South Korea officially launched an 880 billion won (approximately US$631 million) long-term technology fund today, providing investment support for advanced technology sectors for up to 16 years. 77% of the fund's capital comes from policy, including a 600 billion won Advanced Strategic Industries Fund and 80 billion won in government funding, totaling 680 billion won. The fund aims to provide long-term "patient capital" for advanced industries such as next-generation semiconductors and biotechnology. With a total size of 880 billion won and 77% (680 billion won) from policy funding, it is jointly promoted by the Financial Services Commission and the Korea Development Bank, and recruitment of fund managers began on August 20. The fund primarily invests in companies that have passed the Technology Credit Guarantee Fund or relevant legal assessments. To diversify risk, investments outside of AI and semiconductors are required to account for at least 40%, and weighted incentives are given for early-stage follow-on investments and overseas mergers and acquisitions. The fund managers are divided into two groups: small (3 managers) with 80 billion won and large (4 managers) with 160 billion won. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 3rd, with the selection results announced in October and funding disbursement expected to be completed before the end of the year. The evaluation will focus on the administrator's professional team and expert network in relevant fields.
