Japan
In an announcement made on November 1, SBI Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings, joined forces with Nikon Corporation to establish the “Nikon-SBI Innovation Fund II.” This new venture aims to invest in cutting-edge technologies and services, particularly in aerospace, energy, and carbon neutrality, areas that extend beyond Nikon’s Medium-Term Management Plan.
This latest fund marks the second collaboration between Nikon and SBI Investment, following the establishment of the “Nikon-SBI Innovation Fund” in July 2016. The initial fund facilitated global venture investments and fostered multiple business collaborations, leading to the transformation of portfolio companies into subsidiaries. As the investment period for the first fund nears its end, the launch of the “Nikon-SBI Innovation Fund II” becomes the focal point for future investments. The fund’s size is set at 5 billion yen, intended to operate over a span of seven years.
SBI Investment, a pivotal entity in the SBI Group’s Investment Business, is recognized as a “New Industry Creator.” It specializes in investing in forward-looking venture companies operating in AI, blockchain, fintech, IT, biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental energy sectors. Additionally, SBI Investment operates a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) business that actively supports business corporations in their investment endeavors. As of November 2023, the cumulative investment commitment of SBI Investment’s CVC funds stands at 138 billion yen*, representing one of Japan’s largest commitments, benefitting 20 business corporations.
The collaboration with Nikon marks the second time SBI Investment’s CVC business has ventured into establishing a second fund. Leveraging its network and corporate development expertise, SBI Investment remains committed to fostering business and capital alliances between corporations and their investees, thus contributing to the revitalization of the Japanese economy.
