Nikon and Geodesic Capital Establish $51.5 Million NFocus Fund to Invest in Tech Startups

Nikon Corporation has announced the launch of the NFocus Fund, a new private fund established in partnership with Geodesic Capital. As the anchor limited partner, Nikon has invested in this $51.5 million fund.

The NFocus Fund is part of Nikon’s Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2022 – 2025), which aims to make the company a leading tech solutions provider by 2030. The fund will focus on investing in early—to mid-stage startups, with the goal of enhancing Nikon’s technological innovation and expanding its growth in key strategic areas.

Based in California, the NFocus Fund will operate alongside Nikon Ventures Corporation (NVC), Nikon’s investment arm located in Belmont. The fund will target North American startups and other key regions, supporting partnerships, developing talent, and creating synergies to advance Nikon’s technological and business strategies.

The fund will focus on mid-stage technology startups, emphasizing leveraging Geodesic’s extensive network in Silicon Valley, its expertise in bridging Japanese companies with Western markets, and its proven investment success. This initiative aligns with Nikon’s Vision 2030, which seeks to advance technologies integrating human and machine collaboration.

Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of NVC, expressed his enthusiasm about the fund’s formation, stating, “I am delighted to announce the formation of this fund together with our long-standing partner Geodesic Capital. This strategic initiative will enable us to cultivate new technologies in Silicon Valley and beyond, accelerating the innovations needed to address societal demands outlined in our Vision 2030.”

The NFocus Fund will operate for 10 to 12 years, targeting technology sectors primarily in the US but also extending its reach globally. The partnership with Geodesic Capital is expected to leverage Geodesic Capital’s experience and connections in Silicon Valley to facilitate successful investments and collaborations that support Nikon’s long-term growth objectives.

John Roos, founder of Geodesic Capital, spoke about the NFocus Fund’s efforts to enhance the collaboration between Geodesic Capital and Nikon. He noted that by utilizing their strong network in Silicon Valley and their experience in investing in core technology startups, the fund aims to support innovative solutions that align with the goals of their Limited Partners and Nikon’s long-term vision. Roos expressed excitement about backing the next generation of startups that will drive industry transformation and open new avenues for technological growth in both the United States and Japan.

Earlier this year, Nikon planned to advance technology by participating in a $5.9 million Series A funding round for Medmain, a company specializing in AI-driven healthcare solutions. 

Nikon Ventures established the NFocus Fund and previously managed the Nikon-SBI Innovation Fund II, a $33 million fund launched in 2023 in partnership with SBI Holdings.

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