WRTN Technologies

AI · Consumer Entertainment · Korea

Funding

WRTN Technologies raises $72M Series C, becomes first Korean AI unicorn

Its overseas character-chat and storytelling apps now outsell the home market, a rare feat for a Korean consumer AI startup.

• WRTN Technologies raised about 100 billion won (~$72M) in a Series C round led by new investors Coreline Ventures and Eugene Asset Management, valuing the company at over 1 trillion won (~$870M-$1B).
• WRTN runs a free AI assistant giving access to GPT, Claude and Gemini, and monetizes through AI entertainment apps OOC and character-chat platform Crack.
• OOC, launched in North America in May 2026, surpassed 10 billion won in monthly revenue within three months, with overseas sales exceeding domestic sales.
• The company expects total 2026 revenue to top 200 billion won, more than four times last year's 47.1 billion won, implying a roughly 6x revenue multiple on the new valuation.
• The round brings WRTN's cumulative funding to about 230 billion won (~$165M-$168M), following existing backers Goodwater Capital, Antler Global, Woori Venture Partners and Korea Development Bank.
• WRTN is tightening safeguards on Crack for minors, including usage time limits, stronger parental consent and spending caps, after regulators flagged risks in AI character chat apps.
• The deal marks the first time a Korean consumer AI service startup has crossed the $1B threshold, signaling that Korea's AI entertainment bets can compete globally, not just at home.