venture capital

UTokyo IPC Announces LP Investment in Abies Ventures Fund II

Norbert Gehrke

30 Apr 2025 — 2 min read

UTokyo Innovation Platform (UTokyo IPC) has decided to invest in Abies Ventures Fund II, managed by Abies Ventures, through its Academic Startup Acceleration (ASA) Fund—a university startup support fund operated under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Global Innovation with STARTUPS” initiative.

Backing Deep-Tech Champions with Global Execution Capabilities

Founded in 2017, Abies Ventures is an independent venture capital firm dedicated to investing in deep-tech startups leveraging advanced technologies such as robotics/mobility, AI/computing and communications, advanced materials/climate tech and space.

Led by seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, Abies Ventures brings hands-on value creation, drawing from a track record of leading global startup investments, building unicorns, and successfully navigating cross-border IPOs. Beyond capital, the firm provides strategic management support and global business development resources, facilitating international growth, cross-border funding, and global market entry for its portfolio companies.

UTokyo IPC recognized Abies Ventures’ deep experience in both investing and business-building—particularly its proactive global expansion support—as highly complementary to its mission of strengthening Japan’s university startup ecosystem. This alignment led to the decision to invest in Abies Ventures Fund II.

Through this investment and broader collaboration with Abies Ventures, UTokyo IPC aims to further accelerate the development of university-launched startups in Japan and expand the broader innovation ecosystem.

Advancing Japan’s Academic Startup Ecosystem with the ASA Fund

Established in February 2024 and operated by UTokyo IPC, the ASA Fund aims to accelerate university-launched startups in Japan. As part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Global Innovation with STARTUPS” initiative, the fund supports the commercialization of research and the societal implementation of university-born technologies—particularly in deep tech.

The ASA Fund adopts a “fund-of-funds” model, investing in venture capital funds that support university-affiliated startups, with the goal of solving key ecosystem challenges and nurturing globally competitive unicorns. It also seeks to enhance collaboration across academia, industry, government, and international partners to elevate Japan’s university startup ecosystem to global standards.

Cross-Border QR Code Payments Between Cambodia and Japan

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Payments Japan Association (PJA) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cooperation of cross-border QR code payment between Cambodia's KHQR and Japan's JPQR. This initiative aims to establish mutual interconnectivity between the two

Volution launches $100m UK fund with SBI Investment as Co-GP

Volution has launched a new $100m fund to back the next generation of high-growth FinTech, AI and SaaS businesses tackling productivity challenges in capital markets and enterprise. The fund has been launched in partnership with leading Japanese venture capital investors, SBI Investment through a Co-GP arrangement that leverages the strengths

Japan FinTech Observer #109

Welcome to the one hundred ninth edition of the Japan FinTech Observer. We are entering our own Japanese-style "triple witching" week. First, Golden Week has started, typically a good time to stay pat in Tokyo when everyone is traveling. However, travel has become expensive for Japanese residents, and

SMBC's support for startup exits

Last week, SMBC Group made two announcements concerning their support for startup exits. 1. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and FOR STARTUPS have begun a collaboration aimed at diversifying exit strategies for startups 2. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, SMBC Venture Capital Management, and Bee Alternatives Japan have established a secondary fund