Both Countries Share 'Government-Led' Strategies... Concrete Cooperation Expected
Korea Venture Investment Nurtures Tech Innovators into Unicorns
"Pursuing a Strategy to Establish Korea as a Hub of the Asian Venture Ecosystem"
There is a positive outlook that Kazakhstan and Korea could create new opportunities for both countries if they cooperate to implement a national strategy based on artificial intelligence (AI).
Lee Daehee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment, is delivering a presentation on the future of Korea-Kazakhstan venture cooperation under the theme "Korea AI & Deep Tech Innovation" at the "Digital Bridge Forum 2025" held on the 3rd (local time) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo by Noh Kyungjo
Lee Daehee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment, took the stage as a keynote speaker at the "Digital Bridge Forum 2025" held on the 3rd (local time) in Astana, Kazakhstan. He stated, "If investment institutions and startups from both countries work together, we can build a sustainable innovation platform that goes beyond simply raising private capital." His presentation, titled "Korea AI & Deep Tech Innovation," focused on the future of Korea-Kazakhstan venture cooperation.
Lee emphasized, "The Kazakhstani government's commitment to accelerating digital transformation and AI integration, such as through the establishment of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, is closely aligned with Korea's AI strategy." He diagnosed that "the partnership between our two countries can evolve into a long-term strategic collaboration in terms of investment and ecosystem development."
According to the Emerging Region Information Comprehensive Knowledge Portal (EMERiCs) of the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), Kazakhstan accounted for 74% of venture investment in Central Asia as of last year. The main investment sectors are AI, health tech, and enterprise software. The venture capital market has also maintained an average annual growth rate of 35% since 2018.
Lee expressed expectations for concrete cooperation through Korea Venture Investment, saying that advanced investment collaboration between the two countries could create synergy. He emphasized, "Korea has successfully developed its venture ecosystem through a government-led fund-of-funds model. This public-private partnership model is now attracting global attention."
He cited Rebellion, FuriosaAI, and Upstage as success stories. These companies have joined the ranks of unicorns (startups valued at over 1 trillion won) since last year. Lee explained that such achievements are the result of Korea Venture Investment nurturing technology innovation companies over the past 20 years, even as the venture investment market contracted after the IMF crisis.
He noted, "The Korea-style fund, based on government capital, injected funds into private venture capital funds to revive the market and encourage follow-on participation." He added, "Importantly, Korea Venture Investment is expanding its influence by collaborating with leading management companies in the United States, Europe, China, and Singapore, operating a total of 74 global funds."
Recently, he observed that venture investment has been active in three key areas in line with national goals: AI and deep tech, pension funds, and the international growth of Korea's venture ecosystem. The Lee Jaemyung administration has announced plans to secure 200,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) to build world-class AI infrastructure, support the development of proprietary AI models and global standards, establish a 40 trillion won annual venture investment market by 2030, and foster 50 innovative unicorns.
Lee stated, "In accordance with the National Pension Service's plan to increase its share of investment in AI and deep tech, Korea Venture Investment is proposing various cooperation models to channel these resources into venture capital." He added, "Furthermore, we are pursuing a strategy to position Korea as a hub of the Asian venture ecosystem by connecting Korean startups with global capital from the earliest stages."
Meanwhile, after Lee's presentation, a local figure from the film industry approached him to express interest in Korean culture and exchanged greetings. Lee said, "I hope that AI startups from both countries will grow together and make meaningful contributions to the transformation of strategic industries."
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