
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan
Description
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is a distinctive public-private partnership established in 2009 by the Japanese government. Its core mission is to bolster Japan's industrial competitiveness and foster innovation by providing comprehensive financial, technological, and management support to next-generation businesses. Operating as a strategic investment fund, INCJ differentiates itself from traditional venture capital firms through its focus on large-scale, long-term projects that are deemed critical for national economic growth and industrial transformation.
INCJ strategically targets growth areas vital to Japan's future, encompassing advanced technologies, critical infrastructure, environmental energy solutions, and healthcare. Its investment activities frequently involve corporate restructuring, strategic spin-offs, and industry consolidation initiatives, all aimed at cultivating new growth engines or revitalizing established sectors. The fund commands a substantial capital base, boasting a total investment capacity of up to 2 trillion yen, which translates to approximately $13.3 billion USD at current exchange rates.
Demonstrating its significant impact on the Japanese industrial landscape, INCJ had invested approximately 1.7 trillion yen (around $11.3 billion USD) across 143 projects as of March 31, 2023. Its diverse portfolio includes major players in pivotal sectors such as semiconductors, display technology, and energy, with notable investments in companies like Renesas Electronics, Japan Display, and JOLED. INCJ's approach extends beyond mere capital injection; it actively participates in the management and provides strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, underscoring its commitment to fostering long-term value and innovation, particularly in capital-intensive industries where it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and commercialization.
Investor Profile
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan has backed more than 20 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 6 rounds, about 30% of its total and boasts 33 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series C, Series Unknown, Corporate Round rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Big Data, Data Management.
- Typical check size: $50M – $500M.
Stage Focus
- Series C (30%)
- Series Unknown (25%)
- Corporate Round (15%)
- Series A (10%)
- Series E (5%)
- Post Ipo Equity (5%)
- Series B (5%)
- Series D (5%)
Country Focus
- Japan (65%)
- United States (35%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Big Data
- Data Management
- Manufacturing
- Medical
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Cloud Storage
- Data Center
- Data Storage
- Analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
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