Investment

INVESTMENT

Focus

From basic research to commercialization

In close collaboration with Kyoto University, other Japan's national Universityies and other stakeholders,
we provide hands-on with proactive support for them to make the transition from basic research to commercialization relatively easily.
Our support to start-ups includes the following:

*Researchers who would like to discuss entrepreneurship, or have questions about investment, please let us know using the contact form.

Consultation on company establishment / Search for management personnel / Introduction and matching of Kyoto University research results / Support for preparation of business plans and capital policies / Management support by dispatching outside directors, etc.

Consultation on company establishment / Search for management personnel / Introduction and matching of Kyoto University research results / Support for preparation of business plans and capital policies / Management support by dispatching outside directors, etc.

Finance support through introductions to private VC and financial institutions / Support for developing suppliers and sales partners / Introduction of advisors for IP, legal, accounting, and taxation matters / Support for developing strategic alliances and EXIT partners / Support for M&A and IPO preparations, etc.

Finance support through introductions to private VC and financial institutions / Support for developing suppliers and sales partners / Introduction of advisors for IP, legal, accounting, and taxation matters / Support for developing strategic alliances and EXIT partners / Support for M&A and IPO preparations, etc.

Investment in a spin-off of Japan's national University’s research outcome

This is a case in which a researcher alone or a researcher and an entrepreneur proceed to establish a venture company based on the results of Japan's national University’s research. Kyoto-iCAP provides consultation on the establishment of the company, searches for management personnel, and supports the preparation of a business plan and capital policy, etc., before investing capital after the company is established. In such cases, Kyoto-iCAP dispatches outside directors and provides financial support through introductions to private VCs.

Investe Support - Incubation Support
Investee support - equity and hands-on support

Investment in a spin-off of collaborative research by Japan's national Universities and corporation

This is a case in which Japan's national Universities and a company are proceeding with the establishment of a venture based on joint research. Kyoto-iCAP provides consultation on the establishment of the venture, support for the preparation of a business plan and capital policy, and other services, and then invests in the venture in the form of a joint venture with a company. In such cases, Kyoto-iCAP provides management support by dispatching outside directors and financial support by introducing private VCs.

Investment in ventures established based on joint research results between Kyoto University and companies - Consultation on commercialization of joint research
Investment in ventures established based on joint research results between Kyoto University and companies - equity participation and hands-on support

Investment in a start-up utilizing research outcomes of Japan's national Universities

This is a case in which Japan's national University’s research results are matched with venture companies that have technological issues, and capital is invested in venture companies that utilize Japan's national University’s knowledge. The investment is made after determining that the use of research results will promote the growth of the venture company, that it is expected to create new social value, and that the use of the results will contribute to the advancement of academic research. In such cases, we will dispatch outside directors and provide financial support through introductions to private VC firms.
In such cases, we will dispatch outside directors and provide financial support through introductions to private VC firms.

Investment matching Kyoto University's research results with venture companies and entrepreneurs - Agriculture-academia collaboration (matching) commercialization consultation
Investment matching Kyoto University's research results with venture and entrepreneurial companies - capital investment and hands-on support

Investment Policy

  • We specialize in seed and early-stage investment, which traditional venture capitalists (VCs) find hard to make.
  • As the manager of a patient capital fund, KYOTO-iCAP keeps supporting you closely so that you can achieve the milestones that have been designed and agreed upon among us
  • In the case of a single investment prior to private VC, the investment will be made in a scheme that facilitates investment from private VC in subsequent stages.
  • We are open to a variety of co-investments with other VCs, banks, and business corporations, among other related entities.
  • We do not set limits on the percentage of voting rights in our portfolio companies and will be flexible.
  • We respect the spirit of ESG investment and the SDGs.

Investment Target

We provide investment and other support to companies that aim to commercialize the knowledge (including research results and technologies) of researchers at Kyoto University and other national universities.
Further details are provided below:

  • The utilization of research outcomes is expected to enhance social value, such as by the creation of new markets and new jobs.
  • The business contributes to the development of academic research in Japan.
  • The business is expected to contribute to the improvement of academic research at Japan's national University.
  • The business is expected to fulfill social demands and add new value, such as productivity improvement, to the national economy.
  • The commercialization of technology, or knowhow, is scheduled to materialize within 5 to 10 years so that we can expect, with a reasonable chance of success, the recovery of investment before the fund matures.
  • Cooperation with the private sector, etc., for the commercialization of the research results, such as through the provision of funds from the private sector, etc., in cooperation with the private sector, etc.

(In principle, knowledge belonging solely to students and graduates is not eligible.)

Researchers who would like to discuss starting a business,
Or any questions about the investment,
Please contact us from below.

Contact UsCONTACT

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Inquiry Form