#Japan #Wakayama #Kiyobank #Startup Fund #SDF Capital

Introduction to the Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund

In a significant move to bolster local economy and support startups, Kiyobank, along with Kiyobank Capital Management and SDF Capital, has officially launched the "Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund 1". This initiative aims to address the diverse financing needs of emerging companies and contribute to the growth of businesses vital for the region's future.

Overview of the Fund

The Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund is a collaborative effort involving three key players: Kiyobank, Kiyobank Capital Management, and SDF Capital. A notable aspect of this fund is its commitment to invest over 50% of the total capital in startups located within the Kansai area, which is the operational domain of Kiyobank. This strategy not only supports local startups but also fosters economic development and innovation within the region.

Fund Details

• - Fund Name: Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund 1 Investment Limited Liability Partnership
• - Total Fund Amount: 1 billion yen
• - Investment Target: Domestic early to late-stage startups
• - General Partner: Kiyobank
• - Limited Partners: Kiyobank Capital Management, SDF Capital

Backdrop of the Launch

The launch announcement was made through a press release dated March 27, 2025, highlighting the importance of meeting the financing demands of a growing number of startups. As the startup ecosystem becomes more diversified, this fund aims to play a pivotal role, ensuring that local companies have the necessary resources to thrive and innovate.

Structure and Support System

The Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund operates under a framework formed by the collaboration of Kiyobank, Kiyobank Capital Management, and SDF Capital. This partnership leverages Kiyobank’s expansive network and robust support system, covering the wide-ranging regions of Wakayama and Osaka, along with SDF Capital's expertise in the startup debt funding landscape.

The combined strengths of these institutions will facilitate swift investment decisions, enhancing the support provided to startups while contributing to regional economic growth. By creating this fund, the partners recognize the importance of agile responses to the dynamic needs of startups.

About the Partner Companies

Kiyobank

• - Name: Kiyobank
• - Location: 1-35 Honmachi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
• - Established: May 2, 1895
• - CEO: Hiroyuki Haraguchi
• - Website: Kiyobank

Kiyobank Capital Management

• - Name: Kiyobank Capital Management
• - Location: 1-1-10 Ichinocho-Higashi, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture (Kiyobank Sakai Building, 5th Floor)
• - Established: March 1, 2021
• - CEO: Takashi Nishikawa
• - Website: Kiyobank Capital

SDF Capital

• - Name: SDF Capital
• - Location: 2-25-2 Kamioosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (Shin Meguro Tokyu Building, 9th Floor)
• - Established: November 2021
• - CEO: Takumi Fukuda
• - Website: SDF Capital

Conclusion

The Kiyobank Startup Debt Fund is a promising development in the landscape of startup financing. By focusing on the needs of local businesses, the fund not only seeks to support individual companies but also aims to uplift the entire region's economy. As the fund progresses, it will be interesting to see the impact it has on the Kansai startup ecosystem and beyond.