Quantcast
Jump to content

LG Expands Investment in AI and Deep Tech Startups


Recommended Posts

Company Joins SBVA’s AI Fund and Continues Efforts to
Nurture Future Businesses Through Open Innovation Activities

lg-logo_-600x405-1-600x405.png

SEOUL, Aug. 19, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is making significant investments in startups specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tech. LG has committed USD 10 million as a key limited partner in the newly established USD 130 million “Alpha Intelligence Fund (AIF)” by

link hidden, please login to view
.

SBVA will curate a portfolio for AIF by selecting startups with high growth potential in AI, deep tech and robotics. The firm aims to leverage its global networks and resources to support the growth and meaningful achievements of these startups.

For over 20 years, SBVA has been investing in global startups, enhancing its expertise in ICT technology and strengthening its international network. By participating in the SBVA fund, LG plans to engage in the sharing of information on rapidly changing innovative technology trends and reflect these global market changes in its management strategies.

Through this investment, LG aims to expand cooperation with innovative startups and continue efforts to secure future technologies, ultimately seeking qualitative growth. The company plans to strengthen its networking with leading global companies and startups, discover additional opportunities for strategic investments and secure technological capabilities for future businesses.

LG intends to accelerate its transformation into a “Smart Life Solutions” company by securing innovative technologies for its key growth engines, including platform-based service businesses, B2B businesses and other new ventures. The company plans to continue efforts to secure future core technologies and expand its business areas beyond the home to business spaces, mobility and more.

Previously, in July, LG acquired an 80 percent stake in Athom, a smart home platform company headquartered in Enschede, Netherlands, and signed a contract to acquire the remaining 20 percent within the next three years. In March, LG invested USD 60 million in Bear Robotics – an AI-based autonomous service robot startup headquartered in Redwood City, Silicon Valley, USA – through a new stock acquisition agreement to acquire a stake in Bear Robotics.

In addition, through LG NOVA – the company’s Silicon Valley-based innovation center – LG has been conducting annual contests since 2021 to discover and nurture startups with innovative ideas and support their commercialization, thereby seeking new business opportunities. LG NOVA is particularly focused on building sustainable growth and nurturing systems for future innovative industries such as digital healthcare, clean tech and AI.

“By participating in the AIF, we aim to secure AI capabilities through active open innovation activities and strengthen our position within the AI value chain,” said Eugene Yoo, vice president and leader of the Open Innovation Task at LG. “We plan to discover and collaborate with capable startups to explore future business opportunities.”

“We will continue to make investments that accelerate technological innovation, leveraging our differentiated technical expertise, global network and investment experience. We plan to maximize the growth potential of these companies by supporting the establishment of joint ventures with startups and major investors, and by promoting collaborative business projects,” said SBVA CEO JP Lee.

Meanwhile, SBVA, established as SoftBank Ventures Asia under the SoftBank Group, was acquired last year by The Edgeof, an investment company led by Taizo Son, chairman of the global investment firm Mistletoe, and became independent. SBVA manages assets totaling approximately USD 2 billion AUM and has offices in San Francisco, Israel, Singapore and Seoul. It is investing in over 100 companies. SBVA plans to conduct a second closing within the year to increase the size of the AIF.

# # #

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • By News Reporter
      Companies to Jointly Develop Total Solutions for Virtual Production and XR Studios

      SEOUL, Sep. 9, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) announces it has acquired a stake in
      link hidden, please login to view (Mo-Sys), a market leading developer of virtual production solutions and camera robotics. The strategic seed investment and partnership will expand LG’s capabilities in the virtual production and broadcasting technology segments, enabling it to deliver a more comprehensive lineup of sophisticated hardware- and software-based solutions. Formerly the exclusive province of the movie industry, virtual production studios are becoming increasingly popular with TV broadcasters, and with corporations and educational institutions seeking to create their own content in house. Employing a wide array of advanced technologies, including large-scale LED screens, camera tracking, LED controllers and media servers, virtual production stages have brought a new dimension – and a raft of new possibilities – to the art of visual storytelling.
      Renowned for its industry-leading display technology, LG has already established itself in this growing segment, providing its Micro LED and LED screens for both virtual reality (VR) studios and extended reality (XR) stages. Through its newly-signed strategic partnership with Mo-Sys, LG will be able to offer a fuller range of solutions for virtual production and XR studios. As part of the agreement, the two companies will be able to seamlessly support customers who choose to combine LG’s LED displays and controllers with Mo-Sys’s XR products and systems to create a total solution for XR.
      “We’re excited by this new partnership, and by the unique value we’ll be able to deliver to customers through combining LG’s mastery of display technology with Mo-Sys’s expertise in virtual production solutions,” said Paik Ki-mun, senior vice president and head of the Information Display business unit of LG Business Solutions Company. “LG will continue to pursue collaboration with partners to strengthen its capabilities as a provider of B2B solutions and innovative experiences.”
      Michael Geissler, CEO of Mo-Sys Engineering, commented, “We are delighted to have LG’s support as we continue to innovate in the field of next-generation virtual production technology. Their investment will enable us to enhance our R&D efforts, drive sustainability, and create more efficient production solutions.”
      LG virtual production solutions will be on show at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2024 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (September 13-16). For more information, visit .
      # # #

