NAVER D2SF Expands Its Portfolio with 23i Investment in Virtual Entertainment

In a bold move to enhance its footprint in the growing virtual entertainment sector, NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture arm of NAVER, has announced its latest investment in the groundbreaking startup 23i. Led by CEO Hyungmin Kim, 23i aims to redefine virtual entertainment through innovative content production capabilities and advanced in-house technologies targeted at engaging fandoms.

As the global virtual entertainment market accelerates, particularly in regions such as Korea and Japan, NAVER D2SF recognizes the potential of 23i’s team to develop expansive entertainment intellectual property (IP). The investment underscores the confidence that NAVER D2SF has in 23i’s ability to leverage virtual artists' strengths and captivate audiences worldwide.

Innovation in Content Production

23i's approach involves harnessing cutting-edge virtual user experience (UX) technologies, including real-time motion capture and toon shaders. These technologies not only enhance the visual quality of content but also allow for the rapid production of high-frequency output. For virtual artists to cultivate lasting fandoms, delivering original and meaningful content is essential.

By implementing an efficient production workflow, 23i has positioned itself to create entertaining narratives and experiences that resonate deeply with fans. This workflow enables a smaller team to execute complex projects that previously required larger operations.

Strengthening Fan Engagement with Multi-Persona Concepts
23i has pioneered the concept of