SMBC Venture Capital

SMBC Venture Capital, established in 2005, is the corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on early to growth-stage investments across a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and mobility solutions. With a portfolio of over 656 investments and significant co-investment partnerships, SMBC Venture Capital plays a vital role in fostering innovation within Japan's startup ecosystem. Notable recent investments include companies like SmartNews, which became a unicorn in 2019, and Luup, a micromobility service that provides essential transport solutions across Japan. SMBC Venture Capital's strategic approach combines rigorous risk assessment with a willingness to support promising startups even in their nascent stages. This flexibility and foresight have enabled the firm to back companies that address critical market needs and have the potential for significant growth​. The firm is led by a team of seasoned professionals, including President Tomofumi Saeki and Deputy General Manager Naoki Fujita, who bring extensive experience in investment strategy and corporate finance. SMBC Venture Capital's strong alignment with its parent company's resources and network allows it to provide substantial operational support and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, facilitating their growth and success in both domestic and international markets.