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[StartupRecipe] Seoul Reaches Record 8th Place in Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking

#Weekly Funding Overview

[June. 9~ June. 13]

#FUNDING

CompanyInudustryAmountRoundInvestors
AimedBioBio51.1 billionPre IPOIntervest, DS Asset Management, Mirae Asset Securities, Samsung Life Public Welfare Foundation
ZEnterpriseTax automation platform26 billionSeries CNH Investment & Securities
LightBridgeHydrogen production400 millionSeries AAnda Asia Ventures, Ubiquoss Investment, Magna Investment
BigValueData tech500 millionSeries BShinhan Venture Investment, HB Investment, ROI Investment Partners
UpValueFinancial technology education-Series ATS Investment
DotioHR tech-GrantTIPS
GENIDEASAI Agent-GrantTIPS
NanoSolutionNano new material technology10 billionLaplace Partners, Capstone Partners, ID Ventures, IBK Capital, KDB Capital
BSPSemiconductor equipment10 billionSeries AQuantum Ventures Korea, SBI Investment, Yuanta Investment
QsimplusQuantum communication4 billionSeries A BridgeK2 Investment, STIC Ventures
Home&CoSpace maintenance700 millionSeedKakao Ventures, Xquared
NewLookMakgeolli-based beverage-SeedCNT Tech
DippingSourceAI retail tech-KDDI Open Innovation Fund No.3
FlexHR10 billionHan River Partners
FRT RoboticsIndustrial wearable robots1 billionSeries AMedici Investment, IBKC-Medici Tech Innovation Fund
BistoolCosmetic implants3 billionPre Series AKolmar Holdings, The Invention Lab, VS Investment
LimpidBio pet food1.5 billionPre Series ASamsung Fire-Infobank, Oracle Venture Investment, Kyungpook Nat’l Univ. Tech Holdings, CNT Tech, KODIT
NuriHausK-Beauty overseas expansion3.5 billionSeries A BridgeHashed
FramtoMaterials5 billionPOSCO Technology Investment, POSCO Holdings CVC No.2 New Tech Fund
LT-BIZTECHERP solution for law firms-M&ALaw&Company
DBrainSmall UAV-Korea Aerospace Industries
NorangFoodChicken franchise-M&AJollibee
iMediTechMedical device-Series AKorea Investment Partners, Nau IB Capital, Platinum Tech Investment
oto IndustryAutomotive parts20 billionGreenwich Private Equity
RobosRobotics25 billionSeries BKDB, Lotte Ventures, DTN Investment, CKD Startup Investment, FuturePlay
BarcFootwear-Pre Series ACNT Tech, Next Elevation, WisePlanet, KODIT
CIS ChemicalSecondary battery materials-Genexis
SumairSmall aircraft-Big Move Ventures
DeegolabsAI-based plastic recycling-SeedETRI Holdings
Young andAI senior healthcare-SeedENSL Partners
MediQuartersBrand e-commerce60 billionSeries DHyundai Department Store, KB Securities, Shin Young Securities
MinervaEduEdutech-SeedSeries Ventures

#TREND ANALYSIS

Seoul Reaches Record 8th Place in Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking

Seoul has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report released by Startup Genome, placing 8th among 300 cities worldwide. The city demonstrated strong performance in key innovation sectors—particularly artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and robotics—supported by leading metrics in knowledge accumulation and startup funding.

According to the report, Seoul ranked 1st globally in knowledge and 5th in funding, making it the top city in Asia for startup investment. Building on this momentum, Seoul aims to break into the global top five by 2030 and foster the growth of 50 unicorn companies.

Seoul climbed one position from 9th in 2023, maintaining its position within the global top 10 for two consecutive years. The city outperformed other major Asian startup hubs such as Singapore (9th) and Tokyo (11th).

In the category of knowledge, Seoul received a perfect score of 10, reflecting the city’s robust research and innovation capabilities. The market reach score also saw a significant increase, jumping from 1 point in 2022 to 9 points in 2024. While the city excelled in AI applications, the report indicated room for improvement in nurturing startups focused on foundational AI technologies.

From 2005 to 2024, Seoul invested KRW 906 billion through its proprietary Seoul R&D programs, supporting over 4,000 projects. The city now plans to launch a KRW 5 trillion innovation fund combining the Future Innovation Growth Fund and Seoul Vision 2030 Fund to accelerate high-growth opportunities.

Despite a 31% global decline in startup exits, Seoul recorded 4% growth, contributing to the sharp improvement in market reach and signaling strong investor confidence and maturity of its startup ecosystem.

Seoul continues to enhance its startup infrastructure by developing specialized regional hubs in Gongdeok, Magok, Hongneung, and Yangjae, fostering open innovation between 202 corporates and 1,038 startups.

To support global expansion, Seoul currently operates startup bases in seven countries, including Vietnam, India, and Singapore, and plans to increase this network to 12 countries by the end of the year. Through these efforts, the city will support the international scale-up of 300 startups.

Seoul’s core strengths lie in industries such as AI and big data analytics, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and robotics, positioning the city as a leading innovation hub in both Asia and the global arena.

#MORE NEWS

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