Kim Jae-wook, chairman of BNW Investment, which gained early recognition by discovering material, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang) companies such as Comico, EcoPro BM, and Sungil Hightech, has a unique background different from other private equity founders. He was the first president in the semiconductor manufacturing division at Samsung Electronics, served as president of Samsung SDI and Samsung LED, and established a private equity fund in 2013.
In an interview with Asia Economy on the 11th, he said, "Memory semiconductors are world-class, but the SoBuJang sector was too weak, which was regrettable," adding, "After much consideration, I decided to create a private equity fund to invest and nurture leading companies."
BNW Investment, which applied the management know-how learned at Samsung Electronics, has hit jackpots one after another. It is currently raising its first standalone blind fund. So far, it has raised 230 billion KRW and plans to raise an additional 200 to 300 billion KRW by the end of the year. The fund mainly plans to invest in advanced technology companies. It is searching for businesses that could become future growth engines for the country and future generations.
When selecting investment targets, he looks first at whether the company belongs to a growth industry rather than its immediate financial statements. This is why he recognized the potential of secondary batteries earlier than anyone else. He made a significant profit by investing early in EcoPro BM. Chairman Kim said, "I learned from the late Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee to understand the 'essence of the business' and not to engage in businesses without opposition," adding, "The essence of management at Samsung Electronics and private equity is the same."
Current Samsung Electronics executives still seek his advice. Kim plays a significant mentor role for the companies he invests in. He said, "Even if I make the companies I invest in rank first or second in their fields and exit (realize investment returns), I will create a foundation for the companies to continue developing."
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