Since ChatGPT's emergence in 2022, the global information technology (IT) industry has focused its attention on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs). In 2025, when Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared the era of physical AI, a flood of robotics-related startups appeared. After generative AI and physical AI, what is the next wave of innovation the global tech industry is looking toward?
Christine Tsai, CEO of 500 Global, whom this reporter met on the 19th at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, answered this question by saying, "The hottest topics over the next few years will be artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI)," adding, "In the coming flow of technological advancement, Korea will be a major beneficiary." 500 Global is a U.S. venture capital (VC) firm founded in 2010. Headquartered in Silicon Valley in the United States, it has total assets under management of $2 billion (about 3 trillion won) and has made investments in more than 3,000 companies across some 80 countries worldwide. Among its investment portfolio, 35 are unicorns (unlisted companies valued at $1 billion or more). Startups that 500 Global discovered and helped grow into unicorns include Canva, Grab, and Reddit.
The AGI that Tsai mentioned refers to AI that solves problems on its own like humans, while ASI refers to AI with intelligence surpassing human limitations. Neither concept has yet been established in a concrete form. However, within the global tech industry, optimistic forecasts that AGI and ASI will accelerate scientific and technological progress cross paths with concerns that they will take away large numbers of human jobs. Tsai said, "The debate over AGI and ASI is fierce even in Silicon Valley," adding, "500 Global is closely watching industry trends from the perspective that these two technologies will enrich humanity."
In particular, as an investment firm, 500 Global is paying attention to the added value that will arise in the process of developing AGI and ASI. Tsai pointed out, "There is huge demand for the various elements needed to develop AGI and ASI, but computing resources and electricity are in short supply," noting, "Bottlenecks are also occurring in the supply of raw materials for making AI semiconductors and electronic components."
She continued, "The same goes for the resources needed to commercialize physical AI," diagnosing, "From the manufacturing data needed to train robot foundation models (RFMs) to the supply chains for robot hardware and various components, nothing has yet been fully established." Market expectations for the emergence of next-generation AI are high, but the industry's preparations are not yet complete. For this reason, she forecast that capital will flow to companies that produce superior resources such as materials and components that are essential for AI development.
Tsai sees the AI-driven restructuring of industry as an opportunity for Korea. Her assessment is that "in the current process of disruptive technological transformation, Korea has secured a considerably favorable position." Tsai said, "In Korea, everyone works intensely," explaining, "This intensity has driven Korea's economic development and led to the acquisition of manufacturing capabilities for the various electronic products and semiconductors needed to run AI models and services." She added, "Recently, Korea's software prowess has also developed to a considerable level."
She also emphasized that Korea's value in the AI era stems from advanced specialized technology (deep tech). Tsai said, "The investment targets 500 Global looks for in Korea are companies with the potential to enter the global market, and this type of company is generally a deep tech developer." When asked about future plans to invest in Korean startups, she answered, "We are carefully examining technology fields where Korea holds a structural competitive advantage, such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, and semiconductors."
She also pledged to further increase support for the growth of Korean startups and their entry into overseas markets. Tsai stressed, "We recently appointed Ahn Sung-woo, former head of the private equity (PE) division at Mirae Asset Global Investments, as managing partner of our Korea office," emphasizing, "This year, 500 Global will pour more effort into executing investments in Korea and planning growth programs for early-stage companies."
