21gram

About 21gram

Operating within South Korea’s burgeoning pet care sector, 21gram Group provides a comprehensive suite of services dedicated to a pet's entire lifecycle. The company was established in 2014 by Kwon Shin-gu, an architect whose background has influenced the firm's approach to creating aesthetically considered and comforting physical spaces for its clients. Initially starting with pet-related architectural projects, the venture formally incorporated as 21gram Group in 2017 and has since achieved significant operational milestones.

The business operates on two main fronts: end-of-life services and general pet care, addressing the growing trend of 'pet humanization' where companion animals are considered integral family members. The core business is its pet funeral service, which provides a service comparable to human funerals, including a consultation, a private mourning room, a formal ceremony, and cremation. This service is accessible through an online booking platform that connects pet owners with affiliated funeral homes, as well as through 21gram's own branded physical locations in Gyeonggi Gwangju, Cheonan-asan, and Namyangju. The company generates revenue by charging for these funeral services and related memorial products, such as 'Luset' memorial stones made from the pet's remains.

Expanding its market footprint, 21gram launched the 'UZUZU' brand to capture the broader pet care market. This includes 'UZUZU Pet Care Centers' offering services like dog daycare, grooming, and health check-ups, and the 'UZUZUPLEX' franchise model for its dog daycare business. This strategic expansion diversifies revenue streams beyond funeral services, targeting the daily needs of pet owners. The company has secured substantial investment to fuel its growth, with notable funding rounds including a Pre-Series B in July 2022, bringing its total accumulated funding to over 12.5 billion KRW from investors such as GS Retail, Coway, and Korea Investment Partners.