Korea Angel Investment Association Designated as New Public Institution

"We Aim to Become an Organization Trusted by Both Investors and Startups"

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on June 30, 2025, that the Korea Angel Investment Association will be newly designated and officially announced in the government gazette as a public institution subject to related regulations starting from the second half of 2025.

The Angel Investment Association is a non-profit incorporated association established under Article 32 of the Civil Act. It was founded in 2012 with the aim of fostering angel investors, expanding the base of angel investment, and supporting the growth of venture and startup companies, thereby contributing to the activation of the angel investment ecosystem.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups determined that it is necessary to ensure accountability and public interest in the Angel Investment Association's operations, such as registration of individual investment associations, support for issuing investment confirmation certificates, and operation of regional angel investment hub projects. Based on this assessment, the Angel Investment Association was found to meet the requirements for designation as a public institution, and the ministry applied for its designation to the Ministry of Personnel Management in April.

Cho Minsik, president of the Angel Investment Association, stated, "Through this designation as a public institution, we will become an organization trusted by both investors and startups," adding, "We will strive to become a leading institution that contributes to national economic development by promoting angel investment."

With the new designation as a public institution starting from the second half of the year, the Angel Investment Association will be subject to internal audits according to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' audit regulations, and all executives and employees will be fully subject to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act and the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act, which apply to public officials.