Dai-ichi Life invests JPY 1bn into Boost Capital №1 fund

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company has invested JPY 1 billion in the Boost Capital №1 Investment Limited Partnership managed by Boost Capital.

In Japan as well as in other countries, startups are expected to be a driving force for economic growth and solutions to various social issues through technological innovation and the creation of unique business models. On the other hand, the limited exit options have been identified as a challenge for investors. Dai-ichi Life therefore believes that it is necessary to develop the startup ecosystem; business environment surrounding startups by diversifying and expanding exit opportunities to make the market more attractive for investors.

The Fund is the first fund established by Boost Capital, which has members with extensive backgrounds and knowledge in entrepreneurship and startup investment, including Mr. Ozawa, who serves as its representative. It mainly invests in Japanese IT startups and is characterized by its policy of supporting investees to accelerate their growth and utilizing M&A and buyouts in addition to IPOs, which have traditionally been the mainstay of exit.

As an asset owner, Dai-ichi Life has been actively investing in venture funds for many years as part of their efforts to diversify and enhance asset management styles aimed at acquiring long-term, stable financial return. Dai-ichi Life has used this knowledge to invest in even early-stage management companies based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes not only their track record, but also their management systems, philosophies, and the appropriateness and originality of their investment method.

Dai-ichi Life has invested a cumulative total of JPY 44.3 billion in venture funds managed by emerging asset management companies in Japan. As a responsible investor, the insurer will continue to support the development of the startup ecosystem, which will lead to the realization of “Japan as a Leading Asset Management Center”, by working to achieve both long-term, stable asset management returns and solutions to social issues.

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