HiJoJo Partners Secures JPY 1bn in Series B1, Completes “Mega-Bank Trifecta” with SMBC Backing
HiJoJo Partners, an independent asset management firm specializing in democratizing access to global unicorn investments for Japanese investors, has completed its Series B1 funding round. The firm raised approximately 1 billion yen via a third-party allotment, bringing its cumulative equity financing since inception to roughly 2.8 billion yen.
This latest capital injection is strategically significant, marking a consolidation of support from Japan's traditional financial heavyweights. With the participation of SMBC Venture Capital in this round, HiJoJo Partners has now established capital ties with group entities representing all three of Japan’s “mega-banks”—Mizuho Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, and now Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.
Strategic Backing and High-Profile Investors
The Series B1 round saw participation from a diverse syndicate of 31 investors, including institutional funds and prominent individuals. Key participants include:
- Pegasus Tech Ventures: The Silicon Valley-based firm re-invested in this round, doubling down on HiJoJo’s cross-border investment model.
- i-nest capital: Via its i-nest No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership.
- SMBC Venture Capital: Via the SMBC Business Development No. 4 Fund.
- H.I.S.: A major player in the travel industry.
- David Heller: General Partner at Vertex Ventures, participating as an individual angel investor.
Executive Commentary on Growth and Synergies
Spyridon Mentzas, Co-CEO of HiJoJo Partners, emphasized the validation implied by the new capital structure. "We have previously welcomed group companies from Mizuho and MUFG as shareholders. With SMBC Group joining us, we have successfully built capital relationships with Japan's three leading banking groups," Mentzas said. "We view this as an endorsement from the financial industry regarding our track record and mid-to-long-term growth potential."
Mentzas also highlighted an intriguing synergy with new investor H.I.S., noting that while their industries differ, both companies share a focus on providing high-value-added services to affluent demographics.
Masayuki Kaizu, Leader of the CVC Promotion Group at H.I.S., drew parallels between the two companies' missions. "H.I.S. made overseas travel—once a luxury—accessible at affordable prices. This aligns deeply with HiJoJo Partners' vision of the 'democratization of startup investment,'" Kaizu stated.
Bridging Japan and Global Private Markets
Hironori Shimizu, Senior Managing Director at SMBC Venture Capital, described HiJoJo as a "top domestic player" in the structuring of funds incorporating globally recognized unicorns. "We believe they can create a domestic secondary market for global unlisted stocks—something that hasn't existed before," Shimizu noted.
The inclusion of Silicon Valley veterans also signals continued focus on quality deal flow. Anis Uzzaman, CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures, noted that HiJoJo’s roadmap, which includes listing funds that bundle promising unlisted companies, contributes significantly to the development of Japan’s private investment market. David Heller of Vertex Ventures added that HiJoJo stands out for its "high governance standards" and execution capabilities in delivering global opportunities to Japanese investors.
Company Profile and Use of Funds
Founded in 2017, HiJoJo Partners has carved out a niche by selling funds targeting middle-to-late-stage US startups (unicorns) to Japanese investors through both face-to-face and online channels. As of February 5, 2026, the firm reports cumulative fund sales exceeding 50 billion yen.
The company intends to use the newly raised 1 billion yen to expand its service offerings and accelerate business growth, aiming to offer even more diverse investment opportunities in a rapidly growing global startup market.
Norbert Gehrke
