Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd

About Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd

Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (KYOTO-iCAP) was founded in December 2014 as a wholly owned investment firm of Kyoto University. Our venture fund mainly invests in start-ups and early-stage ventures, which endeavor to commercialize knowledge generated by the University’s researchers. It also pursues a “hands-on approach” including providing assistance in designing a business and development plan. Kyoto University, located in Kyoto City, Japan, is one of the highest-ranked national universities in Asia. It is also known as a faculty that produces many world-class researchers. KYOTO-iCAP plays a key role in the University’s technology commercialization process. In recent years, you are witnessing the rise of the“patient capital fund” such as a university venture fund (UVF). Sometimes, disruptive inventions take too long to enter the market. Patient capital funds generated by universities can withstand such a long-term venture investment. KYOTO-iCAP launched “INNOVATION Kyoto 2016 Limited Liability Partnership” as a UVF, which means that it seeks to facilitate social innovation based on research outcomes from the University. Our UVF is the first full-fledged patient capital fund in Japan, which can invest for more than 15 years. We are ready to support ambitious entrepreneurs who commit themselves to make a difference through the commercialization of university technology. We also strive to generate investment opportunities for private equity investors, including other venture capital firms, and business corporations. Beyond traditional capital, we strive to generate innovation capital.