KOTRA & Shinbo Host Aramco VC-Startup Matching Day

On June 24, domestic innovative startups laid a significant foundation for entering the Middle Eastern market. At the 'Startup Matching Day,' co-hosted by KOTRA and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, Wa'ed Ventures, the venture capital (VC) arm of Saudi Arabian state-owned energy company Aramco, was invited and conducted intensive investment consultations and IR pitches with 10 domestic technology-based startups. Wa'ed Ventures, a subsidiary of Aramco, the world's largest oil producer, actively invests in global technology innovation startups and discovers next-generation technologies. Notably, earlier this year, it invested approximately 20 billion KRW in the domestic AI semiconductor startup 'Rebellions,' demonstrating a deep interest in the Korean startup ecosystem, which further heightened expectations for this event. Ten startups from high-tech sectors such as AI and bio, selected through a rigorous screening process by KOTRA and the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, participated in this event. They showcased their innovative technological capabilities and growth potential through 1:1 investment consultations and IR pitches with Wa'ed Ventures representatives. Beyond merely attracting investment, it became a valuable opportunity to explore direct entry into the Middle Eastern market, which is accelerating industrial diversification and technological innovation. Kim Tae-hyung, Head of KOTRA Invest Korea, emphasized, “Overseas investors' interest in domestic startups is hotter than ever.” He added, “This Matching Day presented a successful cooperation model with global venture capital firms. KOTRA will continue to provide full support to help domestic tech startups attract global growth capital and leap into the global market.” This statement highlights KOTRA's strong commitment to supporting the global expansion of domestic startups.