UTokyo Innovation Platform (UToyko IPC), a venture capital arm of the University of Tokyo, has joined forces with Alumni Ventures in the United States to launch the Alumni Ventures Japan+US Bridge Fund.
UTokyo IPC is committing capital through its fund-of-funds, the Academic Startup Acceleration (ASA) Fund. The ASA Fund achieved its final close in November. Its goal is to back the venture funds of other universities; one recent example is Kanazawa University’s Vision Incubate.
The Alumni Ventures Japan+US Bridge Fund marks Alumni Ventures’ expansion into Japan, having already opened a UK office last year. The firm has more than $1.4 billion under management and regularly ranks among the most active investors in the United States.
For Japanese university spinouts, the fund will facilitate their entry into overseas markets, while UTokyo IPC expects the partnership to help it tap into Alumni Ventures’ US-centred investment network.
“We are honoured to partner with UTokyo IPC, one of the leading institutional investors driving Japan’s innovation ecosystem. Their support strongly reinforces Alumni Ventures’ long-term commitment to the Japanese market.
“At Alumni Ventures, our mission is to bring global networks and expertise to Japan’s startup community and its outstanding entrepreneurs.
“Through our partnership with UTokyo IPC, we look forward to serving as a bridge connecting Japan-originated innovation to the global stage, and to contributing to the creation of the next generation of globally competitive companies.”
Mike Collins, CEO of Alumni Ventures
