Coupang and Government Launch ₩150 Billion AI Fund to Foster AI Unicorns

Coupang is set to create a domestic AI ecosystem through bold, large-scale investments, aligning with the government's policy to realize an AI powerhouse. As a key player in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' 'Next Unicorn Project,' Coupang will contribute 75 billion won to the 'Alpha Korea Sovereign AI Fund,' matching an equal amount from the mother fund to create a total fund of 150 billion won. Through this fund, Coupang plans to invest an average of over 10 billion won in 14 AI technology-based startups and growing companies. Beyond simple financial support, Coupang will actively support the emergence of 'second Coupang' companies by sharing its accumulated AI know-how and global expansion experience. Park Dae-jun, CEO of Coupang, stated that this investment signifies Coupang's commitment as the nation's first unicorn company to contribute to strengthening national AI competitiveness. Coupang already holds over 2,100 technology patents in AI and machine learning, and its technological prowess has been recognized to the extent that it was named one of the top 100 global innovative companies by LexisNexis. Based on these AI capabilities, Coupang has predicted tens of millions of orders and built its own logistics network to provide innovative services like Rocket Delivery. Its expansion into Taiwan in 2022 is also contributing to opening overseas sales channels for domestic SMEs. In addition to the AI fund investment, Coupang will further strengthen win-win cooperation with SMEs and small business owners. It plans to contribute to vitalizing local economies by expanding and reorganizing 'Good Stores,' which achieved cumulative sales of 3 trillion won, into 'Good Stores 2.0.' CEO Park emphasized that Coupang will continue to leverage its AI logistics innovation know-how to help AI startups grow into unicorns, pursue AI-based logistics and customer service innovations with global competitiveness, and foster regional co-prosperity.