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PLAYTAG is ready for 2025 – are you?

   As we step into 2025, we’re looking ahead to a year of innovation and growth. 

2024 was a milestone year for PLAYTAG, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. 

In this edition, we’re excited to share Storyline’s latest achievements and what’s coming next. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of behavioral analysis! 

I. Fueling the Next Leap: PlayTag Secures Investment to Accelerate Growth 

Since securing investment in 2023, PLAYTAG has rapidly advanced product-market fit (PMF), launching StoryLine, the world’s first early childhood behavioral analysis solution. Refined through pilot programs, Storyline successfully transitioned to a paid model in late 2024 and is now reshaping the early education market. With 100+ new classrooms adopting the platform each month, it is set to reach 500+ classrooms by March 2025 and is gaining strong international interest.

To fuel this momentum, PLAYTAG is securing additional investment. Existing investors, DSC Investment and Stonebridge Ventures, have completed an initial round, with further funding planned through early 2025. This investment will support 20x growth, accelerate market expansion, and enhance AI-driven behavioral analysis through advanced data collection.

II. Explosive Growth of StoryLine

1. 200% Monthly Growth since Q3 2024!

Launching its paid service in Q3 2024, StoryLine has achieved an unprecedented 1,000% growth within four months, achieving an impressive 200% monthly expansion. Starting with 10 classrooms, StoryLine has expanded rapidly, signing 500 class contracts (and counting!) by the end of 2024. 

To support the rapid adoption of StoryLine, PLAYTAG has established a nationwide sales network. The latest regional contract data reflects Storyline’s widespread reach in South Korea: 

-  Seoul Metropolitan Area – 248 classrooms

-  Daegu/Gyeongbuk – 130 classrooms

-  Busan/Gyeongnam – 46 classrooms

On average, early childhood institutions adopted the StoryLine service in 3.2 classrooms each, with a recommended monthly fee of 180,000 KRW per classroom—a strong testament to the StoryLine’s value and growing market trust. As we look ahead to the new school year, StoryLine’s impact is set to reach over 40,000 children, with monthly transactions exceeding 0.1 billion KRW. PLAYTAG remains on track to expand to 2,000 classrooms by June 2025, driving an estimated 0.4 billion KRW in monthly revenue.

With this momentum, PLAYTAG is not just aiming for 4x annual growth—we are striving for even faster expansion. Your continued support and encouragement will be invaluable as we push forward to reach new heights! ✨

2. The Key Forces behind StoryLine’s Explosive Growth.

Storyline’s rapid expansion is fueled by CEO Park Hyun-soo’s hands-on leadership with a customer-centric approach. Over 4.5 months since August 2024, Park has led 41 in-person briefing sessions nationwide, directly connecting with over 1,200 preschool directors. As outreach continues online in January and February 2025, Storyline’s connection with educators grows even stronger.

A key driver of Storyline’s success is its core message: "The Future Role of Teachers: Behavioral Experts." By integrating data-driven behavioral insights, Storyline empowers educators to go beyond traditional teaching and caregiving, enhancing the quality of early education.

With declining birth rates and rising competition, early childhood institutions are actively seeking new ways to stand out. As demand for behavioral analysis in education grows, Storyline’s expanding adoption and strong market validation is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of early childhood education.

III. StoryLine Goes Global: Scaling New Frontiers in Early Education

In November 2024, PLAYTAG introduced Storyline on the world stage at the NAEYC Expo, one of the largest early childhood education exhibitions and conferences in the U.S. With over 8,000 attendees, including educators, program administrators, students, and researchers, the event provided a prime opportunity to connect with international customers and partners.

1.  StoryLine’s Market Entry Strategy into North America 

Recognizing StoryLine’s potential, several companies have proposed expansion into the U.S. and Asian markets. Notably, one company has actively proposed becoming Storyline’s exclusive distributor in North America, leading to ongoing licensing discussions with PLAYTAG.

This potential partner is a well-established video streaming service provider for early childhood education institutions across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, serving over 3,500 institutions. With extensive expertise in data security and privacy regulations, they have the necessary know-how to navigate the U.S. market while demonstrating a strong understanding of Storyline’s PlayLens technology.

As PLAYTAG moves into the U.S. market, the company is focused on three key short-term goals:

   Localizing Storyline for the U.S. Market

While behavioral analysis is universal, its interpretation varies based on educational systems. South Korea follows the Nuri Curriculum, whereas the U.S. has institution-specific frameworks. To ensure seamless adaptation, PLAYTAG plans to conduct a three-month PoC (Proof of Concept) with the distributor, refining Storyline based on customer feedback.

    Optimizing Sales & Marketing Strategies

The U.S. education environment differs significantly from South Korea, requiring tailored sales and marketing strategies. Additionally, privacy concerns and data regulations are more stringent. PLAYTAG will collaborate with local teams to develop an effective sales approach that directly addresses customer pain points.

  Launching in 50+ Classrooms by Late 2025

To establish a strong foothold, PLAYTAG aims to introduce StoryLine in 50+ classrooms across key regions, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California, and Washington, where demand for high-quality early education is strongest.

2.  Strengthening Our U.S. Expansion: Welcoming Travis Oh as Sales & Marketing Director

To build on StoryLine’s strong momentum in Korea and drive its expansion into the U.S., PLAYTAG is excited to welcome Travis Oh as our U.S. Sales and Marketing Director.

Travis is a seasoned expert in market research and sales management, with years of hands-on experience in the U.S. consumer market. He currently serves as a marketing professor at Yeshiva University in New York and has provided strategic guidance to numerous startups, from early-stage development to fundraising. His deep understanding of branding, consumer experience, and marketing strategy makes him a valuable addition to the team.

Passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, Travis was drawn to PLAYTAG’s vision and has been actively involved in shaping our U.S. market entry strategy. His research focuses on the psychology of fun, understanding what makes experiences enjoyable as well as creativity, happiness, and hedonic consumption.