KUC Fund II, Investment Limited Partnership KUC Partners II
Date announced
March 13, 2026
Amount investedAmount of commitment
JPY1.5 billion
Fund summary
As Kobe University’s partnership fund, KUC has established a track record of strengthening partnerships with Kobe University, Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster and regional university research institutions and local governments centering in Kobe city to actively foster the creation of promising startups leveraging technological seeds. It will focus on investment in the deep tech startups making the most of these untapped regional management resources.
Established in 1977, it has created more than 100 unicorns to date and manages one of the largest pools of capital globally. With the aim of fostering globally competitive unicorns originating from Japan, it provides consistent support in the technology and healthcare sectors, from the early through the growth stage. In addition to sourcing investment opportunities in Japan, it seeks to enhance knowledge and support capabilities within the domestic startup ecosystem through dialogue and knowledge sharing with Japanese VCs and startups.
Established in 1977, it has created more than 100 unicorns to date and manages one of the largest pools of capital globally. With the aim of fostering globally competitive unicorns originating from Japan, it provides consistent support in the technology and healthcare sectors, from the early through the growth stage. In addition to sourcing investment opportunities in Japan, it seeks to enhance knowledge and support capabilities within the domestic startup ecosystem through dialogue and knowledge sharing with Japanese VCs and startups.
Invests primarily in deep‑tech startups from the seed to early stages. Rather than being influenced by short‑term market trends, it focuses on identifying next‑generation advanced technologies expected to achieve real‑world implementation in the next five to ten years, and we support promising startups from an early stage. Through knowledge sharing and ongoing dialogue with domestic vVCs and startups, it aims to enhance the capabilities and expertise of Japan’s startup ecosystem.
Focuses on supplying capital to the growth stage, where risk capital tends to be insufficient for nurturing unicorns. By targeting startups in the technology sector and expanding the availability of risk capital, it aims to accelerate the growth trajectory of domestic startups prior to their initial public offerings.
To support Japan’s transition to a growth-oriented economy, JIC group is committed to strengthening industrial competitiveness while making investments that can have an impact on society. Its focus reas include realizing Society 5.0, creating new businesses and industries through GX and DX that resolve global social challenges, enhancing the international competitiveness of domestic industries, and industry restructuring.
Focuses on direct secondary investments, where private capital remains scarce. By targeting mid- to late-stage startups that have previously been compelled to pursue early exits such as small-scale IPOs, it aims to provide a platform that accelerates their growth trajectory and contributes to the emergence of unicorns originating from Japan.
Genesia Venture Fund IV Investment Limited Partnership
Date announced
June 27, 2025
Amount investedAmount of commitment
JPY3.5 billion
Fund summary
Primarily invests in pre-seed/seed-stage startups. Despite being a Japanese VC, it has established a strong presence in Southeast Asia by supporting partnerships between Japanese companies and local startups, and has also expanded into India. In Japan, it backs promising startups that leverage digital technology to address industry-specific challenges, with the goal of promoting industrial DX.
mint startup fund II Investment Limited Partnership
Date announced
May 21, 2025
Amount investedAmount of commitment
JPY2 billion
Fund summary
Focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments to support the real-world application of technologies such as AI and blockchain. Through a free office support program for entrepreneurs during the preparation and start-up stages of their business, it provides opportunities for them to participate in the entrepreneurial community and network with experts and well-known business leaders. Also it provides support for recruitment of engineers.
Domestic investment and Innovation
Startup
Regional management resources
Business consolidation