#Japan #Venture Capital #Chiyoda #Angel Bridge #Unicorn Fund

Angel Bridge Launches its Third Fund

Angel Bridge, an independent venture capital firm based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is excited to announce the completion of fundraising for its third fund, dubbed the "Angel Bridge Unicorn Fund 3rd Edition." This fund, which amounts to 26 billion yen, is backed by a number of large institutional investors and regional banks. Continuing the momentum from its previous two funds, Angel Bridge is determined to harness private equity (PE) strategies to identify and support emerging mega ventures in Japan, aiming for global success.

Mission and Achievements of Angel Bridge

Established with the mission of effectively deploying capital to generate numerous mega ventures from Japan, Angel Bridge focuses on creating sustainable productivity and fostering new industries contributing significantly to the GDP of Japan.

To date, the company has invested a cumulative total of 12.2 billion yen across 48 companies through its previous funds, including the 52 billion yen first fund launched in 2015, and the 10 billion yen second fund established in 2023. Among the notable investments are tech-driven companies like Craft Bank, a pioneer in construction digital transformation; Rese, a legal tech service provider; and Mitsumore, a platform enhancing productivity in the service sector. Additionally, it has invested in deep-tech ventures such as Heartseed, a company engaged in cardiac regenerative medicine utilizing iPS cells, which is poised for IPO in July 2024.

The focus is primarily on early-stage startups requiring extensive support to navigate the complex startup ecosystem, particularly in IT services and deep tech.

PE Fund Approach and Team

What sets Angel Bridge apart is its PE fund-based approach in its investment activities. From sourcing and conducting meticulous due diligence to facilitating hands-on support and planning exits, the firm conducts deep business analysis to maximize the potential of its investment portfolio. The team, composed of members with backgrounds in top-tier professional firms, leverages high analytical capabilities and agile execution to unearth potential investments. They maintain open and passionate communication with entrepreneurs and portfolio companies, ensuring robust support at all stages.

Overview of the Angel Bridge Unicorn Fund 3rd Edition

Already, the third fund has successfully initiated investments in 39 million yen across 9 promising startups, showing a strong start. The investment strategy has evolved, maintaining the success of the previous fund while actively seeking opportunities in mid-stage growth companies. Approximately 70% of the investments will target IT services, while the remaining 30% will go towards university-origin ventures and deep technology startups.

The fund emphasizes collaboration with startups at various stages, focusing on industries undergoing digital transformation to maximize market potential. Thus, it anticipates a diverse portfolio comprising 30 to 40 investments, with initial investment amounts ranging from 30 million to 2 billion yen, potentially reaching 5 billion yen in the long term with opportunities for follow-on investments.

LP Investors of the Angel Bridge Unicorn Fund 3rd Edition

For this round, over 90% of the funding came from institutional investors, showcasing the confidence in Angel Bridge's mission and capabilities. The fund also aims to work closely with 11 new regional banks to address localized challenges through a series of matching events with relevant startups and educational workshops tailored for regions focusing on digital transformation. Angel Bridge seeks to create a win-win ecosystem alongside various local entities to directly contribute to the revitalization of Japan's economy.

Messages from LP Investors

Several leading figures in the financial industry have expressed their confidence in Angel Bridge's approach and growth potential. For instance:

• - Reijiro Samura, CEO of AI Capital, noted that the team's professional background and commitment to adding value to portfolio companies resonate well with investors.
• - Hitoshi Tsuboi, Managing Director of SMBC Nikko Securities, emphasized the importance of the repeatability of Angel Bridge's investment strategy, hinting at a bright future for the firm’s expansion both in scale and quality within the VC industry.
• - Toshiharu Tanabe, CEO of Yokohama Capital, praised the team’s commitment to thorough research and methodology, contributing to assured investment partnerships.

Together, these messages underline an overwhelming confidence in Angel Bridge’s strategies for the growth of both individual companies and the broader Japanese economy.

Company Overview

• - Name: Angel Bridge, Inc.
• - CEO: Yutaro Kawanishi
• - Established: October 21, 2015
• - Location: 101 Nagatacho 2-17-4, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-0014
• - Contact: [email protected]

Angel Bridge is not just investing in startups—they are creating a pathway for innovation, regional growth, and a rejuvenated economic landscape in Japan.