Tokyo's Corporate Venture Capital Initiative
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is actively working to invigorate Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investments, helping to catalyze growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups through enhanced funding opportunities. As part of this initiative, they have announced a new call for applications aimed at selecting CVCs that will be supported in the fiscal year 2027.
1. Overview of the Initiative
To promote CVC activities, the support provided includes clarifying investment areas, facilitating matches with SMEs and startups, and assisting in the implementation of joint Proof of Concepts (PoCs).
For detailed information, please refer to the application guidelines, which can be downloaded from
the business website.
2. Call for CVC Applications
Target Audience
The call is intended for corporations based in Tokyo that invest in businesses closely related to their own and seek synergies through their investments and support.
Key Support Features
- - Consulting on clarifying investment domains and defining criteria for potential investments.
- - Introduction to candidate SMEs and startups that meet investment criteria, along with support for meeting arrangements.
- - Assistance with creating a test plan and utilizing subsidies when considering joint PoCs with matching entities.
Schedule (Tentative)
- - Application Period & Selection: From May 12, 2023, to July 11, 2023. Following the application period, a selection process involving document reviews and interviews will take place, aiming to select approximately ten CVCs.
3. Info Session/Seminar
An informational session will be held for CVC representatives considering applying for this initiative.
- - Date: May 30, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
- - Location: Shin Tokyo Building, 8th Floor, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (with simultaneous online participation available)
- - Registration: Available through the application form on the business website.
Program (Tentative)
- - 6:00 PM: Opening greetings and purpose explanation
- - 6:10 PM: Seminar 1 - “Tips to Not End with a PoC: Growth Engines to Validate in Joint PoCs” by Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support (DTVS)
- - 6:25 PM: Seminar 2 - “Ideal Sourcing and Investment Activities for CVCs (Tentative)” by Mr. Motonari Tsuchikawa, former head of Sony Ventures
- - 6:40 PM: Panel Discussion - “What Makes CVCs Attractive to Startups (Tentative)” with contributions from Mr. Tsuchikawa, CXOs from startups, and DTVS
- - 7:10 PM: Explanation of the Matching Program
- - 7:25 PM: Networking session
Additional Information
Investment Support Program for PoC Expenses
This initiative plans to provide subsidies to CVCs that have been selected for support, aimed at covering PoC expenses incurred prior to investment decisions.
- - Eligible Projects: PoCs conducted by SMEs or startups matched with CVCs, which must be completed by the end of fiscal year 2028.
- - Subsidy Rate: Up to half of eligible expenses (maximum of 20 million yen).
For further details, official announcements are expected on the business website in June 2023.
Upcoming Call for SMEs and Startups
After selecting the eligible CVCs, there will be a future call for SMEs and startups that are interested in matching with the selected CVCs. This is expected to commence around October 2023, with updates made available on the business website.
This initiative is part of the “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” aiming to promote entry and investment in growth industries.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the overall initiative:
- - Industry Labor Bureau, Planning Division, Industrial and Energy Policy Department.
For queries related to matching support:
- - CVC and SME/Startup Matching Support Project Operational Office.
Contact via the inquiry form on the project website.
This initiative is entrusted to Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd. for operation.