Dear Valued Clients and Partners,
Already half of 2025 has passed — time really flies, doesn't it? As we reach the halfway point of the year, where do AI and DX stand today?
In the first half of this year, AI and DX have evolved from 'the future of technology' to 'today’s reality,' driving tangible changes across all sectors. Companies are swiftly adopting AI, adapting agilely to these changes, and we are increasingly experiencing working, learning, and making decisions alongside AI in our daily lives.
So, how far have AI and DX come in the first half of 2025, and what trends have been most prominent? In this newsletter, we’ll reflect on the first half of the year and particularly explore the trending ‘AI Roll-up’ strategy emerging in Silicon Valley. ๐
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Five Key Trends in AI and DX in the First Half of 2025 |
1. Generative AI Takes Center Stage in Business
Generative AIs like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini are evolving from mere helpers to genuine collaborative partners. From drafting plans and coding to creating marketing copies, tasks without AI are becoming rare.
Organizations are now focused on better utilization rather than just how to adopt this technology.
A notable update is that OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, officially announced the establishment of a branch in Korea and the opening of an office in Seoul. This marks Korea as the third AI office in Asia after Japan and Singapore, and highlights Korea’s significant market share in ChatGPT subscriptions, second only to the US.
In fact, over the past year, weekly active ChatGPT users in Korea have increased by more than 4.5 times, making it the second-largest market globally.
2. AI + RPA = The Beginning of Intelligent Automation
Traditional RPA focused on automating repetitive tasks, but now it's evolving into ‘Intelligent Automation’ by integrating AI.
It can handle document understanding, natural language processing, and exception management, enabling smarter automation of complex business processes!
In manufacturing, smart factories are spreading with robotic processes handling assembly, packaging, and quality inspection, while AI predicts and prevents equipment failures.
In finance, AI and automation enhance data analysis and risk management, with chatbots, fraud detection systems, and more.
In healthcare, AI is transforming medical imaging, drug development, and personalized treatments—helping early disease detection and providing remote care even in underserved
areas.
AI also plays a role in transportation and smart city systems, optimizing traffic flow and managing real-time traffic signals in some cities.
3. Business AI Assistants Are Now Essential
With AI being integrated into major tools like MS Copilot, Google Workspace AI, and Notion AI, most office workers are now accustomed to working alongside AI.
These are no longer mere convenience features but core infrastructures for increased productivity.
For example,
- MS Copilot helps automate email summaries, meeting notes, and Excel analyses, handling repetitive tasks efficiently.
- Google Workspace AI accelerates team collaboration—from drafting documents and designing slides to real-time translation.
- Notion AI acts as a personal assistant, organizing meeting notes, summarizing work histories, and reminding tasks.
4. Moving from Pilot Testing to Enterprise-Wide AI Strategy
In the first half of the year, many companies transitioned from single-shot pilot projects to the stage of ‘AI strategy formulation’ for organization-wide implementation.
Issues such as AI governance, ethical standards, and data quality management emerged, shifting the focus from ‘how to adopt’ to ‘how to operate effectively.’ At the same time, AI transformation (AX) and digital transformation (DX) have become central to management strategies, intensifying the competition for tech talent.
For example,
- Millie’s Library is hiring 12 tech roles to expand its technology-based reading experience
- MegazoneCloud aims to secure 1,100 AI talent under its ‘AI Native’ vision
- Market Kurly is focusing on innovating customer experience using generative AI
- Coupang Logistics is expanding AI-based automation in logistics and recruiting automation experts
5. Continued Intense Investment in AI Startups
Investments in AI startups worldwide remain strong.
In Silicon Valley, especially, a new trend has emerged—the ‘AI Roll-up Strategy’—restructuring traditional industries using AI.
More details about this story are introduced below.
AI-Driven Restructuring!? The Silicon Valley Roll-up War ๐
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Global investments in AI startups continue to be vigorous. |
Especially in Silicon Valley, a new trend has emerged—implementing an ‘AI Roll-up Strategy’ to reshape traditional industries through AI technology.
At the center is the name currently most discussed in Silicon Valley: Elad Gil.
Having made early investments in hot AI unicorns like Perplexity, Character.AI, Harvey—achieving great success—he is now focusing on remodeling traditional industry companies using AI.
