Establishment of N Squared: Empowering GP Value Creation through Advanced Fund Management

Introducing N Squared: A New Era in Fund Management

In recent years, the landscape of fund management has evolved significantly, marked by increasing complexities in fair value assessments and compliance with various regulations. This development has led to a growth in the administrative workload surrounding fund operations, presenting unexplored challenges. As investment teams grapple with staffing shortages and the risk of quality degradation due to reliance on few individuals, the need for effective support systems has never been more immediate. To address these pressing challenges, a new company called N Squared has been established, focusing on sustaining the 'North Star' of fund operations: creating value for General Partners (GPs).

The Foundational Purpose of N Squared

N Squared is not merely a service provider for administrative tasks; it strives to be a guiding navigator throughout the complex waters of fund management. With around 20 years of practical experience and a robust network of experts, N Squared promises to create tailored roadmaps alongside GPs, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned towards a common goal.

As they believe that collaboration leads to exponential growth – or 'multiplication' (N × N = N²) – N Squared is committed to enhancing the quality of administrative tasks across the fund industry.

Services Offered by N Squared

N Squared's offerings are designed to address the multifaceted needs of fund management:

1. Fund Administrative Service Contracts and Internalization Support
N Squared offers comprehensive administrative services from fund establishment to operations and liquidation for various schemes, including LPS, LLP, GP corporations, and investment-specific SPCs. Additionally, for clients aiming for future internalization, they're equipped to support a rapid transition with AI and digital transformation strategies, promising the ability to shift internal processes within just 3 to 6 months.

2. Controller/Manager Service Contracts (Part-Time In-House)
For administrative tasks that cannot be outsourced entirely, N Squared provides a flexible model with part-time on-site support combined with remote assistance. Clients benefit from experienced professionals who actively manage operations at a cost-effective rate, strengthening the overall governance framework.

3. Training Programs for Administrative Personnel
Catering to individuals with little to a few years of experience, N Squared delivers face-to-face training that covers foundational and practical aspects of administrative work. By leveraging the instructors' direct experiences, these programs enhance the competence of the personnel swiftly.

4. Consulting Services for Fund Administration
N Squared offers a subscription-based advisory service for everyday queries that do not require the intervention of lawyers or tax accountants. Drawing from two decades of expertise, they provide pinpoint assistance tailored to meet each firm's unique requests, including ad hoc tasks and LP report handling.

Strengths of N Squared

1. Unmatched Practical Expertise with AUM Over ¥3.3 Trillion
The representative of N Squared has spent nearly 20 years at the forefront of VC, PE funds, and business revival funds, amassing over ¥3.3 trillion in AUM throughout his career. Holding certifications as a US CPA and a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan, his support goes beyond simple administrative tasks to deliver specialized assistance.

2. Synergy with Diverse Specialists in Fund Operations
N Squared has built robust partnerships with various domain experts, including CPAs, tax advisors, lawyers, judicial scriveners, labor consultants, M&A advisors, and recruitment firms. This collaboration ensures that N Squared can facilitate seamless operations from fund establishment through day-to-day management, right to M&A and exit strategies.

About the Founder: Yohei Noguchi

Yohei Noguchi has dedicated the last two decades to fund management, investor relations, and fundraising in VC, PE, and business revival funds. He commenced his career in a tax advisory firm, gaining in-depth knowledge in accounting, tax, and finance. At his previous company, Ant Capital Partners, he served as the head of fund management, solidifying his commitment to enhancing the quality of administrative work in the entire fund industry, leading to the establishment of N Squared in 2026.

Holding certifications as a US CPA (Washington State) and a CMA from the Securities Analysts Association of Japan, Noguchi is well-equipped to guide the firm through its pioneering journey.