[New Year's Address] Byungjun Song, Chairman of the Korea Venture Business Association: "The Start of a New 30 Years... Time to Focus on Scaling Up"

"Ventures Bloom with Innovation Even Amid Scarcity"

Byungjun Song, Chairman of the Korea Venture Business Association, emphasized the spirit of challenge and innovation of venture companies in this era of great transformation.

On December 30, Chairman Song delivered his New Year's address, stating, "2026 marks the starting point of a new 30 years for ventures and a crucial turning point toward becoming one of the world's top four venture powerhouses," and added, "Now is the time to focus more clearly on the growth and scaling up of venture companies."

Byungjun Song, Chairman of the Korea Venture Business Association. Korea Venture Business Association

He analyzed, "The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech is breaking down industry boundaries and opening up new opportunities for us. At the same time, however, we are also facing a complex set of crises, including the expansion of global uncertainties such as high exchange rates and high interest rates, geopolitical conflicts, low growth, and domestic market stagnation."

He continued, "The history of ventures has always been a process of blooming innovation in the midst of scarcity," and added, "The greater the uncertainty, the more flexible and agile our venture companies have been in turning crises into opportunities, and this will continue to be the case going forward."

Chairman Song identified the following as key tasks to be pursued: expanding venture finance, creating a regulatory environment that meets global standards, securing labor flexibility to support innovative growth, and revitalizing the exit market. He stated, "When qualitative growth, backed by technological competitiveness and global expansion capabilities, is achieved beyond quantitative growth, Korean venture companies will be able to compete confidently in the global market."

Chairman Song emphasized, "The association will more rapidly expand its membership base to represent innovative industries in the rapidly changing industrial environment," and added, "We will gradually advance a tailored support system that meets the needs of companies on the ground, including enhancing digital capabilities through AI transformation (AX), supporting global market entry, and connecting key talent."

He further stated, "Even when rough waves come, as we have always done, we will boldly break through with 'innovation' as our weapon," and added, "I will be your closest companion, running alongside you to ensure that the sweat and effort of venture entrepreneurs are rightfully rewarded."