Hana Securities signs MOU with Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center to back regional startups

Hana Securities signed an MOU with the Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center on Thursday to foster regional startups and energize the local investment ecosystem.

The agreement aims to identify innovative companies in Gangwon Province, supply them with venture capital, and revitalize the startup ecosystem outside the Greater Seoul area.

Under the deal, Hana Securities will consider making direct investments in startups and contributing to investment funds, while providing financial support tailored to each stage of a company's growth. The firm will also assist with capital market access, including advisory services for initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions.

The Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center will share information on companies it incubates, recommend standout firms, and help identify and nurture regional innovators. It also plans to expand fundraising opportunities through investor presentations and similar events.

The two sides agreed to work together to identify and support biotech innovators, drawing on Gangwon Province's designation in 2024 as a global AI healthcare innovation regulatory free zone.

To that end, Hana Securities plans to invest in the Gangwon Changgyeong-J&P Medi Chuncheon Biotech Nurturing Investment Fund, co-managed by the Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center and J&P Medi Partners, with the Korea Fund of Funds participating as a special limited partner.

"Gangwon is building a foundation for biotech industry growth by leveraging its advantages as a global AI healthcare innovation regulatory free zone," Hana Securities Chief Executive Kang Sung-mook said. "Through this agreement and our fund investment, we will build a practical financial ladder that helps innovative companies discovered in the region commercialize their technology, secure follow-on investment, and enter the capital markets."

Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center Chief Executive Lee Hae-jeong said the agreement would help energize the venture investment ecosystem in Gangwon Province through cooperation with Hana Securities. "We will build a practical collaboration model that connects everything from scouting outstanding local startups to investment linkage and follow-on growth support," she added.

Hana Securities has also signed MOUs with the Busan Creative Economy Innovation Center and the North Jeolla Province Creative Economy Innovation Center as part of its broader push to stimulate regional investment. In May, the firm was recognized as a best-practice case at a venture capital capacity-building consultative body convened by financial regulators.