All three founding members of Recobell graduated from KAIST, where I earned my PhD in management engineering. Since my days in the PhD program, I have focused improving sales and customer retention based on data analysis. I conducted research on key technology for businesses, and chose the path of an entrepreneur after graduation.

I have always dreamed of creating new value for mobile users, making use of the country’s well-developed mobile internet environment. My continued interest in this subject has allowed me to develop feasible technology and services.

I did not earn my PhD degree to launch a startup, but many people perceived this positively as there were not many entrepreneurs who were doctoral degree holders. It was easier for Recobell to enter the market because our academic background contributed to enhancing the company’s reputation.

When our business was focused on B2B consulting, we had neither experience nor brand value. As such, potential clients evaluated us mainly based on individual qualifications. We were able to meet the expectations they had of young doctoral graduates, and enjoyed rapid growth in the process.

Recobell is an IT venture company that provides personalized recommendation services to its clients. Different products are presented to one million online users depending on their individual preferences. In just a year and a half since establishment, we have grown into a company with the most clients, including major companies.

We have applied our personalized recommendation technology to not only online shopping malls, but also e-mail and app push notifications. Our key clients include WeMakePrice, Amore Pacific, Ticket Monster, Shinsegye, E-mart, Kyobo Books, Wizwid, and Galleria. We are also working on partnering with overseas companies.

Let me share with you the story behind Recobell’s rapid growth. We are the only company in Korea to implement the principle of “no performance, no pay.” In particular, we are the first to adopt the AB test, which assesses recommendation-based outcomes. We divided client servers into half, and compared sales between the existing system and a modified system integrated with Recobell’s personalized recommendation technology. We promised to not receive any pay if sales did not improve or stabilize, and managed to pass the break-even point in a year. We continued to enjoy high profits even without external investment, and were later acquired by Yello Mobile. Our key to success was in delivering higher sales to clients, rather than emphasizing Recobell’s advanced technology.

As can be seen from our vast portfolio and sales, we are undeniably the No. 1 company in the local industry. However, instead of remaining satisfied, we plan to expand and enter overseas markets. With the support of Yello Mobile, we have exerted efforts to enter the Indonesian market. What’s interesting is that Recobell is largely unknown, even though most people have used our services through our clients. Our goal is for people to use Recobell’s services at least once a day, and to take the top spot in mobile advertisements in Korea and throughout the rest of Asia.

Working at a large company, research institute, or university is a good choice, but creating a company that people would love to join is more meaningful and exciting. The College of Business will prepare you for any business undertaking, raising your chances of success in finance, IT, strategizing, and organizational development.

I believe that graduates of the College of Business are essential for IT service companies, especially in developing cutting-edge technology and creating new markets. I hope that more students will be inspired by Recobell, and strive to attain greater heights.