Partners to jointly identify promising startups and provide funding across all growth stages, from early investment to Pre-IPO and IPO
Kiwoom Securities has teamed up with Seoul National University Technology Holdings to broaden its productive finance initiatives and expand venture capital supply. The two companies plan to combine their startup-scouting and investment capabilities to jointly identify promising companies from the founding stage through Pre-IPO fundraising and initial public offerings, providing tailored funding at each stage of growth.
Kiwoom Securities announced Friday that it signed a strategic MOU with Seoul National University Technology Holdings at its Yeouido headquarters in Seoul, aimed at expanding productive finance and venture capital.
Under the agreement, the two sides will integrate Seoul National University Technology Holdings' technology and startup ecosystem with Kiwoom Securities' capital market capabilities to identify promising innovative companies and scale up customized funding across each phase of a company's lifecycle.
Specifically, the partners will share investment opportunities in high-potential startups and explore financial support options including follow-on fundraising and IPOs. They will also pool their investment networks to maintain a continuous funding pipeline spanning early-stage investment, Pre-IPO and IPO.
Seoul National University Technology Holdings is an investment institution Seoul National University established in 2008 to identify, invest in and nurture early-stage innovative companies. Its key portfolio includes AI chipmaker Rebellions, fintech firm Travel Wallet, and Lucentblock, the operator of "Soyu," a real estate fractional investment platform.
The MOU links Seoul National University Technology Holdings' track record in identifying and nurturing early-stage companies with Kiwoom Securities' capital market expertise. The two firms plan to use the partnership as a foundation for building an investment ecosystem that allows innovative companies to secure the funding they need as they grow.
"Through our strategic alliance with Kiwoom Securities, a leader in venture capital supply, we will build a venture capital finance platform covering everything from early-stage investment through Pre-IPO, IPO and Post-IPO," said Cha In-hwan, CEO of Seoul National University Technology Holdings.
Eom Ju-seong, CEO of Kiwoom Securities, said he expects the partnership to channel capital to high-growth companies by combining Seoul National University Technology Holdings' ability to identify innovative firms with Kiwoom Securities' capital market strengths. "We will expand productive finance and venture capital investment to drive corporate innovation and growth, and build a lifecycle-tailored funding system that supports companies from initial discovery through growth and scale-up," he added.
kacew@heraldcorp.com
