SBI Investment Korea

SBI Investment Korea, officially SBI Investment Co., Ltd. (Korea), stands as a prominent venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1986 as Korea Technology Investment Corporation (KTIC), it was later rebranded in 2000 following its integration into the global SBI Group, a leading Japanese financial services conglomerate. With a long-standing history in the Korean investment landscape, the firm has evolved into a significant player, known for its strategic investments across various high-growth sectors.

The firm's investment mandate is broad, encompassing early-stage startups through to more mature growth-stage companies. SBI Investment Korea primarily focuses on sectors poised for innovation and disruption, including information technology (IT), biotechnology and healthcare, new materials, manufacturing, and emerging areas like fintech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data. While its core geographical focus remains South Korea, the firm also actively seeks opportunities in other key Asian markets, including China and Southeast Asia, leveraging the broader SBI Group's extensive network. The firm manages a substantial portfolio, with its total assets under management (AUM) frequently reported to be over $1 billion, underscoring its significant financial capacity.

SBI Investment Korea is recognized for its comprehensive approach to venture capital, often participating in multiple funding rounds for its portfolio companies, from Series A to pre-IPO stages. Their typical first check sizes reflect this flexibility, ranging from approximately $2 million for promising early-stage ventures to potentially $15 million or more for larger growth equity rounds. The firm not only provides capital but also aims to foster long-term partnerships, offering strategic guidance and leveraging its global network to support portfolio companies' expansion. For instance, in 2021, SBI Investment Korea successfully raised a ₩150 billion (approximately $125 million) fund specifically targeting growth-stage companies, demonstrating its commitment to fueling the expansion of innovative businesses. This strategic capital deployment, combined with its deep industry expertise, positions SBI Investment Korea as a key enabler of technological advancement and economic growth in the region.