Kibo Opens First Overseas Branch in Singapore to Boost Promising Startups’ Expansion into Southeast Asia

First Overseas Branch to Open on Market Street, Singapore in June
To Serve as a Base Camp for Promising Companies Expanding into Southeast Asia,
in Collaboration with Nearby K-Startup Center

Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Kibo)'s first overseas branch, set to open in Singapore, is expected to serve as a base camp for promising domestic startups seeking to enter Southeast Asia. Singapore is emerging as a hub for deep tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, and biotechnology. In addition, it can function as an international business hub for expanding into Southeast Asian markets. The Korean government, which is focusing on supporting deep tech startups, has also established a foothold for expanding local investments.

According to Kibo on April 28, the first overseas branch, scheduled to open in Singapore this June, has secured office space on Market Street in the city center. Right next door is Raffles Place, Singapore's financial district. Raffles Place is home to the headquarters of DBS Bank, as well as global financial institutions such as Standard Chartered Bank and BNP Paribas, and also hosts the Singapore branches of Korean banks. In addition, the nearby Marina Bay Financial District houses the K-Startup Center, operated by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency since 2020, providing a solid infrastructure for supporting domestic startups.

Gibo Main Branch

Kibo plans to expand the scope of its fund support globally through its first overseas branch in Singapore. This is to respond to the growing demand from venture and startup companies for overseas expansion, and to support the achievement of tangible results. The Singapore branch also signifies the acquisition of key infrastructure to support the globalization of venture and startup companies. Singapore leads the Southeast Asian investment market due to its excellent geographical accessibility, business-friendly policy environment, stable political infrastructure, and advanced financial system. A Kibo representative explained, "The Singapore branch will provide tailored guarantees and investments to companies with high potential for business success in Southeast Asia, and will also support the global expansion of SMEs by matching outstanding technologies with suitable companies."

In particular, Singapore is recognized as the most advanced innovation and startup ecosystem in Asia. Specialized sectors where domestic startups can demonstrate competitiveness include AI and fintech. The active investment from global capital is also a strength. Korea Venture Investment, an affiliate of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, recently established a local subsidiary in Singapore. This is the first step toward creating the 'K-Global Mother Fund' with a scale of $200 million in Singapore by 2026. The K-Global Mother Fund is expected to contribute to attracting global investment for Korean ventures and startups, and to facilitate their global expansion by leveraging local investment networks in Singapore, the financial and venture investment hub of Asia. An industry representative commented, "Singapore offers an optimal environment for the global expansion of promising deep tech startups, as IPO-based investment exits are active and interest in Korean companies is increasing due to programs such as Korea Venture Investment's global fund initiatives."