Companies in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), defense, robotics, and semiconductors are set to launch initial public offerings (IPOs) this month. Despite increased market volatility, there are expectations that the IPO market will remain robust, particularly for growth sectors.
According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic disclosure system DART, companies including Nears Lab, Hachitech, Big Wave Robotics, and Kido Industry are moving forward with their plans for KOSDAQ listings after conducting institutional demand forecasts and general subscriptions this month. These companies operate in the fields of drones, sensor semiconductors, robot automation, and original equipment manufacturing (OEM).
The most notable among them is Nears Lab, a company specializing in AI autonomous drones. Nears Lab has set its proposed offering price range between 30,000 and 41,200 won, with a maximum fundraising target of 37.5 billion won. The institutional demand forecast is scheduled for August 12-13, with the listing date expected on the 28th.
Nears Lab is involved in defense and wind power facility inspection services and recently signed a supply contract worth approximately $10 million with a company in the United Arab Emirates. However, geopolitical risks in the Middle East and ongoing operating losses are considered potential risks.
Seong Hyun-dong, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "Nears Lab has secured competitiveness in the defense and wind power facility inspection sectors based on its proprietary physical AI technology, and benefits are expected from the expansion of the global drone market."
Hachitech is a fabless company designing sensor semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and information technology (IT) devices. Its proposed offering price range is between 23,000 and 28,000 won, with DB Securities serving as the lead underwriter. The maximum fundraising target is 28 billion won. Hachitech supplies products to companies such as Hyundai Motor, Lenovo, Motorola, OPPO, and Vivo, but potential risks include a slowdown in the semiconductor market and decreased demand due to U.S.-China trade tensions. The company is currently expanding its business, focusing on automotive sensors and fingerprint recognition sensors.
Big Wave Robotics operates the robot automation platform 'Marosol' and the integrated control platform 'SOLlink.' It provides services across various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, hotels, and hospitals, and is also pursuing entry into the North American market. The company successfully turned a profit last year, but reported an operating loss in the first quarter of this year. Eugene Investment & Securities and Mirae Asset Securities are managing the listing.
Kido Industry is an OEM clothing company operating production facilities in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar. It produces motorcycle and outdoor apparel, with exports accounting for approximately 67.8% of its business. The company has secured global clients primarily in the U.S. and European markets and is diversifying its production bases to enhance supply chain stability. Its proposed offering price range is between 24,800 and 28,400 won, with a maximum fundraising target of 48.3 billion won.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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