#Japan #Osaka #Startup Ecosystem #Funds Startups #Kansai Venture

Funds Startups' New Strategic Office in Kansai

Funds Startups Inc., led by President Hiroshi Maekawa and headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has announced the establishment of a new office in Kansai, effective from July 1, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration with local financial institutions and universities to discover and support promising deep-tech startups, thereby contributing to the development of the venture debt ecosystem in Osaka and Kansai.

Background for Establishing the Kansai Office

In recent years, the Kansai region, particularly Osaka, has seen a significant rise in research-driven startups, especially those originating from universities focused on deep-tech innovations. There's a growing momentum for startup support involving collaboration between the industrial, governmental, and academic sectors. However, research-driven startups face long durations before commercialization and have substantial capital needs. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for diverse funding options tailored to various business phases and risk characteristics.

Funds Startups has previously focused on providing venture debt to growth-stage startups through its established funds. The new office in Kansai represents a commitment to building a robust foundation for the regional startup ecosystem by reinforcing collaboration with local financial institutions, universities, and government entities.

Roles and Objectives of the Kansai Office

1. Promoting Collaboration with Financial Institutions
By sharing insights and facilitating cooperative funding efforts with local financial institutions, the Kansai office aims to broaden the scope of venture debt offerings and ensure a smoother funding process for startups in the region.

2. Discovering and Supporting Startups through University Collaboration
The office will primarily focus on identifying and supporting promising deep-tech startups in collaboration with universities. Additionally, it will help foster frameworks that promote integrated support for startups involving academia, government, and financial sectors.

3. Developing the Venture Debt Ecosystem in Osaka and Kansai
Beyond merely supplying funding, the Kansai office will work alongside local stakeholders to enhance understanding and utilization of venture debt. This collaborative approach aims to bolster the ecosystem's formation and growth, facilitating healthy development for startups in the region.

Meet Atsuhiko Takahashi - Executive Director of the Kansai Office

Atsuhiko Takahashi, a native of Yamaguchi Prefecture and a graduate of Fukuoka University, has been appointed as the executive director for the new office. With a background that includes wealth management at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, financial services at foreign banks, and M&A advisory roles, he possesses extensive experience in the finance industry. He has served various capacities, including at Aozora Bank, where he supported corporate clients in raising capital while managing risks.

In April 2021, he began overseeing venture debt fund operations at Aozora Corporate Investment. Most recently, before joining Funds Startups in May 2026, he held the position of COO for an early-stage startup, guiding significant product launches and acquiring initial customers.

Takahashi's Vision for the Kansai Office

Regarding his new role, Takahashi noted, "I am excited to take on leadership in the Kansai office. Through my experiences, I have learned how capital structure and fundraising approaches significantly affect the speed of growth and strategic freedom of startups, regardless of their strong products or technology.

The Kansai region is witnessing a surge in research-driven startups, particularly those emerging from universities focused on deep-tech. However, I believe there is still room to broaden the diversity of capital choices tailored to different business phases and risk characteristics. While venture debt is a compelling option, it’s crucial to accurately assess the inherent risks that aren't reflected solely through financial metrics, where our expertise can be leveraged effectively.

Through knowledge sharing and cooperative funding with regional financial institutions, and collaboration with universities, government bodies, and support organizations, we are committed to building an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth for startups in the region."

Collaboration Opportunities

For financial institutions, universities, governmental bodies, and startup support organizations interested in collaborating with the Kansai office or exploring cooperative funding opportunities, please contact us via our inquiry form: Contact Us

About Funds Startups

Founded in December 2023 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Funds Inc., Funds Startups aims to develop systems enabling startups that create social impact to achieve optimal growth. Focusing primarily on venture debt fund management, the company is committed to providing support for funding-related services through the Funds Venture Debt Fund. Looking ahead, it plans to expand its role similar to that of a specialized investment bank for startups, enhancing the diversity of funding options and ecosystems available for them.