Global Capital Inflow Drives Innovative Growth

Lee Ji-ae, Managing Director, KB Investment Technological competition has now moved beyond a struggle between companies to become a core variable determining the rise and fall of nations. In particular, achievements in deep tech fields such as AI, semiconductors, and bio are not just technological advancements, but the key to seizing leadership in future industries. And the protagonists most deftly leading all these changes are none other than startups. Deep tech startups, which endure long R&D periods and immense risks, aim for the global market from their inception, beyond just the domestic one. Naturally, what is most urgently needed at this time is global capital and a tightly knit network. While the Korean startup ecosystem is recognized for its global potential with outstanding technology and talent, attracting foreign capital and securing investor references still remain challenges. Attracting foreign investment goes beyond simply securing funds; it enhances a company's value and credibility, and gives it wings for global expansion. The recent case of AI semiconductor startup Rebellions attracting investment from Saudi Aramco is a prime example demonstrating that the competitiveness of Korean deep tech can move global capital. Investors always strive to capture future possibilities one step ahead, and this flow of capital clearly shows where the market is headed and how it will accelerate corporate growth. From this perspective, 'COMEUP' has played a very important role. COMEUP, a global startup festival hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, saw participation from 45 countries last year, creating practical touchpoints for domestic startups to directly meet overseas VCs, companies, and partners. The fact that a vast pool of global investors, difficult for individual companies to reach on their own, can be met on a national platform is COMEUP's greatest asset. It is very encouraging that global interest in the Korean startup ecosystem is translating into direct meeting opportunities. In particular, with leading global AI companies and investors expected to participate extensively in this year's COMEUP 2025, it will be a golden opportunity for technology-based startups to validate themselves and find future partners. From an investor's perspective, now is truly the 'golden time' for Korean startups to expand into overseas markets. As interest from foreign investors grows, the growth curve of technology companies will become steeper, and alliances with foreign capital will explosively expand the value and scale of the entire domestic ecosystem. The government must create an environment where global capital flows in like water through regulatory innovation and the improvement of capital market infrastructure, while the private sector must strive for practical support for startup scale-up and global network expansion. 'COMEUP 2025', opening on December 10, is a venue where Korean startups can directly ride the huge wave of global capital and discover new opportunities. I sincerely hope that you will experience 'time to rewrite the future' there and demonstrate the unparalleled value of Korean startups to the world. I encourage you to experience this amazing transformation firsthand at COMEUP 2025.