artificial intelligence
MUFG Bank has selected Databricks as its next-generation data and AI platform, aiming to consolidate AI model development platforms scattered across the company and to use the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform as a foundation for developing new AI applications. This announcement came merely a week after MUFG Bank announced its
joint venture
FPT Corporation announced a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Corporation and SBI Holdings - Japan's leading conglomerates in the finance and industrial sectors to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption through the FPT AI Factory ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of sovereign AI in Japan. Under this partnership, Sumitomo and
SaaS
Money Forward reported strong Q1 FY2025 results, demonstrating significant year-over-year (YoY) growth in sales (23%), SaaS ARR (26%), and adjusted EBITDA, achieving record highs. The company is confident in achieving its full-year forecast. Key strategic initiatives highlighted include a proactive approach to potential macroeconomic risks (specifically related to US tariff
venture capital
Frontier Innovations announces that SME Support Japan and JA Mitsui Leasing have joined as new Limited Partners (LPs) in the Frontier Innovations Fund 1 operated by the Company as a General Partner. SME Support Japan has agreed to invest up to 2.5 billion yen. This fund is the first
corporate venture capital
KDDI has joined forces with independent venture capital firm Global Brain Corporation to establish the KDDI Open Innovation Fund V, a fund that will invest in companies that have the potential to become seeds for KDDI's new business ventures, particularly in fields such as AI and DeepTech. Since
artificial intelligence
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Fujitsu announced a partnership to explore the creation of a data analytics business, designed to empower customers with enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency. The partnership comes after a joint project team formed by the two companies in 2024 conducted a survey of customer needs and
venture capital
Lazarus AI has successfully secured participation from AllegisNL Capital into its convertible note financing. AllegisNL Capital is a venture capital fund supported by Nippon Life Group, investing in innovative companies at the intersection of technology and insurance or adjacent industries. AllegisNL Capital expects Lazarus AI's technology to further
venture capital
Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ) has completed the first closing of its inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (“VVJFI”), targeting JPY 10bn. 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
artificial intelligence
MUFG has formulated the MUFG AI Policy, under which MUFG Group will safely and securely utilize AI through measures including implementing AI governance and dialogue with various stakeholders. This policy will support MUFG's aim to contribute to solving customer, economic, and social issues, and to sustainable development through
Insurance
Tokio Marine & Nichido Risk Consulting (TdR) and Private AI are initiating a strategic business partnership to support Japanese companies in promoting AI utilization. Through this partnership, TdR will provide comprehensive support to lead companies to successful AI implementation by combining advanced AI risk management with cutting-edge AI technology. Background
crypto
Laser Digital, Nomura’s digital assets subsidiary, has launched the Laser Digital NEAR Adoption Fund. The Fund’s strategy seeks to provide a long-term exposure to the NEAR token enhanced with staking which allows institutional investors residing in eligible jurisdictions to participate in the blockchain consensus mechanism and take advantage
web3
Community-driven IP platform “Xross Road” and advanced AI technology provider “Allora Network” have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate business growth and success in the IP (Intellectual Property) industry. Through this collaboration, the two companies will jointly develop next-generation AI x IP solutions leveraging AI technology to create a new