NH NongHyup Bank to Expand Venture Capital Investment in K-Food Startups

NH NongHyup Bank said Monday it held a strategy meeting at its headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, chaired by its CEO, to boost venture capital investment in K-food.

The meeting was aimed at moving beyond traditional loan-centered financing by expanding venture investment in promising agri-food startups and growth companies, strengthening what the bank called “productive finance.”

The bank said it is developing strategic investment plans focused on key agricultural industries drawing global attention, including food tech and agtech, with support extending beyond funding to business expansion and market entry.

NH NongHyup Bank said it is the country’s largest agri-food fund manager, operating eight funds totaling 344.1 billion won. It plans to expand assets under management to more than 500 billion won within three years to support the broader agri-food investment ecosystem.

It also said it will link its efforts with an agtech youth entrepreneurship campus and the 2026 Agri-Food Tech Startup Expo (AFPRO), now in its fourth year, to build a cycle from identifying promising companies to attracting investment and supporting growth.

“K-food venture capital investment is a key task for strengthening the future competitiveness of South Korea’s agriculture,” NH NongHyup Bank CEO Kang Tae Young said. “We will act as a responsible partner that helps shape industry trends, going beyond the role of finance, so bold venture investment can lead to real growth.”