medical exosuits and wearable AI platform.
- Strategic investors include Naver, Lotte, and Daewoong, signaling confidence in wearable robotics.
- The funding highlights the growing interest in deep tech and medical robotics in Korea.
What happened
Hurotics, a Korean startup specializing in wearable robotics, announced a $19 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Atinum Investment and included strategic investors Naver, Lotte, Daewoong, and Mirae Asset Venture Investment, as well as existing backers Stonebridge Ventures and IBK.
The funding will be used to expand the company's medical gait-rehabilitation exosuit, H-Medi, and to develop a wearable physical-AI data platform. Founder Ki-wook Lee's research on soft-exosuit technology, which was featured on the cover of Science in 2019, is central to Hurotics' innovative approach.
Why it matters
The investment underscores the growing interest in wearable robotics and medical exosuits, particularly in the Korean deep tech sector. Strategic backers like Naver and Lotte suggest a convergence on wearable robotics as a shared platform bet, rather than isolated corporate ventures.
For developers and startups, this funding round highlights the potential of medical robotics and wearable AI technologies. It also signals a broader trend of conglomerates investing in deep tech startups, which could open up more opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Investors should take note of the strategic backing from major Korean companies, indicating a strong belief in the future of wearable robotics. The focus on medical applications and AI data platforms positions Hurotics as a key player in the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.
Key facts
- Hurotics raised $19 million in Series A funding.
- The round was led by Atinum Investment.
- Strategic investors include Naver, Lotte, and Daewoong.
- Existing backers Stonebridge Ventures and IBK also participated.
- The funding will support the expansion of the H-Medi medical exosuit and a wearable AI data platform.
- Founder Ki-wook Lee's research was featured on the cover of Science in 2019.
- The investment highlights the growing interest in deep tech and medical robotics in Korea.
Context
Korea's deep tech sector has been experiencing a funding rally, with several startups in AI, quantum computing, and EV energy platforms securing significant investments. Hurotics' funding round is part of this broader trend, reflecting the increasing focus on wearable robotics and medical technologies.
The involvement of major conglomerates like Naver and Lotte suggests a strategic shift towards wearable robotics as a platform for future innovation. This could lead to more collaborations and investments in the sector, benefiting both startups and investors.
The development of medical exosuits and wearable AI data platforms aligns with global trends in healthcare technology, where AI and robotics are increasingly being used to improve patient outcomes and streamline medical processes.