- Global VC investment remained strong in Q2 2026, reaching $227.4 billion across 8,440 deals.
- The Americas attracted the largest share of global VC funding in Q2 2026, with $150 billion invested across 3,999 deals, led by $144.9 billion in US investment.
- Asia strengthened for a fifth consecutive quarter, reaching $50.8 billion across 2,676 deals.
- Global venture capital is pouring into South Korea's deep tech startups spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors.
- Companies including Upstage, Twelve Labs, and CarbonSix have secured large-scale funding rounds led by overseas VCs.
- Upstage secured a 180 billion won (approximately $122.7 million) Series C round in April, with U.S.-based Sazze Partners as the lead investor.
- Twelve Labs completed a 150 billion won (approximately $102.2 million) Series B round earlier this month, led by U.S. firm NEA (New Enterprise Associates).
- CarbonSix raised a 60 billion won (approximately $40.9 million) Series A round from U.S. VCs including Corten Asia, Foothill Ventures, and Storm Ventures.
Global venture capital investment reached $227.4 billion in Q2 2026, marking a strong performance across 8,440 deals. The Americas led with $150 billion, while Asia and Europe followed with $50.8 billion and $25.6 billion, respectively.1234
In South Korea, the deep tech sector is thriving, particularly in artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors. Notable funding rounds include Upstage's 180 billion won (approximately $122.7 million) Series C, led by U.S.-based Sazze Partners, and Twelve Labs' 150 billion won (approximately $102.2 million) Series B, backed by NEA.567
The influx of capital is underscored by the establishment of offices by major U.S. VCs like Andreessen Horowitz in Seoul, indicating a strategic focus on the region. According to Korea Venture Investment Corp., this year's planned commitments to major global funds total approximately 255 billion won (approximately $173.8 million), up 45 billion won from the previous year.
As AI continues to drive investment globally, South Korea's deep tech startups are positioned to benefit significantly from this trend, attracting attention from both local and international investors.
“The Americas led global VC funding with $150 billion, while Asia saw $50.8 billion, driven by AI and robotics investments. Notably, a16z has established an office in Seoul, intensifying its focus on South Korea's burgeoning deep tech market.”
kpmg.com
AlleyWatch
