A Step Towards Japan Becoming a Global Startup Hub, Investing in the Next Generation of Champions
Singapore, March 21, 2025 – 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.
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.
Strengthening our Leadership Team – Investment Strategy Driven by Industry Experts
VVJ has strengthened its leadership team with two seasoned industry experts to drive its investment strategy:
- Naonori Kurokawa – A seasoned deep-tech investor with over 15 years of experience, has been appointed General Partner (GP).
- Akiko Kihara – A founding member of ZOZO, Kihara contributed to growing the company into a publicly listed firm with a market capitalization of JPY 1 Trillion and has joined the team as a Venture Partner.
With this addition, VVJ will provide hands-on support to next-generation startups as a partner in capital allocation, business strategy, and market expansion.
Key Leadership Members
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.
His past investment portfolio includes:
- Microwave Chemical (Tokyo Stock Exchange: GRT 9227)
- 908 Devices Inc (Nasdaq: MASS)
- FLOSFIA
His areas of expertise span across chemicals, semiconductors, analytical equipment, telecommunications, optics, nanotechnology, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine. As a General Partner at VVJ, he will work closely with startups to enhance their competitiveness and accelerate global expansion.
Venture Partner – Akiko Kihara
A founding member of ZOZO (TSE: 3092), Kihara played a key role in leading the company to an IPO and achieving a market capitalization of JPY 1 Trillion. She has extensive experience in business strategy, corporate development, and scaling operations.
She led the launch of ZOZOTOWN, expanding its merchant partnerships and strengthening its e-commerce platform. As an Executive Director, she spearheaded business strategy and organizational management, establishing ZOZO as a dominant force in Japan’s e-commerce market.
At VVJ, Kihara will support startup business development, global expansion, and scale-up strategies, bringing new perspectives to help portfolio companies gain a competitive edge.
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.
VVJFI will focus on investments in high-growth sectors, including deep tech, AI, digital transformation (DX), and the creator economy. VVJ collaborates with innovation hubs in Southeast Asia, India, the US, Israel, and China, offering startups growth capital, international expansion support, and partnership opportunities with global enterprises.
For more information, please visit our Vertex Ventures Japan website:
https://www.vertexventures.jp/
About Vertex Holdings
Vertex Holdings is a Singapore-based venture capital investment holding company with AUM of over USD 6B. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings that provides anchor funding and operational support to a global platform of venture capital funds in key innovation hubs around the world.
Currently, there are 7 network partnerships namely: Vertex Ventures China, Vertex Ventures Israel, Vertex Ventures Japan, Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, Vertex Ventures US, Vertex Ventures HC and Vertex Growth.
The Vertex family of funds invests in early-stage technology opportunities through Vertex Ventures, early stage healthcare opportunities through Vertex Ventures HC, and growth stage opportunities through Vertex Growth. Each Vertex fund operates independently, with separate local teams that raise and manage their respective funds.
The Vertex global network of venture capital funds has over 300 active portfolio companies today, and a track record of growing disruptive, transformational companies into global champions.
For more information, please visit our Vertex Holdings website: https://www.vertexholdings.com
For Media Enquiries
Vertex Ventures Japan
contact@vertexventures.jp
Bernice Ong, Vertex Holdings
communications@vertexholdings.com
H/Advisors Klareco on behalf of Vertex Holdings
klareco-vertex@h-advisors.global