# Jinu Kim

> Jinu Kim, also known as Luke Jinu Kim, is the co-founder and CEO of Liner. A computer-science student at Yonsei University, he developed early ventures with Brian Chanmin Woo before launching Liner as a web-highlighting tool in 2015. He has since guided its move into cited AI search, research agents and enterprise search infrastructure. His public accounts emphasize global ambition, conversations with users and verifiable information.

- **Role:** Co-founder & CEO at Liner
- **Organizations:** Liner, Ainno Gallery
- **Education:** Yonsei University
- **Known for:** Co-founded Liner and led its evolution from highlighting to AI search and research agents., Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia recognition in 2018 alongside Chanmin Woo., Liner announced more than 14 million registered users in August 2026.

## Career timeline

- **2014** — Ainno Gallery, an online art exhibition and distribution venture with Chanmin Woo, was recognized in the Red Herring Top 100 Asia awards.
- **2015** — Launched Liner as a web-highlighting utility after developing products in Silicon Valley.
- **2018** — Recognized with co-founder Chanmin Woo on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.
- **2023** — Liner transitioned into AI search; interviews differ on exact launch and API integration timing.
- **2024** — Announced a $29 million Series B in October, describing the United States as Liner’s largest market.
- **2026** — Liner expanded research and writing agents and enterprise offerings, and announced a $36.1 million Series C on August 25.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Liner and led its evolution from highlighting to AI search and research agents.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia recognition in 2018 alongside Chanmin Woo.
- Liner announced more than 14 million registered users in August 2026.
- Liner announced a $36.1 million Series C led by LB Investment in August 2026.
- Liner was ranked No. 2 in education on Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies list, according to its announcement.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Discussed supplying search to external AI agents and an IPO horizon of two to three years.
- **2026-09** — Outlined expansion into licensing search infrastructure and model orchestration to enterprise clients.
- **2026-08** — Liner announced a $36.1 million Series C led by LB Investment and more than 14 million registered users.
- **2026-04** — Discussed combining search, drafting and deep research in a human-refined workflow.
- **2026-03** — Liner announced Figure Generator on Scholar and No. 2 education recognition from Fast Company.

## Links

- Website: https://jinu.substack.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinukim/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/lukejinukim
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jinukim1121

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/jinu-kim
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-14