In 2024, total venture investment in 10 deep tech sectors in Korea reached KRW 3.6 trillion, reflecting a 34% increase compared to 2023. This marks the largest investment scale in the past five years, signaling a growing interest from investors in deep tech. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has announced the 2024 venture investment trends in these 10 deep tech sectors. The trends are based on an analysis of companies that received funding from venture capital firms and associations under the Venture Investment Promotion Act.
By sector, investments in Bio/Healthcare and AI accounted for the largest shares—33% and 26.7% of total deep tech investments, respectively. Notably, the AI sector recorded the most significant increase, with an investment surge of KRW 415.8 billion, the highest among all sectors.
When broken down into three categories, AI Software Development and Supply attracted the largest investment. However, the fastest growth was seen in AI Construction, Management, and Related Information Services (113.9%) and in Manufacturing and Design of AI Computing and Processing Components/Devices (290.9%).
Among the deep tech companies that secured venture investment in 2024, 722 firms—or 75.1% of the total—had previously received funding from master fund feeder funds or participated in startup support programs. Specifically, 682 companies attracted a total of KRW 8.807 trillion through the master fund’s feeder funds, while 353 firms received KRW 222.6 billion in funding and special guarantees through government-backed support programs.
Minister Oh Youngju stated, “The Ministry of SMEs and Startups has consistently driven investments in the deep tech sector through the master fund.” She further added, “Moving forward, MSS will increase venture investments in promising deep tech sectors and strengthen policy support to nurture globally competitive deep tech startups.
10 deep tech sectors= ➊ AI and Big Data ➋ System Semiconductors ➌ Robotics ➍ Mobility ➎ Cloud and Network ➏ Aerospace ➐ Eco-friendly Technologies ➑ Quantum Technologies ➒ Bio/healthcare ➓ Next-generation Nuclear Power
