SBVA Recognized as the VC of the Year at the 2024 Korea Venture Capital Awards

SBVA Honored as 'VC of the Year'

On December 4, 2024, SBVA, formerly known as SoftBank Ventures Asia, received the highly esteemed 'VC of the Year' award at the 15th Korea Venture Capital Awards held in Seoul. This accolade recognizes the firm’s exceptional performance in investment and significant contributions to the venture capital ecosystem in Korea.

The Korea Venture Capital Awards, often regarded as the 'Midas List' for the country’s venture market, is an annual ceremony hosted by the Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC). It celebrates the outstanding achievements of various institutions and individuals who have significantly advanced the landscape of venture capital. The prestigious 'VC of the Year' award is based on various key performance indicators, underscoring realized returns achieved over the past year.

SBVA boasts approximately $2 billion in assets under management and has invested in over 300 startups across various sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy, healthcare, fintech, and education technology (edtech). Among its notable portfolio are several prominent Korean unicorns, including Karrot, Hyperconnect, Lunit, and Kream, emphasizing SBVA's commitment to fostering innovation and scaling successful ventures on a global stage.

In addition to these impressive investment achievements, SBVA has played a crucial role in connecting Korea’s IT and startup ecosystems with global markets. This year alone, the firm co-hosted a significant event featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in partnership with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Furthermore, SBVA organized the 2024 SBVA Tokyo Forum in October, aiding eight of its portfolio companies in entering the Japanese market.

JP Lee, the CEO of SBVA, expressed pride in the award, stating, "Amid challenging times for venture investments, SBVA has remained steadfast in building partnerships and continuously supporting innovative companies. This award is a testament to our team's unwavering efforts, particularly following our spinoff. We are deeply honored by this recognition and remain committed to driving sustained growth in the global venture landscape."

Originally founded in 2000 as a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, SBVA transitioned to an independent firm in 2023 following its acquisition by The EdgeOf, a Singapore-based investment company co-founded by Taizo Son, JP Lee, and Atsushi Taira.

In conclusion, SBVA's recognition as 'VC of the Year' not only highlights its remarkable investment performance but also reinforces its role as a key player in the global venture capital landscape, connecting innovative startups with opportunities for growth and success worldwide.