IBK Venture Capital noted on the 18th that it has completed the formation of its first fund worth 1 trillion won and has initiated its first investment. Previously, IBK Venture Capital formed consortiums with FuturePlay and Kolon Investment and was selected as the asset management company (GP) for the Startup Korea Fund ultra-gap sector.
The two funds are categorized based on the growth stages of the corporations. The Startup Korea IBKVC-FP 2024 Fund (early-stage fund) focuses on idea generation and technology validation to support early-stage startups. The Startup Korea IBKVC-Kolon 2024 Fund (late-stage fund) invests in corporations that are scaling up technology and are ready to enter the global market.
The main investment targets are small and venture corporations engaged in business in the top 10 ultra-gap sectors: ▲system semiconductors ▲bio-health ▲future mobility ▲green energy ▲robotics ▲big data and artificial intelligence (AI) ▲cybersecurity and networks ▲aerospace and maritime ▲next-generation nuclear power ▲quantum technology, or those selected for the government’s ultra-gap startup 1000+ project.
IBK Venture Capital made its first investments in Idea Ocean (1 billion won), which commercialized an AI generative design solution in the field of structural design; Marine Drone Technology (1 billion won), which provides tuna school detection and maritime delivery drone services; and AI G (2 billion won), which offers vocational training solutions related to new technologies like smart factories.
IBK Venture Capital plans to expand its investment targets across various industrial sectors starting with this first investment. Choi Hyo-seung, CEO of IBK Venture Capital, said, "Through the two funds, we will supply funds to future growth sectors and actively support the innovative growth of deep-tech corporations, contributing to the revitalization of the domestic economy."