SIZL
Category: AI in Analytics & BI
An industrial AI and smart factory platform that retrofits 'brains' (AI controllers) onto legacy manufacturing equipment to enable real-time data collection and process optimization without equipment replacement. SIZL was founded in 2016. The company is led by Lee Ji-hyun. Based in Anyang-si, South Korea. Team size: 30-50. Total funding raised: $22.2M. Latest round: Pre-IPO, $17.5M, 2025-01, led by Danal Investment Partners. Key investors include Danal Investment Partners, KB Securities, SparkLab Korea, CJ Investment, Aju IB Investment.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Anyang-si, South Korea
- Team size
- 30-50
- Total funding
- $22.2M
Value proposition
Enables digital transformation for existing machinery at 1/10th the cost of new equipment, increasing production yield and reducing downtime through non-invasive AI integration.
Products and solutions
SIZL AI Edge Controller (Hardware for legacy machine data extraction), SIZL Hub (Centralized data monitoring and visualization platform), AI/Voice-based Automatic Data Input System, Predictive Maintenance & Yield Optimization Software, Press Machine Monitoring Solution
Unique value
Pioneered the 'Brain Transplant' concept where AI controllers are plugged into old, analog machines to make them 'smart' without requiring the purchase of expensive new hardware.
Target customer
Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), traditional factories using legacy (non-digital) hardware, and automotive parts suppliers.
Industries served
General Manufacturing, Automotive Parts, Metal Stamping (Press), CNC Machining, Injection Molding
Technology advantage
Uses non-invasive IIoT sensors and proprietary PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) integration to capture high-fidelity manufacturing data that older machines were never designed to export.
How they differentiate
Pioneered the 'Brain Transplant' concept, retrofitting legacy analog machines with non-invasive AI controllers at 1/10th the cost of equipment replacement, enabling digital transformation for machines without built-in data output capabilities.
Main competitors
Ulala Lab, MakinaRocks, T-Lobe
Key partnerships
Danal Investment Partners (Strategic investor for expansion), KB Securities (Lead manager for IPO), DeepingSource (AI technology collaboration), HB Investment & TI Investment (Financial partners), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) academic network
Notable customers
Tier-1 Automotive Suppliers, SME Metal Stamping Factories, CNC Machining Centers
Major milestones
Secured 23.7 Billion KRW Pre-IPO funding in January 2025, Reached 200+ manufacturing clients in 2024, Targeting KOSDAQ listing in 2026 with a target valuation of 400 Billion KRW
Growth metrics
Expanded from 140 manufacturing clients in 2023 to over 200 in 2024; 2023 annual revenue reached 19.04 Billion KRW.
Market positioning
Leader in Industrial AI and Smart Factory SaaS for South Korean manufacturing SMEs and automotive suppliers.
Geographic focus
South Korea (Primary), North America, Southeast Asia (Expansion stage)
Patents and IP
Holds over 10 registered patents in Industrial AI, data processing, and smart factory monitoring systems (as of late 2024).
About Lee Ji-hyun
Lee Ji-hyun is a serial entrepreneur who majored in Technology Management at UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology). Immediately after graduation, she founded 'The Play', a mobile marketing platform, and 'A-Works', an AI-driven service business. In 2016, she founded SIZL, leading it to become a leader in industrial AI and smart factory optimization in South Korea, notably securing major Pre-IPO funding and expanding to over 140 manufacturing clients.
Official website: https://sizl.co.kr/