    • By News Reporter
      MORGANTOWN, W.V., Aug. 26, 2024 — LG Electronics today announced that it has established operations in the West Virginia as part of its strategic innovation initiative with the state aimed at advancing the development of new technologies for renewable energy, healthcare and industries of the future.
      LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ North America Innovation Center, is opening offices in Morgantown and plans to open another office in Huntington, hometowns for West Virginia University and Marshall University, respectively. To celebrate the office opening in Morgantown, LG is hosting an 
      link hidden, please login to view event on Monday, August 26th at its new office space to meet with startups, entrepreneurs and business leaders. In addition, LG NOVA is recruiting now for regional operations directors for  and , and anticipates hiring additional positions including engineering and technical roles in the months ahead.
      The expansion supports LG Electronics’ bringing 275 jobs to West Virginia, to spur the growth of new technologies, investments and economic development for companies and people in the area as announced earlier this year by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and LG Electronics CEO William Cho.
      Primefocus Health
      Exemplifying how LG is driving innovation in the Appalachian Region, , the new digital health venture launched in collaboration with LG NOVA, announced its first customer: Marshall Health Network Inc., a leading West Virginia-based academic health system.
      Primefocus Health and Marshall Health Network are working together to customize the Primefocus Health platform to support Marshall Health Network in addressing key regional healthcare issues, such as obesity, healthy aging, substance use disorder, and rural healthcare needs. The Marshall Health Network serves 1.4 million residents in 40 counties in West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky.
      The Primefocus Health platform enables providers to deliver a personalized, complete care experience and improve access to quality healthcare. As part of the collaboration, Primefocus Health will also be actively hiring for roles related to the implementation and support of these solutions, creating new job opportunities within the region. Read more about this announcement at .
      Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, LG Electronics corporate executive vice president for innovation and head of LG NOVA, said, “Our collaboration with the State of West Virginia enables us to drive innovation and create transformative technologies and businesses to positively impact the people of West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region. We look forward to growing our contributions in the state, and we’re excited about the incredible potential this collaboration holds for advancing our business and the region’s development.”
      ###

    • By News Reporter
      LG 1 Extends its Reach to Wider Audience With
      Premium Free Content and Launch of Rerun Channel in Europe

      SEOUL, Aug. 14, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is set to expand availability of LG 1, the company’s free ad-supported owned and operated channel, to reach a broader audience across Europe. Following a successful launch in the UK and Germany in May, LG 1 will be available later this year in France, Spain and Italy via LG Channels, the company’s exclusive free streaming service. Thanks to notable content partnerships including Lionsgate, Filmrise, NBCUniversal and Fremantle, LG has curated owned-and-operated channels to deliver a wide range of popular and premium content, demonstrating the company’s commitment to elevating the viewing experience for users in European markets.
      Since its launch in the UK and Germany, LG 1 has rapidly climbed the LG Channels rankings to claim one of the top spots in viewing hours. The channel leads the way with titles such as the exclusive first-window premieres of Paul T. Goldman and Wong & Winchester as well as hit shows Nashville, Boss, Graves, The Royals, Houdini, The Girlfriend Experience, Sliders, Quantum Leap, Twelve Monkeys, New York Undercover, Mutant X, Relic Hunter, Andromeda and Anna Pihl.*
      Following the success of the recent launch, LG is ensuring that LG viewers don’t miss a thing with the launch of the LG 1 time shifted channel, now live in the UK and Germany, enabling viewers to watch the channel one hour after the original broadcast.
      LG is also building on the momentum of LG 1 in the UK and Germany by extending the flagship owned-and-operated channel to other regions in Europe, including France, Spain and Italy. The channel will greatly enhance the quality of viewing in these regions with a broader selection of premium content.
      What’s more, LG Channels has introduced a dedicated Kids & Family tab in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, allowing families to easily explore channels specifically tailored to children, including Beano TV, Narrative and Wildbrain.*
      In addition to expanded content in Europe, LG recently launched a curated premium owned-and-operated channel in the US called LG Channels Showcase, which is powered by partnerships with a wide range of film studios such as Amazon MGM Studios, Lionsgate and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
      LG Channels Showcase also boasts original content such as award-winning series LG Presents: The Rivalries, The Taste of Tennessee and the recently announced Estate of Survival, the company’s first reality competition series, which will be available on LG Channels in more than nine countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Korea and markets in Latin America.
      The series now also streams on LG Channels Showcase, with two episodes to be released back-to-back weekly.
      LG is dedicated to elevating the viewing experience for users around the world, expanding investment in partnerships and UI enhancements to deliver a more intuitive and personalized experience that aligns with viewers’ interests.
      # # #
      * Titles vary by market. 

      link hidden, please login to view
    • By News Reporter
      Company’s Latest Innovation Provides Enhanced Protection Against Screen-Yellowing
      for Digital Signage Used in Outdoor Environments

