Vertex Ventures Japan Secures First Close of $67M Fund to Back AI and Deep Tech Startups

Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ) has secured the first close of its inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (VVJFI), with a target of JPY 10 billion (approximately $66.95 million). The fund is designed to support emerging Japanese startups, particularly in AI, deep tech, the creator economy and digital transformation. Backed by Vertex Holdings, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, VVJ seeks to help local startups expand globally.

The milestone was achieved with investments from key limited partners (LPs) across industry, government, and academia, along with support from government institutions. VVJ stated that the fund will be crucial in fostering Japan’s next generation of global leaders by providing capital and strategic support to high-potential startups.

With Vertex Holdings as its anchor investor, VVJ has built a strong foundation to help Japanese startups expand globally. The firm aims to connect emerging businesses with international markets by leveraging its extensive industry network and global investment expertise. Beyond funding, VVJ emphasizes the importance of strategic collaborations with key market players to facilitate technology integration, market-entry, and business growth.

VVJ has enhanced its leadership team by appointing two industry veterans. Naonori Kurokawa, a deep-tech investor with more than 15 years of experience, joins as General Partner. His investment portfolio spans multiple sectors, including chemicals, semiconductors, and biotechnology.

VVJ aims to utilize the Vertex global network to link Japanese startups with key innovation hubs in the United States, China, Israel, India, and Southeast Asia. This connection will enable startups to secure funding, form strategic partnerships, and expand their business presence in global markets.

The Vertex network has helped scale several global companies, including Grab, Waze, Geek+, and Horizon Robotics. VVJ intends to replicate this success by nurturing Japan’s next generation of global leaders, offering hands-on support in capital allocation, business strategy, and market expansion.

VVJ’s leadership team is led by Managing Partner Takashi Tomita, who focuses on bridging global capital with Japan’s startup ecosystem. With extensive experience in international finance, he helps startups expand into global markets while leveraging the Vertex network’s resources. Supporting this effort, Chua Kee Lock, CEO of Vertex Holdings, chairs the Investment Committee and offers strategic insights into high-growth sectors such as deep tech, AI, and mobility.

Chua Taik Him, former Deputy Managing Director at Singapore’s Economic Development Board, serves as Vice Chairman of the Investment Committee. He has a strong background in building enterprise ecosystems and is crucial in fostering strategic partnerships for Japanese startups. 

Through these leadership appointments, VVJ aims to enhance Japan’s position as a key global innovation hub by enabling startups to access capital, industry expertise, and international business opportunities.