#Japan #Tokyo #Innovation Fund #NTT DOCOMO #ND Ventures

NTT Docomo's Corporate Venture Investment Fund

In a significant move to bolster collaboration with innovative startups, NTT Docomo and NTT Docomo Ventures (NDV), along with NTT Finance Corporation, have announced the establishment of the "Docomo Innovation Fund 4th Edition". This fund, set to commence operations on January 1, 2026, boasts a total investment amount of 15 billion yen. The primary objective of this fund is to strengthen partnerships with promising startups that offer transformative services and technologies, paving the way for new business creation through open innovation.

This recent initiative follows the successful establishment of three previous funds: the initial "Docomo Innovation Fund" in February 2013 with a total investment of 10 billion yen, the "Docomo Innovation Fund 2nd Edition" in October 2017 with an investment of 15 billion yen, and the "Docomo Innovation Fund 3rd Edition" launched in April 2022, which also carries a total of 15 billion yen. Each of these funds has played a vital role in fostering collaboration with startups that possess groundbreaking technologies and innovative business models.

The new DI4 Fund aims to support the growth of the NTT Docomo group into the 2030s through open innovation strategies. Continuously investing in both domestic and international startups will be a hallmark of this fund, facilitating long-term partnerships with NTT Docomo group companies to drive the creation of new business opportunities.

Similar to its predecessors, the DI4 Fund will be managed by NDV. NTT Docomo and NDV remain committed to accelerating new business development through investments in promising startups and co-creation initiatives, thus contributing to societal challenges and creating new value.

Overview of "Docomo Innovation Fund 4th Edition"

1. Fund Name: Docomo Innovation Fund 4th Edition Investment Limited Partnership
2. Date of Establishment: January 1, 2026
3. Total Investment Amount: 15 billion yen
4. Duration of Operation: 10 years
5. Management: NTT Docomo Ventures, a general partner
6. Investment Target: Startups that aim to innovate and transform society through open collaboration with the NTT Docomo group.