S. Korea's venture investments touch new high in H1: data

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- Government data revealed that South Korea's venture investments into startups surged to a record high in the first half of 2026, driven by active funding in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. In the January-June period, a total of 8.87 trillion won (US$6.34 billion) was invested, representing a 54.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

This marked the highest amount for the first half since 2022, when 7.64 trillion won were invested. The growth was primarily attributed to significant investments exceeding 100 billion won in the AI, semiconductor, and robotics sectors. ICT production funding rose by 143.3 percent year-over-year, while electronics, machinery, and equipment funding jumped 90.4 percent.

Funding for ICT services also increased by 62.2 percent. However, investments in the gaming sector saw a sharp 76.3 percent decline, as the number of startups in the industry dwindled. Despite this, startups that secured funding over the past three years have consistently expanded their workforce by over 11 percent annually since receiving capital.

Notably, 60 percent of the new hires were under the age of 40. The startup ministry asserted that South Korea's venture investment market appears to be entering a phase of full-scale growth and pledged to collaborate with related ministries to provide policy support for further capital inflow.