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Hanmi Semiconductor has invested in SpaceX and signaled potential future cooperation on projects such as Terafab. / Hanmi Semiconductor.

Hanmi Semiconductor announced on the 12th that it plans to invest approximately 50 billion won in SpaceX ahead of the rocket company's initial public offering (IPO). The company explained that this is a strategic investment considering Elon Musk’s AI semiconductor manufacturing facility, "Terafab," and other prospective ventures.

According to its regulatory filing on the 12th, Hanmi Semiconductor plans to acquire 50 billion won worth of SpaceX shares on the 15th. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is a private aerospace company widely recognized as an infrastructure pillar of the AI era through its rocket technology and Starlink satellite communication services. With satellite data and global network infrastructure becoming increasingly vital amid the expansion of the AI industry, market forecasts suggest the company's market capitalization could surpass approximately 2,600 trillion won (1.77 trillion dollars).

By securing a preemptive stake, Hanmi Semiconductor aims to foster future cooperation regarding Elon Musk's planned construction of the Terafab. Musk intends to operate facilities to directly manufacture AI semiconductors required for SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI, with operations slated to begin in 2028.

Hanmi Semiconductor has a track record of generating significant returns by investing preemptively in companies with future growth technologies. Kwak Dong-shin, CEO of Hanmi Semiconductor, has made investments in various companies driven by his ties with Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel. Crescendo Equity Partners, a global private equity fund backed by Peter Thiel, established a relationship with CEO Kwak in 2013 when it became the first Korean firm to receive an investment from the fund. This latest investment in SpaceX also stems from his connection with Peter Thiel.

Furthermore, in 2021, CEO Kwak jointly invested with the corporate entity of Hanmi Semiconductor in HPSP, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, yielding a return of approximately 639% relative to the principal. In 2024, he personally invested 31 billion won in Line Next, a global Web3 leader and affiliate of LY Corporation, securing an 8.5% stake, continuing his streak of co-investments.

"In line with the trend where the growth of the AI industry expands beyond semiconductors and data centers into aerospace and satellite communication data sectors, we have decided to invest in SpaceX, a co-participant in Elon Musk's Terafab project," an official from Hanmi Semiconductor stated. "We intend to reinvest the anticipated investment returns into our core semiconductor equipment business to ensure sustainable growth, while simultaneously enhancing corporate and shareholder value."

                                                                                                                Lee Ji-sun