SBI Ventures Europe and Speedinvest Forge 50/50 Joint Venture to Bridge Japanese and European Startup Ecosystems
SBI Holdings and Vienna-based venture capital firm Speedinvest GmbH have established a strategic partnership and a new 50/50 joint venture (JV) with a view to deepen capital ties between Asia and Europe.
The joint venture, formed specifically between Speedinvest and SBI’s wholly owned subsidiary, SBI Ventures Europe, is designed to serve as a high-velocity bridge for cross-border investment. By combining SBI Group’s global financial network with Speedinvest’s specialized pan-European platform, the two firms aim to streamline capital flows between Japan and Europe’s burgeoning tech sectors.
A Feeder Fund Strategy
Central to the collaboration is the creation of a feeder fund structure. This mechanism will facilitate participation in various venture capital vehicles managed by both parties, including the Financial Infrastructure Fund currently managed by SBI Ventures Europe. The initiative is part of SBI Group’s broader "global venture capital investment ecosystem" strategy, intended to cement its footprint in the European market.
Leveraging Regional Strengths
Speedinvest, which currently manages over €1.2 billion in assets, brings to the table a robust presence in six European innovation hubs. The firm is well-known for its sector-specific focus on fintech, deep tech, climate tech, and digital health.
"Europe is producing globally competitive technology companies in sectors critical to the coming decade," said Oliver Holle, CEO of Speedinvest, noting that the partnership will expand "mutually beneficial opportunities" for market participants across both continents.
Yoshitaka Kitao, Representative Director, Chairman and President of SBI Holdings, echoed this sentiment, stating that the new platform is a reinforcement of the SBI Group’s long-term commitment to supporting promising European entrepreneurs.
Market Context
For SBI Holdings, the Berlin-based SBI Ventures Europe serves as the primary engine for its regional strategy, focusing on regulated sectors and digital infrastructure. For Speedinvest, the partnership offers its portfolio companies a direct pipeline to the Japanese market and SBI's extensive global business network.
The companies confirmed that the JV will be owned in equal parts, signaling a balanced commitment to the long-term management of these cross-border assets. Further financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
Norbert Gehrke
