DataUniverse Acquires Accelerator, Launches Subsidiary "DUpartners"

First M&A Announced
Declares a New Leap Forward Through Business Expansion and Strengthened External Collaboration

DataUniverse has launched its subsidiary, DUpartners.

DataUniverse Co., Ltd. (CEO Kang Wonseok) is strengthening its corporate competitiveness and expanding its business scope by acquiring the startup accelerator Story & Data Co., Ltd.

Through this acquisition, DataUniverse will incorporate Story & Data as a subsidiary and relaunch the acquired company under the new name DUpartners (CEO Ko Hoyun). This marks DataUniverse's first merger and acquisition (M&A) case, and is significant in that an information and communications technology-based company is internalizing the capabilities to discover and nurture startups, thereby securing new growth engines.

Diversifying Business Structure in Its 8th Year Since Founding

In 2026, as DataUniverse enters its eighth year since establishment, the company continues to achieve solid growth under the value of "solving social problems through information and communications technology (ICT) for a better world." The data and technological expertise accumulated in areas such as voice phishing and financial fraud prevention, as well as personal information protection, are considered the company's greatest assets.

With this acquisition as a turning point, DataUniverse plans to accelerate its expansion through active collaboration with external partners, moving beyond its previous strategy focused on internal growth. The company aims to create a foundation for mutual growth with innovative technology companies by combining DUpartners' startup network and incubation capabilities with DataUniverse's data and technology infrastructure.

Securing Investment Resources Through Fund Formation, Full-Scale Discovery of New Businesses

The newly launched DUpartners will serve as a strategic partner, identifying promising startups that can create synergy with DataUniverse's core businesses.

In particular, DataUniverse has continuously analyzed market and technology trends and movements in the investment ecosystem, constantly seeking new business opportunities. Going forward, the company plans to establish its own funds to provide practical investment resources needed for growth. In line with this strategic direction, DUpartners will focus on leveraging its keen insight and professional incubation capabilities to select outstanding companies and lead actual investment execution.

A Virtuous Cycle Ecosystem Led by Experienced Startups... Realizing Social Value

This acquisition also carries the meaning of fostering a "virtuous cycle" in the startup ecosystem. As an experienced startup, DataUniverse empathizes with the real-world challenges faced by early-stage startups and has taken on the role of a catalyst for growth by providing infrastructure and know-how. This is the result of expanding the company's philosophy of "solving social problems" into the social value of supporting the startup ecosystem.

Kang Wonseok, CEO of DataUniverse, stated, "This acquisition is not simply about organizational expansion, but a strategic decision to create new business opportunities based on the technology and experience we have accumulated so far," adding, "Through DUpartners, we will steadily build a foundation for long-term collaboration and joint growth with companies."