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
lending
Brazilian FinTech CashU secured a $17.5M Credit Rights Investment Fund (FIDC) backed by Itaú BBA and Credit Saison to finance its lending operations. The provision of credit is essential for small and medium-sized businesses to be able to scale at an adequate pace. With the launch of the fund,
corporate venture capital
Hitachi has announced the establishment of the fourth fund of the corporate venture capital (CVC) fund "HV Fund" with a purpose to identify startups with the potential to create or disrupt large attractive markets, anticipate the next technological and social turning points, and generate future growth opportunities. The
artificial intelligence
Mizuho Financial Group has established "Mizuho's AI Engagement Policy" as a fundamental policy for utilizing AI across the group. In recent years, AI technology has been rapidly evolving, and its applications have expanded into every domain of economic society. In the financial industry as well, AI
quantum computing
SoftBank and Quantinuum agreed to a wide-ranging partnership in quantum computing. By combining their respective strengths, both companies will unlock innovative quantum computing solutions that will overcome the limitations of classical artificial intelligence (AI) and realize next-generation technologies. This unique initiative coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and
artificial intelligence
Vivident, a startup developing AI-powered character IP technology, has secured $1.5 million in seed funding from global investors across South Korea, Japan, the United States, and Hong Kong. The round included participation from leading venture firms including Hashed, Mashup Ventures, TheVentures, Modhaus (Korea), Sfermion (US), as well as Japan&
digital
The Digital Agency has published its annual report to share the current state of digitalization in Japan and the agency's achievements over the past year (September 2023 - August 2024), using data-driven insights. The report aims to inform the public and stakeholders about the progress and direction of