KB Financial Group is launching a fund worth 1.5 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion) to foster advanced strategic industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
On July 24, KB Financial Group held its fourth 'Productive Finance Council' meeting to review the progress of its productive finance initiatives, the group announced on July 27.
During the meeting, it was decided to establish the 'KB National Growth Unicorn Scale-Up Fund' with a total size of 1.5 trillion won. The fund will be entirely financed by KB Financial affiliates, with management handled by KB Securities' Private Equity Growth Investment Division. Key investment targets will include companies in AI, semiconductors, secondary batteries, aerospace, mobility, robotics, and biotechnology.
In line with the government's 'Three Major Mega Projects' and the National Growth Fund policy, KB Financial has also developed financial support measures for investments in semiconductors, power, infrastructure, and physical AI companies, as well as AI data centers. The group plans to enhance comprehensive financial support by identifying innovative small and medium-sized enterprises located in various regions through its Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Center, which specializes in corporate finance and securities collaboration.
Additionally, the council discussed transitioning from traditional corporate evaluations based on financial statements and past performance to a culture of assessing companies based on their technological capabilities and future growth potential.
Kim Sung-hyun, head of KB Financial's CIB Market Division, stated, "We need to expand our role as a partner that grows alongside advanced strategic industry companies, moving beyond traditional loan-based financial support for conventional industries. We will strengthen our capabilities to understand industries and companies and evaluate their technological strengths and future growth values."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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