California-Based Speclips Secures $11M in Pre-IPO Funding

Speclipse, a South Korean company that develops laser- and AI-based skin treatments and skin cancer diagnostic solutions, has raised KRW 15 billion (around $10.7 million) in pre-IPO funding at a valuation of KRW 180 billion.

The round included new shares and secondary transactions, with two existing institutional investors and two new investors participating.

The company plans to use the new funding to expand its production facilities and hire specialised staff.

What is Speclipse?

Speclipse develops medical devices using laser and AI technologies for skin treatment and skin cancer diagnosis.

Its flagship product, PICO-K, is a cosmetic and therapeutic medical device that has helped the company expand its business internationally.

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The company is also developing new products, including Therjet, a radiofrequency medical aesthetic device, and Duo-K, a dual long-pulse laser device for hair removal.

Funding for Speclipse?

Speclipse secured KRW 15 billion (approximately $10.7 million) in its latest pre-IPO financing.

The investment valued the company at KRW 180 billion, more than double its KRW 88 billion valuation in 2024.

The funding included both newly issued shares and secondary transactions involving existing shares.

Who Invested in Speclipse’s Pre-IPO Round?

The financing included:

• Two existing institutional investors
• Two new institutional investors

Some existing institutional shareholders sold shares as their fund management periods came to an end. The newly issued shares will provide capital for Speclipse's production expansion and recruitment.

Why the Funding Matters

Speclipse will use the new funding to expand its production facilities and recruit specialised employees.

The company is also investing in new products as it prepares to expand its medical device business.

About Speclipse?

Speclipse was founded in 2015 by Stanford University graduates and a dermatologist, and is headquartered in South Korea and Sunnyvale, California.

The company develops medical devices based on laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) and artificial intelligence.

Hong Jeong-hwan, CEO of Speclips, stated, "This investment served as an opportunity to reaffirm that the company is delivering the revenue and growth promised to existing shareholders, and also allowed us to demonstrate to new investors that our company is an attractive enterprise."

Market and Business Growth

Speclipse reported strong growth during the first half of the year.

Sales increased by approximately 150% compared with the same period last year, surpassing the company's full-year sales from the previous year.

The company now exports to 27 countries. Speclipse said the growth was driven by supplies to global partners and increased sales of its own products, including PICO-K.

The company is also developing Therjet and Duo-K to expand its product portfolio.

Plan of Speclipse?

Speclipse plans to expand production and hire specialised staff using the new funding.

Therjet is undergoing regulatory approval and is targeted for launch in the first half of 2027. Duo-K is in the final stages of development, with a domestic launch planned as early as the second half of 2027.

The company is also preparing for an IPO and is reviewing listing plans with an underwriter. Speclipse aims to list on KOSDAQ by the end of 2027.

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