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Photo courtesy of Korea Exchange (KRX) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Korea Exchange (KRX) announced on Monday that it has acquired Fairlabs, an artificial intelligence–based data analytics startup, as part of efforts to respond to rapid market changes, including preparations for a potential 24-hour trading system.
Through the acquisition, KRX aims to build AI-driven market operation automation and enhance efficiency across key market management functions such as corporate disclosures and market surveillance.
Founded in 2020, Fairlabs specializes in AI-powered data analytics, transforming unstructured data—including news, regulatory filings, investor relations (IR), and ESG information—into high-value insights that support decision-making. The company received venture certification in 2021 and was selected in 2022 for TIPS, a private-sector-led government-backed technology startup support program.
Fairlabs has since launched a range of AI-based solutions, including an ESG corporate analysis platform, an AI-driven research workflow solution (FLOWD), and a policy monitoring AI assistant.
KRX said it reviewed around 30 AI and data-focused companies during the acquisition process and selected Fairlabs based on its technological capabilities and strong potential for synergy with KRX’s core businesses.
The total acquisition value amounts to ₩6.7 billion, consisting of ₩2.7 billion in existing shares and ₩4.0 billion in newly issued shares. Following the transaction, KRX will hold a 67% equity stake in Fairlabs. The startup plans to use the new investment to strengthen its talent pool and technological infrastructure, laying the groundwork for further business expansion.
KRX plans to leverage Fairlabs’ technology to enhance the competitiveness of its index and data businesses, applying AI solutions to index management and product development. AI technologies will also be gradually introduced across broader market oversight functions to improve operational efficiency and the quality of services provided to market participants.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
