Kibo Signs Agreement to Promote M&A for Technology Startups

Joined Hands with the Council of University Directors of Industry-Academic Cooperation and Research
"Activating a Dedicated Public-Private M&A Platform for SMEs"

On May 16, Korea Technology Finance Corporation (Kibo) announced that it had signed a "Mutual Cooperation Agreement to Promote M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" with the Council of University Directors of Industry-Academic Cooperation and Research at the Kibo Seoul Office.

This agreement was established so that the two organizations can build a close cooperative system to provide tailored M&A support for technology startups, and to activate a dedicated public-private M&A platform for small and medium-sized venture enterprises.

From the left, Lee Sangchang, Director of Kibo, and Jang Cheolsung, Chairman of the Council, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement. Korea Technology Finance Corporation

Under this agreement, the Council will actively promote Kibo's M&A platform to its member universities and will identify technology startups supported by university-industry cooperation groups that have M&A needs, recommending them to Kibo. Kibo plans to support these recommended companies by facilitating brokerage through its M&A transaction network, and, if acquisition funds are needed, by providing M&A guarantees.

In March, Kibo established an M&A transaction network within "Smart Tech Bridge," the largest technology transaction platform in Korea, and has been accepting applications from companies wishing to buy or sell through M&A. Through this, Kibo plans to combine the specialized brokerage capabilities of the private sector with its own financial support capabilities, providing one-stop support for small and medium-sized venture enterprises?from M&A advisory and brokerage to technology protection and financing.

Lee Sangchang, Director of Kibo, stated, "Kibo will continue to strengthen cooperation with related organizations to successfully establish the public-private M&A platform in the field and to invigorate the M&A market for small and medium-sized venture enterprises."