Japan Investment Corporation (JIC) has committed JPY3.5 billion ($22.5 million) to Genesia Venture Fund IV, a vehicle managed by Genesia Ventures, Inc., as part of its broader push to strengthen Japan’s startup ecosystem, according to a company announcement.
The move also seeks to foster international business partnerships, the government-backed investor .
The fund will primarily target pre-seed and seed-stage investments in digital and deep tech startups, with a focus on nurturing companies capable of scaling globally.
More than 80% of Genesia’s domestic investments to date have been made at these early stages, underlining the firm’s strong presence in Japan’s venture capital landscape.
JIC’s investment is intended to support the growth of promising startups that leverage digital technologies to solve domestic industry challenges and drive digital transformation (DX).
In turn, this is expected to help create a new generation of globally competitive Japanese companies.
In addition to supporting the domestic startup environment, JIC said it will enhance cooperation between Japanese firms and startups in Southeast Asia and India through the fund.
By forging early-stage partnerships, Japanese companies can tap into cutting-edge technologies and innovative business models in regions where digitalization is advancing rapidly.
“Japanese companies are expected to use collaborations with startups in Southeast Asia and India to build new businesses and integrate into local supply chains where digital transformation is accelerating,” the statement said.
JIC also sees the investment as a way to expand the flow of risk capital from institutional investors by supporting fund managers such as Genesia over the medium to long term.
The aim is to build a sustainable investment ecosystem and foster professional fund management capabilities in Japan.
JIC’s broader mandate includes LP investments in both its internal fund-of-funds and private venture funds aligned with national strategic priorities.
Through such initiatives, it aims to promote innovation, private sector participation, and open collaboration that will support the competitiveness of Japanese industries globally.