OnMind, digital human developer, brings on Hana Bank onboard after investment

Virtual Human named Na Sua [Source : SK square]

OnMind, a 3D digital human developer under Neptune of Kakao Games, has drawn 2 billion won ($1.47 million) investment from KEB Hana Bank to suggest enlargement of cyber human employment to the finance sector.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the bank obtained 6.25 percent of OnMind’s stake through purchase of new shares. The 3D company’s value rose 1.5 times to 30 billion won in a year since last funding of 8 billion won from SK Group’s investment holding company SK square.

The bank joins three other shareholders SK square and SK telecom on top of Neptune.

Hana is investing in digital humans expand digital finance. It hopes to incorporate virtual humans at various customer contact points, such as artificial intelligence-based bank tellers and digital guides.

OnMind plans to use the new capital for research and development to advance its digital technology. It also plans to build a studio platform where corporations and individuals can design digital humans. The company drew the first investment from SK square since its founding. Its virtual human named Na Sua, designed through joint work with SK telecom, was chosen as an ad model for SK telecom’s AI-based business A.dot.

SK square shares were down 3.77 percent to 37,050 won in the morning session of trading on Monday.