Korean AI Startup RLWRLD Raises ¥2.2 Billion to Advance Robotics Foundation Models
Seoul-based physical AI startup RLWRLD has raised approximately ¥2.2 billion in seed funding, the company announced on the 15th. The round brought in investors from both Japan and Korea, signaling strong regional interest in RLWRLD’s Robotics Foundation Model (RFM) technology.
Backing from Strategic and Independent Investors
From Japan, Global Brain participated as an independent venture capital firm. Corporate venture arms of major Japanese companies including ANA Holdings, KDDI, Mitsui Chemicals, PKSHA Technology, and Shimadzu Corporation also joined the round.
On the Korean side, Mirae Asset Venture Investment and Hashed participated as independent VCs, while strategic investors included LG Electronics, SK Telecom, and DRB.
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Building Foundation Models for the Factory Floor
RLWRLD is developing RFM software that supports efficiency on manufacturing sites. Their approach integrates proprietary AI architecture, a learning platform trained on manufacturing data, and interoperability tools connecting AI to robotics systems.
The long-term vision is to create a robust ecosystem where RFM tech can be applied across industrial robots, sensors, and automation systems—bridging the gap between AI and real-world physical environments.
A Team Built for Scale
Founded in July 2024, RLWRLD is led by CEO Jun-Hee Ryu, a KAIST graduate and founder of Olaworks—a computer vision company acquired by Intel. The company has assembled a high-caliber team that includes AI and robotics researchers, former unicorn CTOs, and ex-BCG managing directors.
Eyes on Japan for 2025
Looking ahead, RLWRLD plans to establish a presence in Japan in 2025. The focus will be on deepening strategic ties with Japanese manufacturing companies and expanding research partnerships with local academic institutions in AI and robotics.
The funds raised will go toward accelerating RFM development and strengthening data-driven AI tools tailored for industrial use.
