KB News Desk
Nexon said Thursday it will launch an investment program worth up to 250 billion won ($179 million) with the Korean government and Kona Venture Partners to discover promising intellectual properties in the gaming space and help emerging developers expand globally.
At the center of the program is the 120 billion won Kona Global IP Investment Fund, which Nexon will establish with game-focused venture capital firm Kona Venture Partners through its new investment subsidiary, Nexon Partners.
The fund will be combined with 60 billion won from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s intellectual property account under the government-backed Korea Fund of Funds. Nexon said the structure will roughly double the investment capacity generated by its direct contribution.
Investments will focus on three areas aligned with Nexon’s growth strategy: new intellectual properties with global potential, next-generation live-service games driven by user acquisition marketing and developers using artificial intelligence to create new gaming experiences.
Nexon plans to provide larger investments when developers are preparing to launch and market live-service games globally, particularly around closed beta testing, when startups often require substantial capital to scale.
The company said the program will serve not only as a financial investment vehicle but also as a strategic channel for identifying promising intellectual properties and technologies.
Nexon will not require recipients to sign publishing agreements, instead allowing developers to retain their independence while gaining access to capital and growth support.
“Securing next-generation IP and differentiated technologies early is one of Nexon’s most important priorities for maintaining its leadership in the global game market,” Nexon Chief Investment Officer Kim Han-joon said.
“Through public-private cooperation, we will address gaps in early-stage funding and build a long-term investment program that helps promising startups grow alongside Nexon globally.”
