KB Financial Group (105560.KS) has joined hands with the Seoul Center for Creative Economy and Innovation to strengthen its startup support system through public-private cooperation.
KB Financial said Thursday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Center for Creative Economy and Innovation on “Supporting Startups and Revitalizing the Ecosystem” at the KB Kookmin Bank New Building in Yeouido, Seoul, on Wednesday. Lee Young-geun, head of the Seoul Center for Creative Economy and Innovation, and Lee Chang-kwon, head of KB Financial Group’s Future Strategy Division, attended the signing ceremony.
KB Financial has been strengthening its core financial role by expanding funding for creative and innovative startup ecosystems and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. In March 2025, it established “KB Innovation HUB Center,” the first fintech lab in the financial sector, and has since selected and nurtured 394 startups as “KB Starters.” By supporting growth from technology verification to commercialization, investment, and global expansion, the program has achieved cumulative investments of 308.9 billion won ($228 million) and 422 partnerships.
Through this agreement, the two organizations plan to identify promising companies in future growth industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), environmental, social and governance (ESG), and fintech. They also plan to strengthen mutual cooperation in linking government support programs, providing mentoring and consulting, and operating joint incubation spaces.
“This agreement will serve as a model case connecting public and private support capabilities to provide a stepping stone for promising startups to grow and expand into broader markets,” a KB Financial official said. “We will continue to actively support the startup ecosystem and realize the value of productive finance in the industrial field.”
