79 global firms compete for $716M in South Korea's 2025 Global Fund with 6:1 ratio

South Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups revealed that 79 global investment firms have applied for the 2025 Creation of Global Funds for Overseas Venture Capital, competing for a total investment budget of 170 billion won ($716 million). This marks a significant increase in the fund's investment budget, which was raised in line with the 'Advanced Venture Investment Market Leap Plan' announced in October last year.

The competition ratio stands at an impressive 6 to 1, with the total amount of funds submitted by applicants reaching approximately $13.5 billion (18 trillion won). This intense competition highlights the growing interest of global investors in South Korea's venture capital market.

Geographically, the applicants represent a diverse range of regions: 28 firms from the U.S., 27 from Asia, 17 from Europe, 5 from China, and 2 from the Middle East. This broad participation underscores South Korea's increasing appeal as a hub for overseas venture capital.

Additionally, the fund's investment limit has been expanded to up to $50 million per investment, aiming to attract larger-scale investments and foster innovation within the country's startup ecosystem.

The Ministry's announcement signals a strategic push to enhance South Korea's position in the global venture capital landscape, leveraging increased funding and international interest to stimulate growth and innovation.

"The total amount of funds submitted by 79 investment companies was about $13.5 billion (about 18 trillion won) and the investment request was about $716 million (about 1 trillion won), with a competition ratio of about 6 to 1 based on the investment budget (170 billion won)," the Ministry stated.

"This year, the Global Fund increased its investment budget to 170 billion won and expanded the fund's investment limit to up to $50 million in accordance with the 'Advanced Venture Investment Market Leap Plan' announced in October last year," it added.

South Korea's 2025 Global Fund attracted 79 global investment firms competing for $716 million, with a 6:1 competition ratio. The fund's investment budget rose to 170 billion won, drawing venture capital from the U.S., Asia, Europe, China, and the Middle East, totaling $13.5 billion in requests.