LG расширяет инвестиции в стартапы в области искусственного интеллекта и глубоких технологий

LG Electronics (LG) is making significant investments in startups specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Tech. LG is investing US$10 million as a key limited partner in SBVA's newly established US$130 million Alpha Intelligence Fund (AIF).

SBVA will curate the portfolio for AIF, selecting young businesses with high growth potential in AI, deep tech, and robotics, and leveraging its global networks and resources to support the development and significant achievements of emerging companies.

For over 20 years, SBVA has been funding global startups, expanding its expertise in information and communication technologies (ICT) and strengthening its international network. By participating in the SBVA fund, LG plans to facilitate the exchange of data on rapidly changing trends in the advanced technology industry and reflect these global market changes in its management strategies.

Through these investments, LG aims to expand collaboration and strengthen ties with leading global innovative enterprises and provide opportunities for strategic investments, quality growth, and the development of technologies and future businesses.

LG intends to accelerate its transformation into a “Smart Life Solutions” company by developing its key growth "engines," such as service business platforms, B2B businesses, and new ventures, through innovative technologies. The company plans to expand its business areas beyond the consumer electronics market, creating technologies for business spaces, mobility, and many others.

Previously, in July, LG acquired 80% of Athom, a smart home platform developer headquartered in Enschede, Netherlands, and signed a contract to buy out the remaining 20% within the next three years. In March, LG invested US$60 million in Bear Robotics, an AI-based autonomous service robot startup headquartered in Redwood City, Silicon Valley, USA, signing a new agreement to acquire a stake.

In addition, since 2021, LG NOVA, the company's innovation center in Silicon Valley, has been conducting annual competitions to find and develop innovative startups and support their commercialization, thereby finding new business opportunities. LG NOVA focuses on sustainable growth and the development of systems for future high-tech industries such as digital healthcare, clean tech, and AI.

“By participating in AIF, we aim to strengthen our capabilities in AI and strengthen our position in its value chain through our active open innovation activities. We plan to find promising startups and collaborate with them to explore future business opportunities,” said Eugene Yu, Vice President and Head of Open Innovation Task at LG.

“We will continue to make investments that accelerate technological innovation, leveraging our differentiated technical expertise, global network, and investment experience. We plan to maximize the growth potential of these companies by supporting the creation of joint ventures with startups and large investors, as well as promoting joint business projects,” said SBVA CEO JP Lee.

Meanwhile, SBVA, established as SoftBank Ventures Asia within SoftBank Group, was acquired last year by The Edgeof, an investment company led by Taizo Son, chairman of global investment firm Mistletoe, and became independent. SBVA manages assets totaling approximately US$2 billion and has offices in San Francisco, Israel, Singapore, and Seoul. It invests in more than 100 companies. SBVA plans to hold a second closing within the year to increase the size of AIF.