#Tokyo #Shizen Capital #Sophie Meralli #Japan Venture

Shizen Capital Expands with New Fund

Shizen Capital, a dynamic venture capital firm based in Tokyo, has officially launched its seventh fund, set to commence on June 1, 2025. Alongside this milestone, the firm proudly announces the appointment of Sophie Meralli as its newest partner. With a shared vision for supporting early-stage enterprises in Japan and international markets, Shizen Capital is poised to enhance its impact in the venture landscape.

About the Seventh Fund

Shizen Capital specializes in investing in early-stage companies aiming to establish a footprint both domestically and globally. The firm’s philosophy champions the sustainable growth of startups that aim to address social challenges. Historically, Shizen Capital has successfully invested in over 40 Japanese startups, achieving a DPI (Distributions to Paid-in Capital Ratio) of 3.51 in prior funds, with more than half of those companies serving international clients.

The new seventh fund draws on past experiences to support entrepreneurs tackling transformative challenges. Social issues such as the paradigm shift in AI, geopolitical uncertainties, climate change, and Japan’s structural challenges offer a broad landscape for potential investment. Shizen Capital emphasizes the importance of organizations that are adaptable and resilient, fostering an environment where innovative solutions can thrive.

Key Investment Areas

Shizen Capital identifies critical sectors for investment, including:

• - Aging Population Solutions: Technologies to enhance labor productivity, support foreign talent integration, and assist the elderly.
• - Healthcare and Wellness: Focusing on preventive medicine, digital health, telemedicine, and mental health.
• - AI and Deep Tech: Innovations in legacy infrastructure, data utilization, and next-gen manufacturing technologies.
• - Energy Transition and Sustainability: Investments in hydrogen technology, renewable energy, and the circular economy.
• - Inbound Tourism and Experience Technologies: Enhancing tourism through digital transformation, multilingual support, and promoting Japanese culture globally.
• - Defense and Security Technologies: Investing in national security, cybersecurity, and protection of critical infrastructure.
• - Cultural, Culinary, and Craft Exports: Global promotion of Japanese cuisine, traditional crafts, experiential storytelling, and cultural content.

Shizen Capital is committed to nurturing companies that will become indispensable in their fields over the next decade.

Hands-On Support

What sets Shizen Capital apart from other venture firms is its hands-on support beyond financial investment. Engaging fully as partners, the firm provides robust strategic backing encompassing product strategy, sales structure development, cross-border strategies, international collaboration in Europe, and support in recruitment and organizational design.

Welcoming Sophie Meralli

Sophie Meralli joins Shizen Capital with a wealth of investment experience spanning diverse markets including France, the United States, and Japan. Her track record includes guiding numerous startups from early-stage funding to successful exits. In alignment with Shizen Capital's mission of fostering