Description

• LG NOVA most commonly engages startups at the seed and early Series A stages, when technologies are sufficiently mature for enterprise pilots and commercialization.
  
  
• The emphasis is on companies that can integrate with or expand LG’s future business lines.
  
  

• LG NOVA may participate in later-stage rounds selectively when there is strong strategic alignment or a clear path to scaling within LG’s global ecosystem.
  
  

• Investment amounts are not publicly standardized, but corporate venture investments are typically made in the ~$250K–$2M+ range, depending on:
  
  
  • Stage and maturity of the startup
    
    
  • Strategic importance to LG
    
    
  • Scope of pilot or commercialization opportunity
    
    

• LG NOVA does not publish a fixed equity or ownership target.
  
  
• Equity stakes are negotiated deal-by-deal, based on valuation, round structure, and strategic value.
  
  

• Given typical corporate venture participation and minority positioning, LG NOVA’s ownership is generally a minority, non-controlling stake, often in the single-digit to low-teens percentage range, depending on the round and syndicate.
  
  

• Investments may be structured using:
  
  
  • Priced preferred equity
    
    
  • Convertible instruments (SAFE or notes), particularly in early rounds
    
    
• In many cases, equity investment is paired with:
  
  
  • Pilot programs
    
    
  • Joint development or commercial agreements
    
    
  • Strategic partnerships with LG business units
    
    
• Strategic alignment often matters as much as financial return.
  
  

• Startups engage LG NOVA through:
  
  
  • Direct outreach via the LG NOVA website
    
    
  • Referrals from investors, corporate partners, or LG internal teams
    
    
• LG NOVA frequently issues thematic startup challenges aligned with LG’s innovation priorities.
  
  

• Early discussions focus on strategic fit, technical readiness, and relevance to LG’s long-term growth areas rather than purely financial metrics.
  
  

Eligibility

• Digital health & healthcare platforms
  
  
• Sustainability & climate technologies
  
  
• Smart life / connected home
  
  
• AI, data, and enabling enterprise technologies
  
  
• Mobility, energy, and next-generation infrastructure
  
  

• Primary focus on North America, with global startups considered if collaboration with LG’s international operations is feasible.
  
  

• Seed to early-growth companies with:
  
  
  • Proven technology or validated pilots
    
    
  • Clear enterprise or consumer deployment pathways
    
    
  • Ability to scale within a large corporate environment
    
    

• Founders who can work effectively with large corporate partners, navigate longer decision cycles, and align with strategic objectives.
  
  

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Strategic Capital: Investment aligned with long-term partnership, not just financial return.
  
  
• Enterprise Access: Direct collaboration with LG business units and global distribution channels.
  
  
• Pilots & Commercialization: Opportunities to test, deploy, and scale solutions within LG’s ecosystem.
  
  
• Brand Credibility: Validation from working with a global technology leader.