You've probably already heard of Kakao, the app that is an integral part of Korean daily life. But do you really know why this digital company has become such a fixture in South Korea? From its creation to its dazzling expansion, from its innovations to its impressive financial results, discover how Kakao has established itself as a digital giant. Immerse yourself in the world of this company, which continues to grow and shake up the codes of the Korean market.

The origins of Kakao

Founded in 2010 by Kim Beom-su, a former Samsung employee, Kakao quickly captured the attention of Korean users with its KakaoTalk instant messaging application. In just a few years, this free application has become the preferred communication tool in South Korea, with over 90% of the country's smartphone users using it. This success is largely due to the vision of its creators, who anticipated the digital transition and users' growing need for connectivity.

Kakao: multiple innovative services

But Kakao didn't stop at messaging alone. The company has diversified its activities to become a true digital ecosystem. Today, Kakao offers a wide range of products and services: 

- KakaoTalk The messaging platform that lets you send messages, photos, videos and even money.

- KakaoPay A mobile payment service that facilitates financial transactions.

- KakaoBank An online bank that is revolutionizing the traditional banking sector.

- Kakao T : A transportation service, including cabs, bicycles and shared vehicles.

- Kakao Games: A branch dedicated to the development and distribution of video games.

- Kakao Webtoon A digital comics platform, also known as Kakao Piccoma, valued at over $6 billion.

Kakao has innovated and diversified to meet the needs of a constantly evolving market, and this strategy has enabled it to establish itself as a key digital player in South Korea.

Kakao: explosive growth

Since its inception, Kakao has enjoyed phenomenal growth, marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and ambitious international expansion. In 2014, Kakao merged with Daum Communications, one of Korea's largest Internet portals, to form Daum Kakao, strengthening its position in the Korean digital market. 

Kakao has also stepped up its investments in various fields, such as finance, mobility and digital content, enabling it to diversify its revenues and strengthen its presence in new markets. Thanks to these initiatives, the company has succeeded in capturing a significant share of the Asian market, notably with its Kakao Piccoma webtoon service, which has become the leader in digital comics in Japan .

Kakao: financial performance

In financial terms, Kakao has performed remarkably well over the years. The company has raised considerable funds to support its growth and investments. In 2023, Kakao raised over $500 million to support the expansion of its subsidiary Kakao Mobility, strengthening its presence in the mobility sector and boosting its valuation to nearly $25 billion. 

Kakao's sales are also steadily increasing. In 2023, the company recorded sales of $7.1 billion, up on the previous year. Kakao's market capitalization is now estimated at over $30 billion, confirming its status as a digital giant and economic heavyweight in South Korea.

Kakao: key information

We're talking about them!

tresor.economie.gouv.fr : Kakao, Naver and Coupang, Korea's digital giants

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David B - Financial expert