NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture arm of NAVER, has announced an investment in Sorcerics, a startup focused on ambient AI technology to create smart home automation. Sorcerics has developed an AI-powered home system that understands users' actions, intentions, and surroundings, offering proactive services. The company plans to launch its product in North America in early 2026.
Sorcerics follows the idea of Ambient AI, were technology blends naturally into everyday life. Unlike traditional smart home systems that only respond to commands, Sorcerics’ system is fully autonomous, adapting to the user’s needs and providing services without needing explicit instructions.
Their AI home solution uses a single camera and a large language model to interpret gestures, behavior, and environmental cues. For example, instead of just turning off the lights when a user lies down, the system adjusts the lighting based on the user’s readiness to sleep. The system runs up to five AI models at once, ensuring high performance and privacy protection. Sorcerics has also developed sleek hardware that costs only a quarter of similar products.
Sorcerics’ founding team, led by CEO Hyeonjong Ryu, has over a decade of experience at global tech companies like Google. The company is currently running beta tests in North America and plans to launch on Kickstarter in early 2026. They also plan to showcase their product at CES 2026.
While nearly half of North American households already own at least one smart device, there are few proactive, integrated smart home systems available. Sorcerics aims to fill this gap and grow quickly, recruiting top talent in AI, software, hardware, business, and marketing.
Executive Statement
According to Yang Sang-hwan, Head of NAVER D2SF, the true value of technology lies not in users having to understand and learn it, but in technology understanding users and delivering services naturally. Sorcerics has the potential to overcome the limitations of existing smart home solutions and create truly convenient smart environments for users. With more than 80% of NAVER D2SF's portfolio companies actively expanding into global markets, they will continue to support capable technology startups as they pursue meaningful growth on the global stage.
