Mirai Creation Fund

Mirai Creation Fund is a prominent Japanese venture capital fund, established through a strategic collaboration between SoftBank Group, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). Launched in 2015, the fund is managed by SPARX Group Co., Ltd., a leading independent asset management firm. Its inception marked a significant effort by major Japanese corporations to foster innovation and invest in cutting-edge technologies globally. The fund aims to support companies that are developing disruptive technologies and business models, aligning with the long-term strategic interests of its corporate limited partners.

The fund's investment thesis centers on technologies poised to shape the future, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, smart mobility, and hydrogen energy. Mirai Creation Fund I, launched in 2015, successfully closed at ¥105 billion, equivalent to approximately $1 billion USD, and has since invested in over 60 companies worldwide. Building on this success, Mirai Creation Fund II was established in 2020, reaching a substantial ¥200 billion, or roughly $2 billion USD. This second fund continues to target companies across various stages, from promising early-stage startups to more mature growth-stage enterprises, seeking to scale their innovative solutions globally.

Mirai Creation Fund is known for its strategic approach, often providing not just capital but also access to the extensive networks and expertise of its corporate backers. While specific check sizes can vary significantly depending on the stage and needs of the portfolio company, the fund typically participates in rounds ranging from Series A to pre-IPO. Given the substantial capital under management, initial investments generally fall within the multi-million dollar range, reflecting their capacity to lead or co-lead significant funding rounds. The fund's global mandate allows it to seek out pioneering companies beyond Japan, fostering a diverse portfolio that reflects the worldwide advancements in its core technology areas.

The fund's long-term vision is to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and technologically advanced future by backing companies that can bring about transformative change. Its unique structure, combining the financial prowess of a major bank with the technological foresight of leading automotive and tech conglomerates, positions Mirai Creation Fund as a powerful and strategic investor in the global venture landscape. They seek to identify and nurture ventures that can leverage their deep industry insights and market access, aiming for substantial returns while also driving technological progress.