Vertex Ventures Japan (hereinafter “VVJ”) is pleased to announce the completion of the first closing of its inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (“VVJFI”), targeting JPY 10 Billion.
This milestone was achieved with the participation of LP investors representing key sectors across industry, government, and academia, with the support of government institutions. VVJ will commence investments to foster Japan’s next generation of global champions.
VVJ has strengthened its foundation to enable Japanese startups to access major global markets and accelerate their growth by welcoming Vertex Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, as its anchor investor.
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Alongside launching its investment activities, VVJ has also strengthened their leadership team with two seasoned industry experts to support the creation of global leaders from Japan by connecting Japanese startups with global innovation hubs and enhancing access to capital, strategic partnerships, and business opportunities.
A Step Towards Creating Global Leaders from Japan
VVJ is committed to facilitating strategic partnerships between Japanese startups and key global market leaders, driving innovation and strengthening competitiveness.
For startups to scale successfully, access to capital alone is not enough. Collaboration with global market leaders through partnerships for market entry, technology integration, and business expansion is essential. The Vertex network of funds has leveraged its global investment network and deep understanding of emerging markets to nurture global leaders, including:
- Grab – Southeast Asian super-platform
- Waze – Israel-based navigation app acquired by Google
- Geek+ – Leading AI-driven logistics robotics company
- Horizon Robotics – Chinese autonomous driving technology company
VVJ utilizes Vertex Group’s global investment network and extensive industry connections to provide Japanese startups with direct access to extensive corporate networks.
Through the Vertex global platform, Japanese startups can access global innovation hubs in Southeast Asia, India, the US, Israel, and China to secure growth capital and expand business opportunities through collaborations with industry leaders.
Managing Partner – Takashi Tomita. A bridge between global capital and the Japanese market, Tomita spearheads VVJ’s growth strategy, helping startups scale globally. Leveraging his experience at global financial institutions, he facilitates market entry and business expansion while maximizing the Vertex network’s resources to accelerate Japanese innovation on a global scale.
Chairman of Investment Committee – Chua Kee Lock, Kee Lock is the CEO of Vertex Holdings, the current Managing Partner of Vertex Ventures SEA & India, as well as Chairman of Vertex Growth Fund. He holds an M.Sc. degree from Stanford University and has extensive investment management experience. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Biosensors International Group, Ltd., Walden International, NatSteel Ltd., and Intraco Ltd. He co-founded MediaRing, which was later listed on the Singapore Exchange. At VVJ, he provides strategic guidance on growth markets, deep tech, fintech, mobility, and AI.
Vice Chairman of Investment Committee – Chua Taik Him, Former Deputy Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Singapore International Enterprise Agency (Enterprise Singapore), Taik Him played a pivotal role in establishing Singapore’s startup ecosystem in the 2000s. He specializes in building enterprise ecosystems that connect government agencies, global investors, and industry leaders. At VVJ, he supports Japanese startups in forming strategic alliances with key global players to ensure sustainable growth.
General Partner – Naonori Kurokawa, A leading deep-tech venture capitalist in Japan, Kurokawa has over 15 years of experience investing in deep-tech startups and supporting their business expansion. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and has a research background at Ricoh and Samsung Electronics. At ARCH Venture Partners, he gained expertise in translating technological innovations into market competitiveness.
About Vertex Ventures Japan
As part of the Vertex network, VVJ is a venture capital firm dedicated to connecting Japanese startups with the global market.
Leveraging on Vertex’s global network, VVJ supports the growth of Japanese startups by serving as a “bridge” between global capital and Japan’s technological innovation. This initiative represents a crucial step in establishing Japan as a key global innovation hub.
