Korean CVCs Fund Global Tech Expansion

Korean corporate venture capital arms are making significant strides on the international stage, deploying substantial capital across a diverse range of cutting-edge technology sectors. In a concentrated period during October 2026, prominent players like Samsung Next, LG Technology Ventures, and Bass Ventures collectively participated in four distinct overseas funding rounds, signaling a robust strategy of global diversification and technological scouting.

Samsung Next was particularly active, injecting capital into two promising ventures. The firm led the $150 million Series A for Eka Robotics, a startup focused on applying fundamental physics principles to robotic applications. Additionally, Samsung Next participated in the $60 million Series B round for Daytona, a company developing cloud infrastructure tailored for AI agent deployment. These investments highlight Samsung's interest in both the physical and software layers of advanced robotics and AI.

Further underscoring the breadth of Korean investment, LG Technology Ventures made its mark by joining the $108 million Series B financing for Peak Energy. This round focused on advancing sodium-ion battery technology, a critical area for energy storage innovation as the world seeks alternatives to lithium-ion due to supply chain vulnerabilities and cost pressures. LG Technology Ventures' involvement as a new investor in this crucial energy sector demonstrates a strategic push into sustainable and next-generation power solutions.

Meanwhile, Bass Ventures distinguished itself by being the sole Korean investor in the $90 million seed round for Dream Labs. This San Francisco-based company, founded by a Korean entrepreneur, is dedicated to developing foundational models specifically for robotics. This investment points to a keen interest in the underlying AI architecture that will power future robotic systems, complementing the hardware-focused investments seen elsewhere.

The collective activity of these Korean CVCs reveals a strategic approach that eschews concentrated bets in favor of broad exposure to transformative technologies. The funded companies operate across robotics, AI infrastructure, advanced battery technology, and core AI model development. This diversification across sectors such as manufacturing and software reflects a comprehensive vision for future technological advancements and a commitment to securing early access to innovations shaping global trends.

This flurry of international investments by Samsung Next, LG Technology Ventures, and Bass Ventures positions Korean capital as a formidable force in the global startup ecosystem. Their strategic deployment of funds into areas like AI and advanced manufacturing not only supports promising international ventures but also serves to bolster Korea's own technological competitiveness and its role in shaping the future of these critical industries.