#Japan #Tokyo #AI Monitoring #Mizuho Bank #UPSIDER Capital

UPSIDER Capital Partners with Mizuho Bank

UPSIDER Capital, led by CEO Naoki Ishigami, has taken a significant step in the financial technology sector by partnering with Mizuho Bank, under President Katsuhiko Kato, to introduce a groundbreaking feature known as the "Daily AI Cash Flow Monitoring". This innovation was rolled out within a ¥2.7 billion syndicated loan agreement formed with Paytner Corporation, headed by President Yu Sakai.

The landscape for startup financing is characterized by rapid fluctuations in both business circumstances and funding needs. Traditional financial practices largely rely on lagging indicators such as monthly or quarterly financial statements, which can leave significant gaps in real-time data assessment. This gap poses challenges when making credit decisions and managing finances during the growth phase of startups, where uncertainty is a constant companion.

UPSIDER Capital has been able to leverage its extensive experience in venture debt financing, having facilitated over ¥14 billion in loans by the end of December 2025 through its "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund". This extensive data has enabled them to gather crucial transaction data, including payment logs and other monetary activity, allowing for sophisticated data analysis and visualization.

In the current syndicated loan contract, the firm has implemented its proprietary AI cash flow monitoring tool, developed by its in-house data and engineering teams. This system provides a real-time evaluation of business progress and cash flow situations, making it easier for financial institutions to participate in the syndicated loan management process. Not only does this tool make monitoring simpler, but it also contributes to building a more informed framework for managing loans.

This innovative initiative reflects UPSIDER Capital's commitment to modernizing the financial landscape for startups, utilizing technology to adapt to ongoing business changes. The cash flow data employed in this monitoring system will continue to evolve in partnership with Mizuho Bank, aiming to create a new financial platform that supports not just startups but also medium and small enterprises.

UPSIDER Capital aims to enhance the funding environment for both financial institutions and corporations through the unique knowledge and technology accumulated during its operations in venture debt funds.

Overview of the Syndicated Loan Contract

• - Loan Amount: ¥2.7 billion
• - Execution Date: December 30, 2025
• - Duration: 2 years
• - Financial Institutions Involved: Mizuho Bank (Arranger), UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Growth Fund, Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance Company, Shoko Chukin Bank, Yamanashi Chuo Bank.

About UPSIDER Capital

Established as a collaboration between UPSIDER and Mizuho Financial Group, UPSIDER Capital operates Japan's first growth-stage debt fund, the "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund." The fund was launched in December 2023, followed by the second fund, "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Growth Fund 2," amounting to ¥14.3 billion in May 2025. The cumulative fund amounts have reached ¥24.3 billion, making UPSIDER Capital one of the largest independent venture debt funds in Japan, with a cumulative lending record exceeding ¥14 billion by the end of December 2025.

Moreover, UPSIDER Capital actively engages in initiatives to advance the industry as a whole, such as publishing white papers outlining market dynamics, organizing media study sessions, and managing a study group on venture debt headed by Congressman Soichiro Imaeda. They also co-host the groundbreaking "Venture Debt Summit 2025."

Through the integration of real-time AI cash flow monitoring, UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund continues to deliver innovative and timely financing options to assist startups in their funding journeys. Recognizing that the venture debt market is still in its infancy, UPSIDER Capital believes that collective efforts are essential to maintain and expand the market's integrity. Moving forward, they are eager to contribute to industry development by collaborating with stakeholders and continuously supporting startups taking bold initiatives in new industries.

Contact Information

• - Location: Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
• - Business Focus: Management of UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund and development of financial services for sustainable corporate growth.
• - Contact: [email protected]
• - Website: upsidercap.com

These details and the firm’s unique expertise position UPSIDER Capital not just as a leader in financing but as a cornerstone in evolving the startup financing ecosystem itself.