Executive Summary
As the global AI market rapidly grows and innovation in AI-related products and services
continues, technological competition among major AI companies and countries is also
intensifying. Meanwhile, the importance of international cooperation and investment in the
AI field is increasing, and inter-company investment and collaboration is expanding through
corporate investment networks.
This report analyzes cross-border venture capital (VC) investment flows, identifies the
characteristics of countries actively pursuing global collaboration, and presents policy
implications. The analysis reveals that the United States accounts for an overwhelming
share of VC investment in the AI sector. The United States and China are both highly
domestically focused on VC investment. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Israel
attract significant capital and foreign investment from the US, a leading AI country. The
United Kingdom and EU countries also exhibit a high proportion of overseas investment in
AI, demonstrating a structure centered on mutual cooperation. Furthermore, there are
examples of AI startups founded by outstanding AI talent actively attracting VC investment
and growing into leading national AI companies.
Currently, Korea's share of foreign investment is relatively low compared to other
countries. However, promising domestic startups, such as Twelve Labs, Upstage, and Nota
AI, are beginning to attract overseas investment and collaborate. Furthermore, with the
government announcement of a plan to establish a national growth fund for cutting-edge
industries such as AI, the growth of Korea's AI industry is expected.
In conclusion, securing investment capital through global collaboration and revitalizing the
corporate ecosystem are prerequisites for Korea's leap to becoming an AI powerhouse. To
achieve this, increased investment in fostering AI companies, regulatory innovation
incentives, and support for overseas expansion and joint research should be implemented.
Furthermore, efforts are needed to not only achieve the goal of becoming the third level of
countries in AI, but also elevate AI technology competitiveness of Korea.