Group 1 - Posco Future M, a subsidiary of Posco Group, has made a strategic investment in Factorial Inc, a US-based developer of materials for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), to establish an early presence in the EV battery supply chain [1][2] - The investment follows a memorandum of understanding signed in November, aimed at jointly developing ASSB technologies, thereby strengthening the partnership between Posco and Factorial [2][3] - The investment positions Posco Future M to capitalize on the expected explosive growth of the ASSB market, while Factorial aims to secure a stable supply of high-quality ASSB materials and enhance its manufacturing competitiveness [3] Group 2 - Factorial is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the US stock market later this year, indicating its growth trajectory and market confidence [2] - The company operates a pilot plant for ASSB materials in Cheonan, South Korea, and is expanding its business in the region [3] - Factorial has developed an ASSB platform called Solstice, which utilizes solid electrolytes, offering advantages in energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries [3]