Wadiz Sees 158% Growth in Books, Art, and Kids Funding in First Half of Year

Kids Funding Gains Momentum with Rebound in Birth Rate
Birth and Childcare Products Account for Half
Emerging as a New Distribution Channel for Art

Wadiz announced on the 17th that, according to its analysis of funding trends in the first half of the year, the books, art, and kids categories grew by an average of 158% compared to the same period last year.

Looking at the increase in funding amounts by category, books saw the highest growth at 218%, followed by art (195%), kids (50%), and food (18%). In particular, the books category drew attention as all of the top 10 projects succeeded in raising over 100 million won each. Among these, children's books accounted for 31%, clearly indicating linked growth with the kids category.

In the kids category, funding for birth and childcare products accounted for 49% of the total. Wadiz analyzed that this growth trend is linked to the overall expansion of the domestic kids industry. According to Statistics Korea, the number of newborns in April this year increased by 8.7% compared to the same period last year. With the rebound in birth rates and the emergence of millennial parents who prioritize practicality, the kids category is becoming a new growth engine for Wadiz.

In the art category, the "Human Body Reference Book in Video" project raised 900 million won in funding in just about two months. Notably, payments were made from countries such as the United States, France, and Mexico, attracting attention from both domestic and international customers. Transactions of high-priced artworks, ranging from 300,000 won to over 1 million won, also increased. Analysts say that Wadiz is strengthening its position as a new distribution channel for artworks.

Wadiz plans to continue expanding the range of categories eligible for funding and to upgrade its infrastructure to foster mutual growth with local small business owners and emerging brands. By advancing AI technologies such as the introduction of AI agents and automated advertising review, Wadiz aims to improve accessibility and convenience for funding. The company also intends to support makers' sustained growth through monthly special exhibitions and marketing support.

A representative from Wadiz stated, "Despite the sluggish domestic market, new challenges continued, and as a result, rapidly growing categories such as kids and art stood out," adding, "Going forward, Wadiz will become a platform where makers can discover new markets and supporters can find new tastes through our differentiated funding ecosystem."