Asahi Kasei

Asahi Kasei, a global diversified chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, actively engages in venture capital through its dedicated Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm, Asahi Kasei Corporate Ventures (AKCV). Established in 2017, AKCV was founded with a strategic intent to foster open innovation and identify disruptive technologies and business models that align with Asahi Kasei's core competencies and future growth areas. The CVC arm seeks to create new businesses and enhance existing ones by collaborating with innovative startups globally.

AKCV initially launched with a fund commitment of 5 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to approximately $45 million USD at the time. Demonstrating its continued commitment to external innovation, Asahi Kasei announced a second fund, Asahi Kasei Corporate Ventures 2 (AKCV2), in 2021, significantly increasing its investment capacity with a commitment of 10 billion Japanese Yen, or roughly $90 million USD. These funds are strategically deployed across three primary sectors: healthcare, materials, and housing. Within these areas, AKCV focuses on emerging technologies such as advanced materials, sustainable solutions, digital health, and smart home technologies.

Asahi Kasei Corporate Ventures invests in startups ranging from seed to growth stages, typically participating in rounds that allow for meaningful strategic collaboration and potential integration with Asahi Kasei's vast resources and market reach. The CVC's investment philosophy emphasizes long-term partnerships, aiming to provide not just capital but also technical expertise, market access, and operational support to its portfolio companies. This approach underscores Asahi Kasei's commitment to driving innovation and addressing global challenges through strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies.