Japan’s SMBC Nikko Invests in Hashed Ventures’ Web3 Fund III

South Korean blockchain investor Hashed Ventures has received a strategic investment for its “Hashed Venture Fund III” from SMBC Nikko Securities, the main securities subsidiary of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG). Announced on June 5, the move highlights a significant entry by a major Japanese financial player into the Korean Web3 venture capital ecosystem.

The investment was made through the Nikko Open Innovation Lab (NOIL), SMBC Nikko’s innovation unit. Hashed said the move signals growing collaboration between Japan’s legacy financial sector and the emerging blockchain industry, paving the way for deeper integration between Web2 and Web3.

The investment reflects SMBC Nikko’s growing interest in blockchain and Web3 technologies. Through its innovation unit, Nikko Open Innovation Lab (NOIL), the firm has been actively developing projects such as “Proof of Japan,” which blends Japanese cultural heritage with global NFT applications. The project is led by NOIL’s Web3-focused Funder Storm team, aiming to bridge traditional culture with digital assets.

NOIL is also playing a broader role in shaping Japan’s Web3 ecosystem by supporting education programs and working on regulatory frameworks. With this investment, SMBC Nikko plans to leverage Hashed’s global reach and experience to accelerate its Web3 efforts. Hashed’s established network is expected to complement NOIL’s ambitions, fostering greater collaboration between financial institutions and blockchain innovators.

Hashed, with a global presence spanning Abu Dhabi, Singapore, San Francisco, and Seoul, has supported prominent blockchain projects such as Worldcoin, Aptos, Ethena, and Story. Beyond providing capital, the firm actively helps its portfolio companies expand internationally, positioning itself as a valuable partner for institutions like SMBC Nikko, aiming to strengthen their involvement in the blockchain space.

This investment is expected to strengthen Hashed’s ongoing efforts in Japan. The firm has already contributed to the local Web3 landscape by co-hosting events such as the Blockchain Leaders Summit Tokyo 2024. Hashed plans to further expand its presence and investment activities in Japan, targeting startups aligned with the country’s emerging digital economy.

Hashed CEO Simon Kim called the partnership a major step toward bridging Japan’s legacy financial sector with the Web3 industry. “We see this collaboration as a meaningful endorsement of our vision,” he said. “Together, we aim to accelerate the development of a strong and interconnected Web3 ecosystem across Asia.”