
SBI Investment
Description
SBI Investment is a prominent venture capital firm based in Minato, Japan, operating as a core subsidiary of the larger SBI Holdings financial services group. Renowned for its extensive reach and strategic investments, the firm plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and growth across various high-potential sectors. SBI Investment's mandate is broad, encompassing support for private venture companies from their nascent stages through to public offerings, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its portfolio.
The firm strategically focuses its investments on disruptive technologies and emerging industries, with a strong emphasis on IT, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Biotechnology, and Healthcare. SBI Investment is known for managing a diverse array of specialized funds, including dedicated vehicles like the SBI AI & Blockchain Fund and the SBI FinTech Fund, which underscore its targeted approach to specific technological advancements. This specialized fund structure allows them to provide tailored support and leverage deep industry expertise for their portfolio companies.
With substantial capital under management, SBI Investment is a significant player in the global VC landscape. As of March 31, 2023, the firm's total Assets Under Management (AUM) stood at approximately JPY 1.3 trillion, equating to roughly $8.5 billion USD, showcasing its considerable financial capacity. Their investment strategy involves deploying capital across various stages, from early-stage seed and Series A rounds to later-stage growth and pre-IPO financing. For instance, their "SBI 4&5 Investment Limited Partnership" fund alone commanded JPY 100 billion (approximately $670 million USD), indicating their ability to lead or significantly participate in large funding rounds. This robust financial backing enables SBI Investment to provide substantial first checks and subsequent follow-on investments, supporting the sustained development and scaling of innovative enterprises.
Investor Profile
SBI Investment has backed more than 114 startups, with 21 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 36 rounds, about 32% of its total and boasts 48 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, FinTech, Information Technology.
- Led 7 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $500K – $20M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (32%)
- Series A (22%)
- Series Unknown (17%)
- Series C (16%)
- Seed (8%)
- Series D (3%)
- Post Ipo Equity (1%)
- Corporate Round (1%)
- Series F (1%)
- Pre Seed (1%)
Country Focus
- Japan (54%)
- United States (13%)
- United Kingdom (9%)
- Germany (6%)
- India (5%)
- Nigeria (4%)
- Switzerland (3%)
- South Korea (3%)
- Kenya (2%)
- Taiwan (1%)
Industry Focus
- Financial Services
- Fintech
- Information Technology
- Software
- Payments
- Internet
- Finance
- Blockchain
- Health Care
- Consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
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