Geodesic Capital Launches $250M Alliance Fund to Boost U.S.–Japan Tech and Security Ties

Geodesic Capital has announced the first close of its new $250 million Geodesic Alliance Fund to strengthen ties between the United States and Japan through strategic tech investments. The fund focuses on supporting early-stage U.S. startups that develop technologies critical to national security, including artificial intelligence, space, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and dual-use deep technology.

More than just financial backing, the fund provides startups with practical support, including regulatory guidance, strategic advice, and connections to customers and partners in Japan. With this initiative, Geodesic Capital aims to enhance innovation and economic resilience while fostering deeper cross-border collaboration in key technology sectors.

Since launching in 2015, Geodesic Capital has raised nearly $1 billion across multiple funds, backing high-growth U.S. startups like Databricks, Netskope, Saronic, and Scale AI. The firm has helped these companies expand into Japan by offering strategic guidance, regulatory support, and access to key local networks.

The newly launched Geodesic Alliance Fund continues this mission, with support from leading Japanese corporations and government institutions. These limited partners share Geodesic’s vision of using technology investment as a tool to deepen the U.S.–Japan alliance and generate long-term value.

The fund will be headed by Tom Gillespie, who previously served as managing partner at In-Q-Tel, the venture arm supporting the U.S. national security sector. With 20 years of experience backing technologies tied to both innovation and defense, Gillespie brings deep expertise to the role. He will work alongside Rayfe Gaspar-Asaoka, a seasoned deep tech investor and former partner at Canaan Partners.

Gillespie emphasized Japan’s growing commitment to defense and innovation, calling the fund a unique opportunity to connect global startups with Japan’s strategic ecosystem. Gaspar-Asaoka added that the fund acts as a platform, not just a financial vehicle, building long-term partnerships between early-stage U.S. startups and Japanese industry and government stakeholders.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Geodesic founding partner John Roos described the Alliance Fund as a new model for cross-border venture investing. According to Roos, both commercial growth and strategic alignment are essential, especially as U.S.–Japan cooperation becomes increasingly critical to Indo-Pacific stability.

General John W. “Jay” Raymond (Ret.), former Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, underscored the importance of U.S.–Japan collaboration in emerging areas like space. He noted that partnerships in satellite communications, space situational awareness, and lunar exploration strengthen resilience and multiply capabilities across both nations.

The Geodesic Alliance Fund is currently accepting additional LP commitments and expects to announce its first investments later this year. With a strong network of advisors and deep ties to both U.S. and Japanese ecosystems, the fund aims to support startups that sit at the crossroads of innovation, national security, and international collaboration.