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Hyundai Motor Group Launches ZER01NE Fund III To Invest In Future Technologies And Startups
Hyundai Motor Group has introduced ZER01NE Fund III, a strategic investment fund worth KRW 125 billion. This initiative aims to boost innovation in future technologies by investing in early-stage startups. The fund is significantly larger than its predecessor, ZER01NE Fund II, and is backed by ten affiliates of the Group, including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.
The fund's primary focus is on identifying startups worldwide that align with the Group's evolving business strategies. Key areas of interest include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity, hydrogen, and energy technologies. This approach aims to foster collaboration with innovative startups to generate meaningful synergies across Hyundai's affiliates.
ZER01NE Fund III builds upon the successes of previous funds. ZER01NE Fund I and II collectively invested in over 105 startups, resulting in more than 200 collaboration cases within the Group. Notable companies from these investments include Clobot, MakinaRocks, POEN, and Macaron Factory.
Clobot offers cloud-based robot management platforms for industries like logistics and healthcare. MakinaRocks specialises in industrial AI solutions for manufacturing optimisation. POEN focuses on remanufacturing EV battery packs for sustainable energy storage. Macaron Factory developed "Mycle," a mobile app connecting car owners with repair services.
The investment period for ZER01NE Fund II ended in January 2025. Key companies from this fund include 60Hertz, LD Carbon, Terracle, and Holiday Robotics. These companies have made significant strides in renewable energy management, tire recycling, plastic recycling, and humanoid robotics development.
60Hertz develops AI-powered software for optimising distributed renewable energy assets. LD Carbon recycles end-of-life tires into eco-certified materials using advanced pyrolysis technology. Terracle focuses on infinite plastic recycling through green chemical technology. Holiday Robotics creates humanoid robots for manufacturing tasks.
Commitment to Future Growth
The launch of ZER01NE Fund III underscores Hyundai Motor Group's dedication to shaping the future of mobility and sustainability. By supporting pioneering startups with high potential, the Group aims to contribute to long-term growth while advancing technological innovation.
Kyuseung Keith Noh, Vice President and Head of ZER01NE Group at Hyundai Motor Group stated: "This fund reinforces the Group’s position as a leading strategic investor in transformative technologies." The goal is to deepen collaboration with innovative startups to accelerate future-ready business initiatives.
About Hyundai Motor Group’s ZER01NE Ventures: The venture focuses on investing in promising startups needing support to develop their services and products. Through open collaboration, partnerships are established in growth sectors like AI and micro-mobility.
A unique aspect of ZER01NE Ventures is that some chosen startups may not immediately align with Hyundai's current interests but hold great future potential. This approach helps democratise technological investment for greater opportunity and progress for humanity.
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