In the first half of this year, the domestic new venture investment amount was 57 trillion won, marking a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced the trends of new venture investments and venture fund formation for the first half of 2025 on the 13th. In terms of industry-specific investment performance, investments in the bio and medical sectors increased by 124 billion won, showing the largest growth. The gaming sector recorded a 100% increase in investment, amounting to 88.3 billion won.
According to venture investment companies and associations, the number of corporations that attracted more than 30 billion won in investment increased from 1 in the first half of 2024 to 5 in the first half of 2025, leading to significant investment in some corporations and an increase in the investment size per corporation.
The scale of venture fund formation in the first half of 2025 reached 62 trillion won, a 19.4% increase compared to the same period last year. By type of contributor, policy finance increased by 8%, while the private sector saw a 22% increase. In the private sector, contributions from pension funds and mutual aid associations rose by 130% and 58%, respectively, driving the upward trend.
Two startups have emerged that are valued at over 1 trillion won and have secured investment. These are known as 'unicorns.'
Among the corporations that received investments from venture investment companies and associations in the first half, 'Puriosa AI' and 'Benow' were the first to be valued at over 1 trillion won and attract investment. Puriosa AI designs AI semiconductors, and Benow produces and sells cosmetics, confirming the strength of AI and K-beauty in the domestic venture investment market.
Minister Han Seong-suk noted, "The increase in venture investments compared to last year and the significant rise in fund formation due to increased private capital contributions are very positive signals," and added, "We will continue our policy efforts to help promising corporations grow through venture investment and make inroads into the global market."