Tuesday, 24 June 2025
28.1 C
Singapore
29.3 C
Thailand
21.2 C
Indonesia
27.5 C
Philippines

Vertex Ventures Japan introduces a new JPY 10B fund to boost startups

Vertex Ventures Japan launches a JPY 10 billion fund to invest in high-potential startups in Japan, aiming to foster growth and international collaboration.

Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ) has launched a substantial new investment fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I, with a capital of JPY 10 billion. This fund, anchored by Vertex Holdings, aims to drive growth in Japanese startups focusing on Deeptech, Digital Transformation (DX), AI, and the creator economy.

Fund aims to leverage global networks for local innovation

VVJ’s new fund plans to invest in Japanese startups that demonstrate high growth potential and are led by competent management teams. These startups are expected to benefit from the resilient growth drivers within their sectors. VVJ, having established itself to capitalise on early-stage investment opportunities in Japan, follows the successful model of its sister funds located in major innovation centres such as China, Israel, Southeast Asia & India, and the United States. Each of these funds operates independently, focusing on specific investment targets within their geographical areas.

As part of the Vertex global network, VVJ will collaborate extensively with its international partners to enhance its investment strategies and opportunities. This collaboration was highlighted during a significant announcement made on May 16, 2024, at the University of Tokyo. Here, Vertex Holdings committed to fostering human resource development and research cooperation with the University of Tokyo and UTokyo IPC, aiming to bolster the startup ecosystems in both Japan and Singapore.

Strategic partnerships to fortify Japan-Singapore ties

The collaboration also includes strategic involvement from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which regards the initiative as a cornerstone of the “Japan-Singapore Co-Creation Platform”. This platform was agreed upon during the Japan-Singapore Public-Private Economic Dialogue on April 17, 2024. VVJ believes that by working closely with METI, it will establish a platform that encourages cross-border collaboration between industry, academia, and government, thus fostering innovation and technological advancement while providing pathways to global markets.

Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, expressed his optimism about the prospects of technology companies in Japan. “The startup ecosystem in Japan is a vibrant and dynamic one which presents many opportunities for growth. We believe in the strong market potential of technology companies in Japan such as in the areas of Deeptech, Digital Transformation (DX), AI and the creator economy,” he said. The fund will be managed by Takashi Tomita and Tomohiro Miyasaka, seasoned professionals tasked with sourcing new investment opportunities and managing strategic growth efforts.

A vision for global impact

Takashi Tomita, Managing Partner of VVJ, emphasised the global aspirations of the fund. ““We are proud to be part of the global Vertex family of venture capital funds. We believe this will set us apart in Japan, as it will give us both the market depth and global scale required to attract and support Japanese entrepreneurs in their overseas funding and growth ambitions,” he stated. Tomita also highlighted Japan’s position as the third-largest country for international patent applications, which he sees as a testament to the innovative capabilities of Japanese companies.

Tomita envisions VVJ as an innovation platform that facilitates collaborations among companies, universities, and government bodies to accelerate startup growth and create future industry leaders.

Hot this week

AI to play a key role in Healthier SG’s next phase of preventive care

AI may help doctors predict diseases early as part of Singapore’s Healthier SG programme, with apps offering personal health advice.

The future of work navigating technological transformations

Explore how technology, remote work, AI, and reskilling are shaping the future of work, driving innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.

Amazon gives away free games ahead of Prime Day 2025

Amazon is offering a wide range of free games for Prime members ahead of Prime Day 2025, including Tomb Raider and Saints Row.

How Asia’s innovation is reshaping the global economy

Asia is becoming a global innovation powerhouse, driving sustainable growth through AI, clean energy, and deep tech ecosystems.

Meta turns all Facebook videos into reels as it updates video sharing

Meta will soon make all Facebook videos share as reels and remove the 90-second limit to unify the video experience across its platform.

How Asia’s innovation is reshaping the global economy

Asia is becoming a global innovation powerhouse, driving sustainable growth through AI, clean energy, and deep tech ecosystems.

Adobe launches LLM Optimizer as AI replaces search engines in content discovery

Adobe unveils LLM Optimizer to help brands appear in AI chats like ChatGPT as AI becomes the new way people discover and shop.

Rising Chinese PC brand iSoftStone is on track to overtake Apple and HP

Due to fast growth in the education and gaming sectors, Chinese PC maker iSoftStone is set to overtake Apple and HP in China.

The Blood of Dawnwalker lets you step into a dark, vampire-filled world

Explore the dark world of The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampire RPG set in 14th-century Europe that will be released for PC and consoles in 2026.

Related Articles

Popular Categories