SMBC and GoAhead Ventures Launch Video Platform to Boost Japanese Startups' Access to Capital
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group) is deepening its engagement with the global venture capital ecosystem, launching a new video pitch platform designed to connect Japanese seed-stage startups with institutional capital.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with Silicon Valley-based GoAhead Ventures, aims to democratize access to funding by removing traditional geographical and networking barriers.
According to the banking group, the platform is a Japan-adapted version of a system GoAhead currently operates in the United States, which processes over 3,000 applications annually. By digitizing the pitch process, SMBC aims to provide equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs regardless of their location within Japan.
The move represents a strategic continuation of the relationship between the major Japanese lender and the Menlo Park-based VC firm. In October 2024, SMBC made a limited partner (LP) investment in GoAhead Ventures III. This new platform is expected to serve as a primary source of deal flow for that fund while leveraging SMBC’s extensive domestic network to drive adoption.
SMBC has positioned "Japan's revitalization" as a core corporate priority. By streamlining the connection between Japanese innovation and venture capital, the group is betting on a more sustainable and accessible environment for early-stage companies.
Norbert Gehrke
