Exchange Surpasses 100 Companies Listed via KOSDAQ Technology Special Listing Program

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Hwajeong] The Korea Exchange announced on the 6th that the number of companies listed through the Special Technology Listing System has reached 100, 15 years after the system was implemented.

Nextein will become the 100th company listed through the Special Technology Listing System when it is listed on the KOSDAQ market on the 8th.

The number of companies listed through the Special Technology Listing System was only 2 to 3 companies per year on average for 10 years until 2014. However, with the expansion of eligible industries (2013), the introduction of growth recommendation (2016), and the introduction of special exceptions for materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang) (2019), listings have increased significantly since 2018. This year, about 30 companies are expected to be added, bringing the cumulative total to 117 companies by the end of the year.

The market capitalization ratio of Special Technology companies on KOSDAQ expanded from 0.6% at the end of 2005 to 8.4% at the end of last year, and increased further to 12.1% as of the end of September this year. A Korea Exchange official explained, "This reflects the increase in Special Technology companies and the growth potential of technology companies, especially expectations for bio companies."

The total amount raised through public offerings by the 100 Special Technology companies was 2.4 trillion KRW, of which bio companies (76 companies) accounted for 2 trillion KRW. The average public offering size was 26.9 billion KRW for bio companies and 15.6 billion KRW for non-bio companies.

Regarding the performance of Special Technology listed companies, as of last year, 44 companies showed increased sales compared to the time of listing, and among them, 10 companies more than doubled their sales. In terms of operating profit, although losses were recorded in the first year of listing, 6 companies turned to operating profit as of 2019.

The technology transfer performance of Special Technology listed bio companies amounted to 31 cases from 15 companies, totaling approximately 12.8 trillion KRW.

Supported by increased sales, improved operating performance, and successful technology transfers, some companies such as Alteogen and Genexine have seen their market capitalization grow more than 30 times compared to the time of their public offering. Since the system's introduction 15 years ago, no Special Technology company has been delisted, and companies with reasons for management designation have shown better performance compared to general companies.

A Korea Exchange official stated, "We will continue to ensure the stable and sustainable operation of the Special Technology Listing System by enhancing its reliability and thoroughly protecting investors. Through this, we plan to actively support innovative technology companies with growth potential to grow even larger through the capital market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.