Global AI search startup Lioner has announced the recruitment of Kim Seong-geun, a former co-founder of the popular anonymous community platform Blind, as its new Head of Growth. This strategic move aims to enhance Lioner's global market expansion and refine its business strategy as it seeks to solidify its presence in the North American market.
Kim Seong-geun, who has extensive experience in the tech industry, will oversee Lioner’s global user growth and overall business strategy. Having co-founded Blind in 2014, he served as the Chief Business Officer (CBO) for nearly a decade, playing a pivotal role in establishing the brand in the U.S. market and rapidly expanding its user base. His expertise in marketing and business development is expected to be instrumental in Lioner’s growth.
Since November 2023, Kim has been collaborating with Lioner as an external advisor in the strategy and marketing division. His decision to join Lioner comes after a thorough evaluation of the company’s capabilities and its vision for the future. “Lioner is a team with outstanding technology and execution skills,” Kim stated. “I deeply sympathize with CEO Kim Jin-woo's vision to dominate the global market with AI search. I will contribute to the entire range from strategy establishment to execution so that Lioner can grow faster in the global market.”
Lioner is making significant strides in the global AI search market, securing over 95% of its total users from regions like the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company recently garnered attention by ranking second in the world in the AI search category of the "Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps" list, published by the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). This recognition highlights Lioner's competitive edge as an AI-based search platform.
Kim Jin-woo, CEO of Lioner, expressed his enthusiasm about Kim Seong-geun's addition to the team. He emphasized that having someone with proven success in the global market join Lioner is more than just a talent acquisition; it marks a significant milestone in the company's journey. “This will be a decisive turning point for Lioner to leap forward as a leading company in the global AI search market,” he remarked.
Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Lioner operates a U.S. office in San Francisco, where Kim Seong-geun will focus on executing market-specific strategies to enhance brand recognition and user acquisition in the United States. The company is also ramping up its efforts to strengthen its workforce by recruiting specialized talent. Recently, Lioner welcomed Malika Nalla from Oracle and Mark Moredauni from Snap to bolster its U.S. operations.
As Lioner continues its rapid growth, Kim Seong-geun's leadership is expected to play a crucial role in its expansion efforts. His previous experience at Blind, where he significantly contributed to the platform's success in the American market, positions him uniquely to drive Lioner’s ambitions forward.
With the AI search sector becoming increasingly competitive, Lioner’s strategic hires and focus on local market strategies are critical. The company aims to establish itself as a global leader in AI search, and with Kim Seong-geun at the helm of growth, it is poised to make substantial inroads into the market.
In conclusion, the recruitment of Kim Seong-geun not only strengthens Lioner’s leadership team but also signals its commitment to enhancing its market presence and operational capabilities in the fast-evolving AI landscape. As the company prepares to scale its operations, all eyes will be on how it leverages its new leadership to achieve its ambitious goals.
