Innocean, SBVA partner to support growth of AI, tech startups

Innocean, the marketing and advertising arm of Hyundai Motor Group, has partnered with venture capital firm SBVA to launch a corporate backing initiative for growth-stage tech startups, the companies said Monday. The program, dubbed “UP 2026,” marks a strategic shift for Innocean as it attempts to diversify beyond its traditional advertising roots into artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, data analytics and brand consulting for emerging tech players. The initiative pairs Innocean executives with more than 10 startups from SBVA’s portfolio. Participants include Blind, the popular anonymous professional social network; KREAM, a limited-edition sneaker and collectible resale marketplace; and Ohouse, a major home interior platform. Other companies involved span women's wellness app Queenit, on-demand service Laundrygo, and AI health care platform Gravitylabs. SBVA, which manages approximately 2.5 trillion won ($1.8 billion) in assets, rebranded in 2024 from its previous identity as SoftBank Ventures Asia. The firm has backed more than 100 global startups across AI, smart robotics an