12
Sep
Venture capital: Strong foundations
The venture capital ecosystem in South Korea is experiencing a dynamic phase, driven by a combination of a strong innovation culture, robust government support, and strategic focus on deep tech sectors including AI, healthcare, and semiconductors. VCs are increasingly sourcing deals internationally while leveraging Korea’s robust innovation framework. Key venture investors discuss their deal sourcing approach, both domestically and overseas.
- What is the current state of play for venture capital in South Korea?
- How important is Government support and what is the role of corporate venture capital units?
- What are the key sectors investors are exploring?
- How are investors sourcing deals?
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SpeakersYu Kyeong Kim Seoul Bureau Chief & Editor APAC Mergermarket
Cindy Jin Partner SBVA
Do Young Kim CEO Kakao Investment
Jinsoo Lee Managing Director & Head of Global Investment Shinhan Venture Investment
Heeeun Park Partner Altos Ventures
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Yu Kyeong Kim has been based in South Korea since 2010, where she heads a team of financial journalists across Seoul and other key parts of Asia for Mergermarket. With extensive experience in investigative reporting on M&A, private equity, and a range of arbitrage and corporate finance transactions, her expertise spans multiple APAC markets beyond South Korea. She is also a holder of the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) certification.
After completing her undergraduate degree at Georgetown, Cindy worked four years in investment banking at Credit Suisse in New York and Hong Kong.
Pursuing an MBA at Stanford fuelled her interest in start-ups. Transitioning to the investment sector, she joined D3Jubilee, an impact investment firm in Korea.
Since 2014, she's been with SBVA, investing in startups across Korea and Southeast Asia.
Do Young (Derek Kim) is CEO of Kakao Investment, a role he assumed in March 2025, and former CFO of Kolon Mobility Group.
Prior to joining Kolon, he led over 15 years at Samsung Securities as Head of M&A and sector lead for Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) investment banking, where he directed major transactions and strategic advisory mandates across multiple industries in South Korea.
Kim holds an MBA and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Seoul National University.
Jinsoo has over 17 years of investment experience, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. At Shinhan, he manages the Global Flagship Fund ($200m), and Japan-Korea Fund ($32m).
Education:
- MBA from Cornell University
- Economics and Law from Sogang University
Career Highlights:
- Shinhan Venture Investment: Head of Global Investment (May 2022–present)
- SK Holdings: Director, led digital and healthcare investments in SK Holdings and SK SUPEX Committee.
- Hanwha Asset Management: PE & Global VC Division, investing in global startups and VC funds as an LP.
Heeeun Park is a Partner at Altos Ventures. She has invested in more than 80 companies with a focus on Korea and throughout Japan and Southeast Asia. When Altos Ventures expanded its presence to Korea with its first Korea fund in 2014, Heeeun joined as the first member of the Korea team. She has played a key role and actively contributed to the growth and success of the firm's investments in Korea. Last year, Altos closed its sixth Korea fund with $600 million. Prior to Altos, Heeeun was the founder and CEO of an online dating app in Korea, where she grew the company from a business plan to the largest mobile dating service in Korea.