Korea and India Strengthen Venture Capital Ties to Boost Startup Collaboration

South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), in collaboration with Korea Venture Investment (KVIC) and the Korea Venture Capital Association (KVCA), organized the Korea-India Venture Investment Meetup in Bengaluru on June 17, aimed at strengthening connections between the venture investment ecosystems of the two countries and supporting the overseas expansion of Korean startups.

The event brought together around 30 participants, including venture capitalists from both countries, and featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Korea Venture Capital Association (KVCA) and the Indian Venture Capital Association (IVCA), presentations on Korea’s Fund of Funds and global investment initiatives, and networking sessions with Indian venture capital firms.

India, with its large domestic market, strong talent pool, and venture investment market valued at approximately USD 9.9 billion in 2025, has emerged as a key destination for Korean startups and investors seeking global growth opportunities.

The MoU marks the first formal cooperation between the leading venture capital associations of South Korea and India. The agreement focuses on supporting companies seeking investment and market entry opportunities, sharing information on venture ecosystems, strengthening institutional capabilities, and expanding investor networks. The two sides plan to build on the partnership to promote practical cooperation between investors.

Following the signing ceremony, participants exchanged insights on the current state of the venture investment sectors in both countries and explored opportunities for future collaboration.

“The first MoU between the two countries’ leading venture capital associations is a meaningful starting point for cooperation in private investment and a first step toward connecting the two countries’ venture ecosystems,” said Mok Seung-Hwan, Head of the Startup, Venture and Innovation Office at MSS. “I hope this event will serve as an opportunity for Korea and India to expand cooperation and exchange between their venture ecosystems and grow together into one of Asia’s leading innovation hubs.”

During his visit to India, Mok also toured a local outlet of GoPizza, a Korean startup that has successfully established operations in the Indian market, where he reviewed its business activities and discussed challenges faced by Korean companies operating in the country.

He was also introduced to the upcoming “Pinkfong Baby Shark Kids Menu,” a collaboration between GoPizza and global family entertainment company The Pinkfong Company, scheduled for official launch in September. During the visit, Pinkfong and Baby Shark merchandise was distributed to local children and families.

“This collaboration between GoPizza and Pinkfong could become a new model for Korean startups going global,” Mok said.