NAVER D2SF has invested in F4GE, a South Korean defense and manufacturing infrastructure startup building a network that connects domestic manufacturers with global defense and advanced hardware companies.
The financing represents F4GE’s first institutional funding round and also includes KNET Investment Partners, Sazze Partners, DCAMP and 500 Global.
Founded in January 2026 and led by CEO Hyukhyun Kwon, F4GE is developing what it calls a “programmable manufacturing network” connecting Korea’s fragmented manufacturing base with global demand.
Korea has approximately 60,000 core manufacturing factories spanning areas including casting, forging, machining and molding, but many smaller manufacturers face barriers entering international supply chains because of compliance, documentation and traceability requirements.
F4GE deploys proprietary software into existing factories to gather real-time information on equipment, processes, inspections and workflows.
The platform standardizes equipment data and languages across facilities, captures skilled workers’ know-how and manages processes spanning factory allocation, production standards, logistics, customs and documentation.
The technology is also designed to support supply chain certifications including Chain of Custody requirements used by the U.S. Department of Defense and other global buyers.
F4GE is expanding partnerships across South Korea’s manufacturing hubs in Sacheon, Changwon and Busan while building demand-side relationships in North America and Europe across defense, aerospace, shipbuilding and robotics.
The company plans to use the investment to expand hiring across manufacturing engineering and AI development and add manufacturing partners.
KEY QUOTE:
“Defense and manufacturing are sectors where global supply chain restructuring and technological advancement are creating new opportunities at the same time. F4GE is building a structure that connects Korea’s on-the-ground manufacturing capabilities with global demand from defense and manufacturing industries. This is meaningful because it can help Korea’s manufacturing infrastructure play a greater role in global value chains.”
Sanghwan Yang, Head of NAVER D2SF
