I helped raise about ₩10B, then failed in the U.S. That is why I know AX Funding.
I led fundraising from inside several AI companies and pitched U.S. VCs in person. I use both experiences to design the investment strategy and IR for AX and deep-tech companies.
Where AX companies get stuck in investor meetings
- P-01
Long on technology, vague on revenue
Most of the meeting goes to model architecture. Who pays, how much and why ends up as one line on the last slide.
- P-02
No different from "a company that added AI"
If you cannot show how you differ from competitors on the same API, through data, workflow and customer lock-in, you get filed as a wrapper.
- P-03
No data and GPU cost structure
If you cannot say how inference cost moves as customers grow, investors start doubting your gross margin.
- P-04
Government grants never become an investment story
The grant track record is there, but nobody explains how it leads to customers or a revenue plan.
Funding and AX, looked at together
- IR deck structure and investment thesis
- Valuation logic
- Investor Q&A and due diligence prep
- Hands-on IR with U.S. VCs
- AI business case validation
- Technical due diligence support
- AI adoption roadmap
- Data and infrastructure cost structure
Not an outside consultant. Someone who raised money from inside an AI company.
AX Funding Readiness self-check
Tick only what is true for your company today. Your score, stage and gaps update instantly.
From diagnosis to investor introductions
- [01] DIAGNOSE
Diagnose
We use your self-check and company materials to find where you will get stuck.
- [02] NARRATIVE
Narrative
We translate the technology into customer value, revenue and cost structure, and set a one-line thesis.
- [03] DECK
IR deck
We turn the story into slide order and numbers, and prepare for the questions you will get.
- [04] CONNECT
Investors and public funding
We map the investors and public funding routes that fit your stage.
Read before your next meeting
- A-01
Why U.S. VCs pass on foreign startups: 180 pitches, 0 term sheets
Read → - A-02
Raising from U.S. VCs as a foreign startup: the Exit question
Read → - A-03
Startup due diligence checklist: run it on yourself before the VC does
Read → - A-04
Delaware flip cost: our $200K quote and why we said no
Read → - A-05
KVIC Global Fund: which foreign VCs must invest in Korean startups?
Read →
I have seen deals close and deals stall
About ₩10B raised in total while working at AI companies
Facing investors from inside the company showed me which arguments actually work.
- The order for translating technology into a business case
- Using government grant results as evidence of growth
- Answering investor questions with numbers
IR with U.S. VCs
The U.S. raise did not close. I wrote down why it stalled.
- Different standards for market validation
- No U.S. entity and no local customers
- A gap with the narrative U.S. investors expect
The book: The Failed U.S. Fundraising Journey of Any Non-U.S. Deep-Tech Startups
The gap between those two experiences becomes your company's investment checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The first funding check is free. For IR design and investor support, we agree on the scope first and then I send a quote.
How long does it take?
The check is a single meeting. The timeline for the investment story and IR deck depends on how ready your materials are, and we set it together.
Is my company information kept confidential?
Materials are used only for the advisory work. We can sign an NDA before you share anything.
Which stage is this for?
AX startups from seed to Series A preparing their first institutional round or public funding, and manufacturing or deep-tech SMEs using AX projects to raise investment or government support.
Do you help with government funding programs?
I help connect public funding and grant results to your investment story. I do not guarantee selection or a closed round.
Book a free funding check
I will reply within 2 business days.