ICE Creative
The leading beauty influencer network ICE Creative works with influencers to co-create products.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
KRW9.5b | Series A | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Founded on May 31, 2017, by CEO Kim Eun-ha, ICE Creative operates as a Multi-Channel Network (MCN) specializing in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle sectors in South Korea. Kim established the company after her tenure at CJ ENM's DIA TV, where she identified the potential for a creator-centric content business and was instrumental in discovering and nurturing first-generation K-beauty creators like SSIN, Lamuqe, and Lena. Her background in planning and sourcing fashion and beauty content for major media companies like OnStyle and 투니버스 provided the foundational expertise to launch a venture focused on managing creator intellectual property (IP) and fostering their growth as independent brands.
ICE Creative's business model is centered on managing and developing its roster of creators' IPs, extending beyond simple talent management. The company generates revenue through multiple streams, including advertising and partnerships, where it connects its network of influencers with major brands like Dior and Estee Lauder for content creation and promotional campaigns. A significant part of its strategy involves direct commerce through its online select shop, "Comeet Store," and a live commerce show, "Comeet Live," launched in 2021. This platform provides an all-in-one solution for creators, handling product planning, production, and logistics. Furthermore, the company co-creates private brand products with its influencers, such as the cosmetics brand 'Hakit' and lifestyle brand 'Daypercent', sharing in the revenue from product sales. This IP-based business approach allows the firm to create and monetize tangible products, like the 'Doenda Box' which sold 2,000 units in five minutes.
The company serves a dual clientele: the creators it represents and the brands seeking to reach engaged audiences. For creators, it offers comprehensive management, including content production support, channel management, and business development, enabling them to focus on creative work. For advertisers and brands, it provides access to a network of over 200 creator teams, reaching an audience of more than 22 million subscribers. The firm is also expanding its services to include B2B solutions for the e-commerce market and is actively pursuing global expansion through strategic partnerships, such as a joint venture with Two Towers Media to target the global short-form video market on platforms like TikTok. A key milestone was a 6 billion KRW strategic investment from Sandbox Network in April 2019, which solidified its position in the market. In 2022, the company secured further bridge investment from Amorepacific, bringing its cumulative funding to 9.5 billion KRW.
Keywords: MCN, K-beauty, influencer marketing, creator management, digital content, creator IP, live commerce, brand partnerships, social media marketing, beauty creators, fashion influencers, lifestyle content, content monetization, creator economy, South Korean startup, talent management, e-commerce solutions, private brand development, Comeet Store, Kim Eun-ha, digital advertising, social commerce, video content production, fan engagement, global expansion