Fuji Startup Ventures

Fuji Startup Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Fuji Media Holdings, the parent company of Fuji Television Network, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minato City, Tokyo. The firm operates a 1.5 billion yen fund — approximately $10 million — to invest in startups developing applications and services with potential for integration into Fuji TV's programming and the broader Fuji Media Holdings business ecosystem, which includes radio stations, recording businesses, and mail-order shopping. CEO Nobuki Den leads the fund with a lean, single-person investment team. Fuji Startup Ventures targets seed and early-stage investments in Japanese and Asian startups, with particular interest in China-based companies. Investment themes span AI, intellectual property, content technology, gaming, ad-tech, education technology, e-commerce, social platforms, space, IoT, healthcare, and eco-solutions. The firm has made 24 investments over 12 years and achieved one IPO and two acquisitions: PocketConcierge, a premium restaurant booking platform acquired by American Express in January 2019, and Kabuku. The most recent investment was Animoca Brands KK, a blockchain gaming and financial software company, in March 2024. Fuji Startup Ventures evaluates investments primarily through the lens of business synergy with Fuji Media Holdings' subsidiaries. Startups that can create programming content, enhance digital distribution, or integrate with the company's media and commerce operations are given priority alongside pure financial return potential. This strategic CVC mandate distinguishes the firm from purely financial investors and provides portfolio companies with access to one of Japan's largest media audiences and distribution networks.