Vertex Ventures Japan Launches $64.24M Fund for Japanese Tech Startups

Venture capital firm Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ) has unveiled its inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (VVJFI), valued at JPY 10 billion (approximately $64.24 million) to boost tech startups in the country. Led by Vertex Holdings, a Singapore-based entity and part of Temasek’s venture capital network, the fund aims to invest in promising Japanese startups with growth potential led by talented management teams.

VVJ announced that VVJFI will leverage Vertex’s extensive global network of venture capital funds to support its investments. The fund will focus on startups with robust growth drivers, benefiting from the strong support of the Japanese government. VVJ was established to seize early-stage investment opportunities within Japan, capitalizing on the country’s innovative capabilities.

The establishment of VVJFI is inspired by the achievements of its sister funds in major innovation hubs such as China, Israel, Southeast Asia, India, and the United States. These regional funds are independently managed by General Partners, each focusing on distinct investment sectors relevant to their geographical markets. VVJ plans to use Vertex’s global venture capital presence to identify and invest in early-stage opportunities within Japan.

As part of the Vertex global network, VVJ will work closely with partners and teams across the network. Led by Managing Partner Takashi Tomita and General Partner Tomohiro Miyasaka, VVJ will focus on sourcing new investment prospects, relationships with new and existing capital sources, and spearheading growth initiatives.

On May 16, 2024, at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo), Vertex Holdings, in conjunction with UTokyo and the UTokyo IPC, announced a collaboration to advance startup investment initiatives. The joint statement will support human resource development and research collaboration within the startup ecosystems of Japan and Singapore. UTokyo, known for its innovation and deep tech expertise, has been instrumental in spawning numerous research projects and startup ventures.

This collaborative initiative works closely with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as a part of the “Japan-Singapore Co-Creation Platform.” The platform, conceived during the Japan-Singapore Public-Private Economic Dialogue on April 17, is endorsed as a crucial mechanism for supporting cross-border collaboration among industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and governmental bodies. 

Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, talked about the market’s dynamism and growth potential, particularly in deeptech, digital transformation (DX), AI, and the creator economy. With Takashi Tomita and Tomohiro Miyasaka, VVJ aims to identify and nurture Japan’s next wave of global champions, leveraging Vertex’s global network of venture capital funds. 

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