Kyoto University Innovation Capital

Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. was established in December 2014 with 100% investment from the National University Corporation, Kyoto University. It is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in startup companies that leverage the advanced research achievements of national universities, including Kyoto University, a world-class research institution. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of next-generation industries.

A statement from a certain researcher remains vivid in my memory: “While there have been startup companies utilizing research results that I poured my heart into, many of them were overseas companies, with very few examples of Japanese companies.” In recent years, expectations for university-based startups have increased, and the number of excellent startup companies utilizing university research achievements in Japan has also increased. Considering the level and depth of academic research in Japan, we believe there should be even more entrepreneurial opportunities (seeds) at universities. Therefore, our company not only focuses on “discovering investment opportunities” but also devotes itself to “supporting entrepreneurship based on university research seeds” and is committed to creating university-based startups.

In January 2016, we established the Innovation Kyoto 2016 Investment Limited Partnership (1st Fund); with the support of business corporations, financial institutions, and private venture capital firms, we have been actively engaged in financing start-ups, creating carve-out ventures in collaborations with large companies and investing in overseas start-ups. With the establishment of the Innovation Kyoto 2021 Investment Limited Partnership (2nd Fund) in January 2021, it became possible to, under certain conditions, invest in startup companies originating from national universities other than Kyoto University. Through such investments, we aim to share the expertise we have cultivated and contribute to uplifting the overall ecosystem of university-based startups not only at Kyoto University but also at other national universities.

However, carrying out these activities independently poses a challenge for our company. Therefore, we strongly feel that increased support from everyone is more necessary now than ever before. For this reason, we sincerely appreciate your continued guidance and encouragement.