[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Samsung C&T Corporation's construction division has begun preparing for investments related to energy. Following its civil engineering construction business, it is showing movements to enter new and renewable energy businesses such as hydrogen. Attention is focused on the investment portfolio to be secured in the future.
According to the investment banking (IB) industry on the 2nd, Samsung C&T has established an "Energy Solutions Headquarters." Under the Energy Solutions Headquarters, there is a "Hydrogen Group." Within the group, there are organizations related to hydrogen energy, such as the hydrogen technology team. They are strengthening the headquarters' capabilities by assigning high-quality personnel.
Along with the establishment of the Energy Solutions Headquarters, the role of the New Business Development Team under the Business Development Office is noteworthy. Currently, the New Business Development Team personnel are actively investing in startups that can create synergy effects with Samsung C&T. The American renewable energy startup "Raven SR" is a representative example.
Samsung Venture Investment, Samsung's corporate venture capital (CVC), invested 3.8 billion KRW in Raven SR. Previously, Samsung C&T contributed funds to the Samsung Venture Investment fund. They valued the technology for converting waste into hydrogen and synthetic fuels. There is no new portfolio after the Raven SR investment yet.
The New Business Development Team is steadily monitoring related industries while focusing on enhancing investment capabilities. Recently, professional-level personnel from Samsung C&T's New Business Development Team have been taking courses organized by the Korea Venture Capital Association. They are learning investment techniques through online and offline training programs. Beyond simple education, they are networking with venture capital (VC) industry stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the investment ecosystem.
The full-scale investment timing is expected to be next year rather than this year. A startup official explained, "Samsung C&T is showing great interest in platform investments," adding, "However, as Samsung C&T's personnel reshuffle season approaches, decision-making has been delayed."
It has also been confirmed that Samsung C&T is showing interest in startup investments outside the energy sector. Recently, they held meetings with startups related to care platforms. This is understood to be related to Samsung C&T's focus on community facilities such as home care welfare facilities (visiting care centers) within its apartment brand "Raemian."
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