KB金融集团拟设立1500亿韩元独角兽成长基金

KB Financial Group will establish the "KB Kookmin Growth Unicorn Scale-up Fund," a 150 billion won vehicle to invest in unicorn companies in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.
The group said on the 27th that it finalized the plan at the fourth KB Financial Group Productive Finance Council held on the 24th.
The Unicorn Scale-up Fund will identify and invest in growth companies in advanced industries, including AI and semiconductors, as well as secondary batteries, aerospace, mobility, robotics, and bio. The funding will be raised entirely from affiliate capital, and KB Securities' PE Growth Investment Division will manage the fund. Internally, the group expects to invest in about six companies through the fund.
KB Financial Group decided to shift its group-wide corporate screening system from the existing financial statement-centered evaluation to one centered on future value that reflects advanced technology and growth potential. To this end, it will establish an "Advanced Strategic Industry Study Forum" to enhance employees' understanding of advanced strategic industries. The forum will include the KB Management Research Institute, the research center, and sales and screening organizations, and will conduct industry analysis, investment case studies, and seminars with outside experts.
"For early-growth-stage companies that will be eligible for support from the Unicorn Scale-up Fund, it is difficult to judge growth potential based on financial statements alone," a KB Financial Group official said. "The aim is to cultivate screening personnel with the expertise and foresight to look ahead to the future development potential of industries and technologies."