UB Ventures establishes 10 Billion Yen innovation-focused fund for depopulating society

UB Ventures has established the UBV Fund-II Investment Limited Partnership, aimed at investing in startups addressing challenges in legacy industries due to the declining working-age population. With investments from financial institutions nationwide as well as overseas companies, the Fund raised significantly more than the initial target, reaching approximately 10 billion yen in total committed capital. Fundraising activities will continue toward the final close.

Key Features of UBV Fund-II

Investing in Innovation Companies Solving Social Issues from Declining Working Population

UB Ventures’ corporate mission is “A 100-year VC by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.” Since the launch of Fund I in 2018, it has expanded its investment activities and business growth support from SaaS and subscription model startups to media, IoT, and metaverse domains.

Japan is facing serious issues of population decline and aging society. The working-age population (aged 15–64) was over 86 million in 2010 but is projected to decline to around 67 million by 2030 and 44 million by 2060. These issues could lead to economic stagnation, instability in social security systems, and depopulation of regional cities, requiring innovative solutions across various sectors.

This new fund will invest in next-generation startups solving social challenges arising from Japan’s declining working population under the investment policy of “Investing in Innovation Companies in a Depopulating Society.” Leveraging its SaaS expertise, UB Ventures will drive digital transformation in Japan’s legacy industries to improve productivity per capita, contributing to economic growth and a sustainable society.

Investments from Domestic and Overseas Investors

The Fund received investments from financial institutions nationwide, including nine regional banks. By combining regional strengths with startups, it aims to improve productivity per capita in legacy industries across Japan amidst the declining working population challenge.

Additionally, an LP investment from Wise Cap Limited Company, a 100% subsidiary of Wistron Corporation, a major global ICT product supplier, is the first of its kind in Japan. This is expected to strengthen domestic startups’ connections with overseas networks and contribute significantly to the development of Japan’s AI industry.

Investor List

• FFG Venture Business Partners
• Independent Administrative Agency Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act
• Saga Bank
• San-in Godo Bank
• SBI Sumishin Net Bank
• Shikoku Bank
• Shizuoka Bank
• SMBC Nikko Securities
• Tokyo Tomin Bank
• Tosan Corporation
• UzaBase
• Wise Cap Limited Company
• Yamaguchi Bank
• Other financial institutions and individual investors

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