Acquiring law firms with AI?
Venture Capital (VC) was originally focused on investing in small startups.
But now, it’s shifting toward acquiring established companies—such as call centers, law offices, and professional service firms—and completely restructuring them with AI.
By acquiring legacy professional service companies, actively integrating AI to reduce labor costs and boost efficiency, they create a ‘virtuous cycle’ of reinvestment with available funds.
Real results are emerging.
This ‘AI Roll-up’ strategy isn’t just a concept; it’s producing meaningful results in the market.
A prime example is Long Lake, which acquired a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) management company and aggressively integrated AI into its operations.
By reducing unnecessary staff and automating customer response and maintenance processes, they maximized efficiency and attracted $670 million in investment within just two years.This shows that even complex and traditional fields like community management can be radically innovated through AI.
Another company that Elad Gil initially invested in is Enam Co., a startup providing AI solutions to enhance daily productivity.
Within a year, it gained attention from top-tier investors like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI Startup Fund, reaching a valuation of over $300 million.
They are highly regarded for turning AI into a core driver of business growth, rather than just a tool.
Additionally, companies like Harvey (lawfirm-specific LLMs), Abridge (medical document automation), and Sierra AI (customer service AI) are rapidly becoming leaders across various industries.
All these companies are breaking existing industry molds and creating completely new operational models based on AI.
Now, the key to a company’s survival depends on how effectively AI is integrated into its business strategy.
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๐Spacebank Opens New Seoul Office๐
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Spacebank has finally established a new base in Gangnam, Seoul, Samsung-dong. ๐
This move is part of their strategic effort to respond more quickly and flexibly to the rapidly evolving AI DX market.
The launch of the Seoul branch (VentureLium) aims to expand AI DX, AIoT, and robotics control technology across the Seoul metropolitan area and strengthen partnerships.
Spacebank supports digital transformation in various industries—including smart cities, manufacturing, and healthcare—using low-code-based smart infrastructure and data management solutions.
They plan to actively engage in technology verification (PoC), joint development, and B2B collaborations through this Seoul base.
Currently, Spacebank has secured IP rights including:
- 10 patents, 13 trademarks, 1 design, 7 copyrights
and has completed certifications such as Innovator Product Registration, - GS Level 1 Certification, CSAP, and NIPA security and quality certifications, recognizing both technical reliability and market potential.
Looking ahead, Spacebank commits to contributing to overall industry digital competitiveness based on its vision of ‘substantial AI DX driven by technology,’ and promises sustained growth with investors and partners.
Connecting through technology, innovating with data—Spacebank is shaping a future centered on AI DX.
[Seoul Office Address]
Room 503, 435 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Korea Communications Industry Association Building, VentureLium)
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Spacebank.Korea raiid.ai@spacebank.co.kr
46, Dallaenae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, |
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Dear Valued Clients and Partners,
Already half of 2025 has passed — time really flies, doesn't it? As we reach the halfway point of the year, where do AI and DX stand today?
In the first half of this year, AI and DX have evolved from 'the future of technology' to 'today’s reality,' driving tangible changes across all sectors. Companies are swiftly adopting AI, adapting agilely to these changes, and we are increasingly experiencing working, learning, and making decisions alongside AI in our daily lives.
So, how far have AI and DX come in the first half of 2025, and what trends have been most prominent? In this newsletter, we’ll reflect on the first half of the year and particularly explore the trending ‘AI Roll-up’ strategy emerging in Silicon Valley. ๐
1. Generative AI Takes Center Stage in Business
Generative AIs like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini are evolving from mere helpers to genuine collaborative partners. From drafting plans and coding to creating marketing copies, tasks without AI are becoming rare.
Organizations are now focused on better utilization rather than just how to adopt this technology.
A notable update is that OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, officially announced the establishment of a branch in Korea and the opening of an office in Seoul. This marks Korea as the third AI office in Asia after Japan and Singapore, and highlights Korea’s significant market share in ChatGPT subscriptions, second only to the US.
In fact, over the past year, weekly active ChatGPT users in Korea have increased by more than 4.5 times, making it the second-largest market globally.
2. AI + RPA = The Beginning of Intelligent Automation
Traditional RPA focused on automating repetitive tasks, but now it's evolving into ‘Intelligent Automation’ by integrating AI.
