KB Investment

KB Investment (KB인베스트먼트) is a South Korean venture capital firm and a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, one of the country's largest financial conglomerates. Established on March 27, 1990, as Jang Eun Venture Investment (장은창업투자) under Korea Long-Term Credit Bank, the company has undergone several name changes reflecting its evolving ownership: it became Kookmin Venture Investment (국민창업투자) in 1998 after its parent bank merged with Kookmin Bank, then KB Venture Investment (KB창업투자) in April 2004, and finally adopted its current name, KB Investment, on July 1, 2009. The firm is headquartered in Seoul and operates as the group's dedicated venture capital and private equity investment platform. KB Investment focuses on equity investments in early- to growth-stage companies, with a portfolio spanning artificial intelligence, healthcare and biotechnology, gaming, security, and other technology-driven sectors. Notable investments include Alchera (vision AI), Bayer (senior healthcare), Eroun & Company (AI security), Apollo Studio (AI-based game engine), H&B Asia, Alzinomics, Crystalis Therapeutics, Grab, Acculis Pharma (a Japanese CNS-focused biotech), and Piece Piece Studio. The firm typically invests in South Korean startups but also participates in overseas deals, as evidenced by its investment in Grab, the Southeast Asian ride-hailing and super-app company. As part of KB Financial Group, KB Investment benefits from the parent group's capital strength and network but also faces performance pressures. According to Korean Wikipedia, the firm has ranked at the lower end of efficiency relative to labor costs among top-tier Korean venture capitals. In 2025, its revenue declined by 13% and it swung to a loss, prompting the dismissal of former CEO Kim Jong-pil and a restructuring that converted all regular employees to contract positions. These developments highlight the challenges facing the Korean venture capital industry amid economic headwinds. KB Investment remains an active player in the Korean startup ecosystem, leveraging its affiliation with KB Financial Group to support innovative companies and generate returns for its parent. Its investment strategy emphasizes technology and healthcare, aligning with broader trends in the Korean and global venture markets.

KB Investment was established on March 27, 1990, as Jang Eun Venture Investment (장은창업투자 주식회사), a venture capital subsidiary of Korea Long-Term Credit Bank (한국장기신용은행). At its inception, the firm was created to provide equity financing to promising startups and small-to-medium enterprises in South Korea, a role that became increasingly important as the country's venture ecosystem began to develop. In 1998, Korea Long-Term Credit Bank merged with Kookmin Bank, and as a result, Jang Eun Venture Investment changed its name to Kookmin Venture Investment (국민창업투자 주식회사). This transition aligned the firm with the newly formed Kookmin financial group, which later became KB Financial Group. The name change reflected the integration of the parent bank's brand and the consolidation of its financial services operations. On April 30, 2004, the company was renamed KB Venture Investment (KB창업투자 주식회사), further solidifying its identity within the KB group. Finally, on July 1, 2009, it adopted its current name, KB Investment (KB인베스트먼트 주식회사), which it continues to use today. This final renaming coincided with a broader rebranding of KB Financial Group's subsidiaries and signaled the firm's ambition to be recognized as a leading venture capital brand in Korea. Throughout its history, KB Investment has built a diverse portfolio of investments. Notable companies it has backed include Alchera, a vision AI solution provider; Bayer, a senior healthcare company; Eroun & Company, an AI security startup; Apollo Studio, an AI-based game engine developer; H&B Asia; Alzinomics; Crystalis Therapeutics; Grab, the Southeast Asian ride-hailing and super-app giant; Acculis Pharma, a Japanese biotech specializing in central nervous system (CNS) treatments; and Piece Piece Studio. These investments illustrate the firm's focus on technology, healthcare, and consumer internet sectors, both in Korea and abroad. In recent years, KB Investment has faced performance challenges. According to Korean Wikipedia, the firm has been ranked at the lower end of efficiency relative to labor costs among top-tier Korean venture capitals. In 2025, its revenue declined by 13% and it recorded a loss, prompting significant management changes. Former CEO Kim Jong-pil was dismissed, and as part of a restructuring effort, all regular employees were converted to contract positions. These measures reflect the pressures facing the Korean venture capital industry, including economic uncertainty and a tougher fundraising environment. Despite these difficulties, KB Investment remains an active investor and a key part of KB Financial Group's strategy to support innovation and entrepreneurship. Its affiliation with one of Korea's largest financial groups provides it with substantial capital and network advantages, positioning it to continue backing promising startups in Korea and beyond.

• Founded as Jang Eun Venture Investment (장은창업투자) under Korea Long-Term Credit Bank.

• Renamed Kookmin Venture Investment (국민창업투자) after Korea Long-Term Credit Bank merged with Kookmin Bank.

• Renamed KB Venture Investment (KB창업투자).

• Adopted current name KB Investment (KB인베스트먼트).

• Revenue declined 13% and firm turned to a loss; former CEO Kim Jong-pil dismissed and all regular employees converted to contract positions as part of restructuring.

The venture capital arm of KB Financial Group, focusing on technology and healthcare startups in South Korea and select overseas markets.

• Venture capital funds

  Equity investments in early- to growth-stage startups.

• Private equity

  Investments in private companies, often in technology and healthcare sectors.

• 2021-12-10

  Cakap raises US$10 million in Series B funding[4]Cakap完成1,000万美元B轮融资us.acrofan.com

  Reported: 2021-12-10

  Cakap raised US$10 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round jointly led by MDI Ventures' Centauri Fund and Heritas Capital, with participation from KB Investment and other undisclosed investors. The company said the proceeds would support its course offering, technology and market expansion.

1. 1KB Investment Official Websitekbic.co.kr
2. 2KB인베스트먼트 - Korean Wikipediako.wikipedia.org
3. 3KB Investment - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Cakap完成1,000万美元B轮融资us.acrofan.com