Hyosung CVC Bets on Cosmetics Ingredients and Physical AI Robotics
Hyosung Ventures, the corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Hyosung, has made its first investment of 2026.
On February 27, Hyosung Ventures announced that it recently invested in Piontech, a functional cosmetics ingredient company, and RealWorld, a physical artificial intelligence (AI)-based robotics technology company.
Piontech possesses core technologies in the functional cosmetics field. Through more than 20 years of research and development, it has built a portfolio of patents related to 'spicule' ingredients that enhance skin delivery efficiency. In November of last year, it received the highest TI-1 grade in technology evaluation from the technology credit rating agency NICE D&B. In line with the growth of the global cosmeceutical market, the company is supplying key products to premium domestic cosmetics brands and is also working to expand into China and Southeast Asia with its own brands.
RealWorld owns physical AI technology that learns industrial site data to realize behavioral intelligence. The company has strengthened its technological competitiveness by developing a five-fingered robotic hand model applicable to humanoid robots. This technology is expected to be expandable to various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Last year, RealWorld proved its technological capabilities by taking first place in the foundation model category at the 'Nevius Robotics & Physical AI Awards' held in Silicon Valley, USA. There is also growing attention on the potential for strategic collaboration with Hyosung Group's manufacturing capabilities.
This investment was made through the 100 billion won 'Startup Korea Fund (SKO Fund)' created with Korea Venture Investment at the end of 2024. In 2025, Hyosung Ventures also used this fund to invest in deep-tech startups such as AigenScience, an AI-based drug development company; WiredCompany, an e-commerce platform; NearSolution, a smart logistics solution provider; and Koontech, a convergence security company.
A Hyosung Ventures representative said, "In line with the government's technology-focused investment policy, we plan to continue supporting startups with outstanding technologies and discovering promising companies this year," adding, "We aim to contribute to the vitalization of the domestic deep-tech industry ecosystem."
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