KDDI Open Innovation Fund

KDDI Open Innovation Fund is a corporate venture capital fund managed by Global Brain Corporation, focusing on investing in startups that have the potential to become seeds for KDDI's new business ventures, particularly in fields such as AI and DeepTech. The fund aims to contribute to the development of Japan's startup ecosystem and support the business growth of portfolio companies, with the goal of creating Japanese unicorn companies and accelerating KDDI's business growth.

Established in April 2025, KDDI Open Innovation Fund V has a planned fund size of JPY 5 billion and a term of 10 years. The fund targets startups with the potential to become seeds for KDDI's new business ventures, particularly in fields such as AI and DeepTech. The fund aims to contribute to the development of Japan's startup ecosystem and support the business growth of portfolio companies, with the goal of creating Japanese unicorn companies and accelerating KDDI's business growth.

KDDI Open Innovation Fund has invested in 153 startups as of September 24, 2025, including companies such as SKY FARM, Inc., 10X, Inc., RLWRLD Inc. (Korea), MODE, Inc. (US), Bounce, Inc. (US), QunaSys Inc., Groq, Inc. (US), THINKR inc., DATAMESH PTE. LTD. (Singapore), and UTAITE Co., Ltd. The fund has invested in a wide range of fields based on KDDI's expertise in business and technologies, including AI, IoT, Data Marketing, FinTech, B2B SaaS, and entertainment, to support promising startups.

Through its investment activities, KDDI Open Innovation Fund aims to promote business co-creation with startups by leveraging various KDDI group resources and business collaborations in a wide range of areas. The fund seeks to create new business models together with customers and partners, contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem and the development of innovative services and products.

KDDI Open Innovation Fund is managed by Global Brain Corporation, a venture capital firm established in January 1998, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm specializes in venture capital investments and has a strong track record in supporting startups across various stages and industries.

Through its investments, KDDI Open Innovation Fund continues to support the growth of the next generation of startup companies, aiming to create new business models and contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem in Japan and beyond.