#Japan #Investment #Tokyo #Tokyo Innovation Base #HiJoJo Partners

HiJoJo Partners and Tokyo's Startup Ecosystem

On December 2, 2025, HiJoJo Partners Inc. (HJJ), based in Japan, formalized a partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to operate the Tokyo Innovation Base (TiB), a global hub for innovation. This strategic collaboration aims to bolster the startup ecosystem in Japan and enhance HJJ's global outreach in financial services tailored for startups.

Founded by Spiridon Menzas in 2017, HiJoJo Partners is an independent asset management firm that focuses on specialized financial services for startups. Operating under the motto “Transforming investment, transforming markets, transforming Japan,” HJJ primarily invests in late-stage unicorn companies and provides growth support to promising startups both in Japan and overseas. The company has also partnered with Nasdaq Private Market LLC, a leader in the U.S. private equity trading sector, to facilitate global access to the private market.

A Closer Look at the Tokyo Innovation Base (TiB)

Located in Yurakucho, Tokyo, TiB serves as a vital gathering space for both domestic and international startups along with their supporters. It plays a crucial role in nurturing innovation and promoting startup growth through various events and support programs. TiB not only connects diverse players within the ecosystem but also fosters an environment that is conducive to establishing world-class unicorns. The platform hosts dynamic events and programs designed to attract overseas startups and investment resources into Japan.

HJJ sees this agreement as part of their broader global strategy, contributing to Tokyo's goal of enhancing the startup ecosystem in Japan. Going forward, HJJ plans to organize more events and programs through TiB, thereby accelerating initiatives aimed at cultivating unicorns and facilitating the influx of international startups and investment funds into Japan.

Reinforcing Global Strategies

The partnership with Tokyo is a critical milestone in HJJ's journey towards establishing a vibrant startup scene in Japan. With plans to leverage the TiB infrastructure, this initiative aims to create a thriving ecosystem that not only supports domestic startups but also attracts attention from global markets.

HJJ remains one of the largest venture capital firms investing in U.S. unicorns from Japan, raising over 50 billion yen (as of February 5, 2026) through a combination of in-person and online channels. Notable shareholders include prominent financial institutions such as Credit Saison, Mizuho Securities, SBI Group, and several others, providing a robust backbone to HJJ’s initiatives.

As the startup scene continues to evolve, the agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government signals a new era where collaboration, innovation, and investment intertwine seamlessly. The outcome of this partnership is poised to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors alike, propelling Japan into the global spotlight within the innovation landscape.

For more information on HiJoJo Partners and its initiatives, visit www.hijojo-partners.com.

About HiJoJo Partners

As a leading venture capital firm in Japan, HiJoJo Partners specializes in investment channels tailored for mid to late-stage enterprises. They have amassed significant expertise in navigating the investment landscape, ensuring that both startups and investors can thrive in a competitive environment. HJJ is registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau and is a member of pertinent trade associations, thereby complying with regulations and reassuring potential investors.

In summary, the partnership between HiJoJo Partners and Tokyo not only enhances their collective vision of a robust startup ecosystem but also positions Japan as a key player in the global innovation arena.