Woori Financial Group Chairman Lim Jong-ryong announced on the 7th that the group executed 732.5 billion won in investments during the January-May period as part of its shift toward 'investment-oriented productive finance.' Speaking at the 2026 WFRI Conference held at Woori Financial headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lim stated that all subsidiaries will actively support venture capital to invest in future possibilities. The investment execution represents over 10% of the planned 7 trillion won investment fund, which forms part of Woori Financial's 90 trillion won 'Future Co-Growth' project spanning five years. Since 2024, 66% of companies discovered by Woori Financial have been based outside the Seoul metropolitan area, reflecting the group's focus on balanced regional innovation ecosystem development.
Woori Financial Subsidiaries Execute 732.5 Billion Won Investment in January-May Period
Woori Financial disclosed subsidiary-level investment execution details for its 7 trillion won productive investment plan during the January-May period. Woori PE Asset Management supplied 390 billion won through new funds, representing the largest portion of total investments. Woori Investment Securities followed with 170 billion won allocated to venture capital. Woori Asset Management invested a combined 109 billion won through group joint funds and new funds. Woori Venture Partners contributed 62.5 billion won, while Woori Financial Capital invested 1 billion won in new funds.
Woori Financial Prioritizes Non-Metropolitan Startup Development Through Dinolab Platform
Chairman Lim emphasized regional startup cultivation as a core component of balanced innovation ecosystem growth. Dinolab, Woori Financial's startup development platform, operates regional hubs in Gyeongnam, Chungbuk, Busan, and Jeonbuk in addition to Seoul. Lim stated that creating environments for innovative startups and youth enterprises to grow in local regions serves as the starting point for balanced regional development. The platform focuses on discovering promising startups and providing early-stage investment support.
Dinolab Supports 231 Startups with 470 Billion Won Cumulative Investment Over Seven Years
As of June, Woori Financial has discovered and nurtured 231 startups through Dinolab over a seven-year period. Cumulative startup investment reached approximately 470 billion won. Five Dinolab-affiliated startups presented support case studies at the conference. Lee Won-seok, CEO of DeliveryLab — which operates an integrated food ingredient distribution platform — stated that Dinolab selection led to follow-up investments and collaborations with group subsidiaries, establishing a foundation for the company's next growth stage.
Woori Financial Plans CVC Fund Expansion Through Woori Financial Capital
Woori Financial will expand venture capital supply by increasing corporate venture capital (CVC) funds centered on Woori Financial Capital. Woori Venture Partners and Woori Investment Securities will primarily handle scale-up stage companies and initial public offering (IPO) preparation. A Woori Financial official explained that the group plans to implement productive finance across all subsidiaries through a 'continuous venture capital supply system' spanning CVC funds, venture capital investment, and IPO stages.
FAQ
What did Woori Financial Group invest during the January-May period?
Woori Financial Group executed 732.5 billion won in investments during the January-May period across its subsidiaries. Woori PE Asset Management supplied 390 billion won, Woori Investment Securities provided 170 billion won, Woori Asset Management invested 109 billion won, Woori Venture Partners contributed 62.5 billion won, and Woori Financial Capital invested 1 billion won.
How many startups has Dinolab supported since its establishment?
As of June, Dinolab has discovered and nurtured 231 startups over a seven-year period. The platform has provided cumulative investment of approximately 470 billion won. Dinolab operates regional hubs in Gyeongnam, Chungbuk, Busan, and Jeonbuk in addition to Seoul.
Why does Woori Financial focus on non-metropolitan startup development?
Chairman Lim Jong-ryong stated that 66% of companies discovered by Woori Financial since 2024 are based outside the Seoul metropolitan area. He emphasized that creating environments for innovative startups and youth enterprises to grow in local regions serves as the starting point for balanced regional development and innovation ecosystem growth.
