On January 27, Rakuten Ventures announced the launch of the Rakuten Ventures Japan Fund, a 10 billion yen (approx. US$84 million) venture capital fund targeting investments in startups in Japan. The fund aims to empower the expanding community of Japanese startups with advanced technology and business models.

Singapore-based Rakuten Ventures firstly launched a 10 million USD Southeast Asia Fund in 2013, and in 2014, the firm also built its success on a 100 million USD global fund in Israel, Asia Pacific, and the USA.

The new fund operations will be run out of Singapore by Managing Partner SaeMin Ahn and Investment Manager Hogil Doh. SaeMin Ahn said “We are honored to have a chance to participate in the Japanese startup community. With the launch of Rakuten Venture Japan Fund, we hope not only to find the right fit in domestic startups but also bridge Western and South East Asian market opportunities with brilliant founders from Japan.”

The new fund is aimed at early and growth stage internet startups in Japan, with a strong focus on unique technologies and business models, as well as high growth potential. Rakuten Ventures will also seek to support business growth by driving synergies with the technologies and platforms of the Rakuten Group.

(Source: Rakuten Ventures )

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