      SEOUL, Aug. 1, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is introducing its advanced Anti-Discoloration technology for outdoor digital signage. Verified by respected standards and testing organization, UL Solutions, LG’s new tech helps prevent ‘screen-yellowing,’ a common issue for outdoor digital signage products caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. This innovative tech simultaneously safeguards display quality and performance stability, ultimately helping extend the lifespan of LG digital signage used in outdoor environments.
      LG is the first company to achieve UL verification for the display anti-discoloration characteristic technology for digital signage. LG developed a comprehensive testing methodology and defect-evaluation criteria, and UL Solutions independently assessed the product to the criteria in support of LG’s marketing claim. Prior to this, there were no internationally recognized standards or testing methods for measuring a display’s resistance to screen-yellowing.
      The use of outdoor displays in settings such as drive-thru restaurants, bus stops, schools and sports stadiums has become commonplace in recent years and is steadily increasing across a variety of B2B sectors. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the screens of these versatile display products to turn a yellowish color over time. LG’s Anti-Discoloration technology helps address this issue, reinforcing the quality and durability of the company’s outdoor digital signage solutions.
      LG developed its protective technology to provide better value to B2B customers utilizing digital signage in outdoor environments. The company’s research indicated that customers were having to replace their outdoor signage products at a faster rate and experiencing service interruptions due to persistent discoloration issues. To address these pain points, LG’s outdoor displays with Anti-Discoloration technology also incorporate advanced thermal solutions and panel materials for added reliability, even in the toughest of conditions. UL Verified product incorporating Anti-Discoloration technology has already been implemented in several of the latest LG high-brightness outdoor signage products, with plans to expand its application to a wider range of solutions in the future.
      “Our UL Verification of products with Anti-Discoloration technology actively reinforces the performance and quality of our digital signage products,” said Paik Ki-mun, senior vice president and head of the Information Display business unit of LG Business Solutions Company. “Through targeted research and development programs, we will continue to identify and resolve any inconveniences that detract from the overall LG digital signage experience, thereby continuously enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.”
      To learn more about LG’s digital signage solutions with Anti-Discoloration technology, please visit
      link hidden, please login to view. # # #

    • By News Reporter
      LG NOVA InnoFest Lights the Halo of Innovation on Bold Ideas and Businesses With
      Open Conference Program, Issues a Call for Startups for the Pitch Competition

      SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has opened registration for the fourth annual LG NOVA InnoFest, taking place on September 25-26, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Hosted by LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ North America Innovation Center, the two-day event will bring together a cross-section of business leaders, innovators and investors across various industries to collaborate on solutions for a better future. This year’s event theme, “Lighting the Halo of Innovation” was designated to inspire attendees to focus on creating change and impact through co-creation and collaboration on bold ideas and businesses.
      The event brings back its annual Startup Pitch Competition, where 10 selected startups will compete to win cash prizes, an audience with executive judges and recognition on stage. In this competition, LG is looking for bold startups with great potential, working on innovative ideas that can lead to transformative change in their markets.
      LG Electronics’ sister company LG Chem is co-sponsoring this year’s startup pitch competition, adding a new Life Sciences category alongside CleanTech, HealthTech, AI, Smart Life and Open Innovation. The US Business Development team is seeking next-generation technologies that align with LG Chem’s sustainability mission and will sponsor a new “Innovation for Impact Award.”
      For more details on each category, visit
      link hidden, please login to view. Interested startups can submit their companies for consideration at . In addition to the monetary prizes and on-stage recognition, selected startups may have the opportunity to collaborate with LG to build businesses, participate in LG NOVA-sponsored marketing activities or qualify for investments from LG and its network. According to a 2023 from Boston Consulting Group, 79 percent of companies ranked innovation among their top three priorities and more than 40 percent expect to increase spending significantly. Today, innovation is being driven by a collaborative ecosystem. This interconnected approach, involving startups, corporations, academia and venture capitalists can result in groundbreaking solutions. Innofest seeks to illustrate the capabilities of this model, bringing together startups, investors and members of the innovation community to exchange ideas, encourage, support and discuss how they can all work together to spur “innovation for a better life.”
      “Today the responsibility for innovation no longer sits solely with individual companies; collaboration is critical,” said Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, corporate executive vice president for Innovation at LG Electronics and head of LG NOVA. “Through InnoFest, we are bringing together the entire innovation ecosystem, from corporations to growing startups, to discuss creative and cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to shape our future.”
      Last year’s gathering brought 90 industry-leading speakers together for 28 sessions focused on topics such as women in tech; balancing growth, profitability and impact; as well as diversity in tech. The event enabled people to join in the discussions on solutions to challenges in these key areas within the innovation community.
      This year, according to Rhee, “InnoFest is boldly reimagining its program to be more interactive and engaging through a non-traditional conference format, emphasizing meaningful connections and inspiring conversations.” Attendees can look forward to influential speakers and keynotes, select curated panels and more dynamic discussion-based sessions.
      “At LG, we believe in the power of optimism and innovation to change the world,” said Rhee, who invited startups to join LG at InnoFest 2024, “as we strive to create a brighter future together.”
      Registration for InnoFest is now open at . Interested in speaking or moderating at the event? Learn more at .

×
×
  • Create New...