LG Electronics has invested $10 million in the newly established Alpha Intelligence Fund (AIF), a $130 million venture fund managed by SBVA. This move is part of LG’s broader strategy to deepen its engagement with startups specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep technology, areas the company views as crucial to its future growth.
SBVA, which has over two decades of experience in global startup investment, will curate a portfolio of companies within AI, deep tech, and robotics for AIF. The firm plans to utilize its extensive international network to support the development of these startups, aiming to drive their growth and innovation. LG’s participation in the fund reflects its intent to stay informed on rapidly evolving technology trends and integrate these insights into its strategic planning.
This investment is a continuation of LG’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with innovative startups and secure future technologies. The company is focused on expanding its technological capabilities and exploring new business opportunities, particularly in areas such as platform-based services, B2B solutions, and emerging sectors beyond traditional home electronics.
In recent months, LG has made several notable investments in the tech sector. In July, the company acquired an 80 percent stake in Athom, a smart home platform company based in the Netherlands, with plans to acquire the remaining shares within three years. Additionally, in March, LG invested $60 million in Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based startup specializing in AI-driven autonomous service robots.
Through its Silicon Valley innovation center, LG NOVA, the company has been actively engaging with startups since 2021, holding annual contests to identify and support companies with promising ideas in fields such as digital healthcare, clean tech, and AI. LG NOVA’s initiatives are aimed at fostering sustainable growth in these future-focused industries.
Commenting on the AIF investment, Eugene Yoo, Vice President and leader of LG’s Open Innovation Task, emphasized the company’s goal of strengthening its position in the AI sector through active collaboration with startups. SBVA CEO JP Lee also highlighted the firm’s commitment to supporting technological innovation and fostering growth through joint ventures and collaborative business projects.
SBVA, originally established as SoftBank Ventures Asia, became independent last year after being acquired by The Edgeof, an investment company led by Taizo Son. SBVA now manages approximately $2 billion in assets and operates offices across several countries, including the United States, Israel, Singapore, and South Korea. The firm is planning a second closing later this year to increase the size of the AIF.
