Hyundai launches investment fund to accelerate innovation

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has announced the launch of ZER01NE Fund III, a $120 million (KRW 125 billion) strategic investment fund aimed at accelerating innovation in future technologies through early-stage startup investments.

This marks a 1.5-fold increase in size over the previous ZER01NE Fund II and is supported by 10 affiliates of HMG, including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.

This strategic investment fund will focus on discovering and investing in startups worldwide that align closely with HMG's evolving business strategies, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, hydrogen and energy technologies.

The new fund builds on the success of its predecessors. ZER01NE Fund I (approximately $9.4 million, or KRW 10 billion) and ZER01NE Fund II (approximately $75 million, or KRW 80.5 billion) collectively invested in over 105 startups, leading to over 200 collaboration cases within HMG.

With the launch of ZER01NE Fund III, HMG continues its commitment to shaping the future of mobility and sustainability by backing pioneering startups with high potential to contribute to its long-term growth.