It can handle document understanding, natural language processing, and exception management, enabling smarter automation of complex business processes!
In manufacturing, smart factories are spreading with robotic processes handling assembly, packaging, and quality inspection, while AI predicts and prevents equipment failures.
In finance, AI and automation enhance data analysis and risk management, with chatbots, fraud detection systems, and more.
In healthcare, AI is transforming medical imaging, drug development, and personalized treatments—helping early disease detection and providing remote care even in underserved
areas.
AI also plays a role in transportation and smart city systems, optimizing traffic flow and managing real-time traffic signals in some cities.
3. Business AI Assistants Are Now Essential
With AI being integrated into major tools like MS Copilot, Google Workspace AI, and Notion AI, most office workers are now accustomed to working alongside AI.
These are no longer mere convenience features but core infrastructures for increased productivity.
For example,
In the first half of the year, many companies transitioned from single-shot pilot projects to the stage of ‘AI strategy formulation’ for organization-wide implementation.
Issues such as AI governance, ethical standards, and data quality management emerged, shifting the focus from ‘how to adopt’ to ‘how to operate effectively.’ At the same time, AI transformation (AX) and digital transformation (DX) have become central to management strategies, intensifying the competition for tech talent.
For example,
Investments in AI startups worldwide remain strong.
In Silicon Valley, especially, a new trend has emerged—the ‘AI Roll-up Strategy’—restructuring traditional industries using AI.
More details about this story are introduced below.
AI-Driven Restructuring!? The Silicon Valley Roll-up War ๐
Especially in Silicon Valley, a new trend has emerged—implementing an ‘AI Roll-up Strategy’ to reshape traditional industries through AI technology.
At the center is the name currently most discussed in Silicon Valley: Elad Gil.
Having made early investments in hot AI unicorns like Perplexity, Character.AI, Harvey—achieving great success—he is now focusing on remodeling traditional industry companies using AI.
Acquiring law firms with AI?
Venture Capital (VC) was originally focused on investing in small startups.
But now, it’s shifting toward acquiring established companies—such as call centers, law offices, and professional service firms—and completely restructuring them with AI.
By acquiring legacy professional service companies, actively integrating AI to reduce labor costs and boost efficiency, they create a ‘virtuous cycle’ of reinvestment with available funds.
Real results are emerging.
This ‘AI Roll-up’ strategy isn’t just a concept; it’s producing meaningful results in the market.
A prime example is Long Lake, which acquired a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) management company and aggressively integrated AI into its operations.
By reducing unnecessary staff and automating customer response and maintenance processes, they maximized efficiency and attracted $670 million in investment within just two years.This shows that even complex and traditional fields like community management can be radically innovated through AI.
Another company that Elad Gil initially invested in is Enam Co., a startup providing AI solutions to enhance daily productivity.
Within a year, it gained attention from top-tier investors like Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI Startup Fund, reaching a valuation of over $300 million.
They are highly regarded for turning AI into a core driver of business growth, rather than just a tool.
Additionally, companies like Harvey (lawfirm-specific LLMs), Abridge (medical document automation), and Sierra AI (customer service AI) are rapidly becoming leaders across various industries.
All these companies are breaking existing industry molds and creating completely new operational models based on AI.
Now, the key to a company’s survival depends on how effectively AI is integrated into its business strategy.
๐Spacebank Opens New Seoul Office๐
This move is part of their strategic effort to respond more quickly and flexibly to the rapidly evolving AI DX market.
The launch of the Seoul branch (VentureLium) aims to expand AI DX, AIoT, and robotics control technology across the Seoul metropolitan area and strengthen partnerships.
Spacebank supports digital transformation in various industries—including smart cities, manufacturing, and healthcare—using low-code-based smart infrastructure and data management solutions.
They plan to actively engage in technology verification (PoC), joint development, and B2B collaborations through this Seoul base.
Currently, Spacebank has secured IP rights including:
and has completed certifications such as Innovator Product Registration,
Connecting through technology, innovating with data—Spacebank is shaping a future centered on AI DX.
[Seoul Office Address]
Room 503, 435 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Korea Communications Industry Association Building, VentureLium)
https://www.spacebank.company/
46, Dallaenae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si,