In South Korea, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with proven technological capability and growth potential can be formally recognized through Venture Company certification.
What is a Venture Company?
A Venture Company is an SME officially verified—by designated certification bodies such as KOSME, KIBO, or KVCA—for its technology-driven competitiveness and commercialization potential. Certification is time-limited and subject to periodic re-evaluation.
Who can receive this certification?
To qualify, an SME typically falls under one of the following tracks:
- Venture Investment: Has secured certified venture investment meeting minimum thresholds (amount and share of paid-in capital).
- R&D: Operates a recognized in-house research unit (e.g., institute/center/department) and satisfies minimum R&D spending and R&D-to-sales ratios.
- Innovation & Growth / Pre-Venture: Passes an evaluation of technological innovation and business growth potential by a designated certification agency.
What does the certification indicate about the business?
Venture Company certification signals that the firm has undergone external due diligence on technology, commercialization readiness, and governance/management. It confirms ongoing compliance with the program’s standards (the status is revocable upon non-compliance or business cessation) and serves as a credible marker for investors, partners, and public programs.
Coverage in KOBDi: The KOBDi database includes companies certified as Venture Companies (벤처기업). This information appears on each Business Profile page, and certified companies can be found via the KOBDi Korea Industry Search.