Shizuoka Capital

Shizuoka Capital Co., Ltd. is a dedicated venture capital arm and a consolidated subsidiary of Shizuoka Bank, one of Japan's prominent regional financial institutions. Established with a clear mission to invigorate regional economies and foster the growth of innovative enterprises, Shizuoka Capital serves as a pivotal component of the bank's comprehensive strategy for community development and industrial promotion.

The firm's investment strategy is primarily centered on managing various funds designed to stimulate economic activity, particularly within Shizuoka Prefecture and its surrounding regions. While maintaining a strong local focus, Shizuoka Capital also actively seeks out promising investment opportunities across Japan. Their investment scope is broad, encompassing companies at different stages of development, from nascent startups requiring seed capital to more established growth-stage businesses looking for expansion funding. They prioritize sectors that contribute to regional revitalization, technological advancement, and the creation of new business models.

Shizuoka Capital manages several significant funds, demonstrating its commitment to long-term investment in sustainable growth. Notable examples include the "Shizugin Regional Revitalization Fund," which was established in 2014 with a capital of JPY 3 billion (approximately $20 million), and the more recent "Shizugin Growth Strategy Fund," launched in 2020 with a substantial JPY 5 billion (approximately $33 million). The Growth Strategy Fund, for instance, aims to deploy capital into approximately 20 companies over its ten-year lifespan, suggesting an average investment size of around JPY 250 million (roughly $1.7 million) per portfolio company.

While specific first check sizes can vary based on the company's stage and capital requirements, Shizuoka Capital typically provides initial investments ranging from several hundred thousand dollars for early-stage ventures to a few million dollars for more mature, growth-oriented businesses. Beyond financial capital, the firm leverages Shizuoka Bank's extensive network, industry expertise, and regional connections to offer strategic support, aiming to contribute significantly to the long-term success and regional impact of its portfolio companies.