The Global Venture Investment Summit held during APEC SME Week 2025 in Jeju, South Korea, marked a significant turning point for venture capital in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 250 participants from over 17 countries discussing the shifting dynamics of the venture capital ecosystem in Asia.
Why it matters: As the global startup landscape continues to evolve, Korea is positioning itself as a central hub for innovation, bridging connections between venture capitalists, limited partners, and emerging startup ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region.
The details:
- The summit emphasized Korea’s growing role as a key player in the global venture investment scene, showcasing the country’s ambitious vision for fostering innovation.
- Minister of SMEs and Startups Han Seong-sook highlighted that APEC’s venture market accounts for more than 70% of global venture investments.
- The event provided a forum for investors, government agencies, venture firms, and startups to discuss the future of cross-border investments, liquidity challenges, and structuring future venture ecosystems in the region.
One of the major themes was the need for greater cross-border capital flows and enhanced collaboration between countries. Le Hoang Uyen Vy, Chair of the Vietnam Private Capital Association, highlighted the funding gap for Series B and C stages, critical for scaling startups beyond their seed funding phase.
Addressing liquidity pressures: The current liquidity crunch in the venture market, particularly for later-stage startups, was a central topic of discussion.
- High interest rates and delays in exits have created a challenging environment for investors seeking to fund growth.
- Secondary markets are emerging as a solution, providing an avenue for investors to liquidate their positions before an exit event like an IPO or acquisition.
Korea’s growing influence: The summit showcased Korea’s evolving role in the Asia-Pacific venture ecosystem, increasingly seen as the central point where startup ecosystems from across Asia converge.
The way forward: Stronger regional cooperation and greater alignment across funding stages are crucial for the future of venture capital in the Asia-Pacific region, with Korea strengthening its position at the center of this transformation.
