Investor Profile: JIC Venture Growth Investments — Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

Who is JIC Venture Growth Investments?

JIC Venture Growth Investments Co., Ltd. (JIC VGI) is the venture capital arm of the Japan Investment Corporation (JIC) group. JIC itself is an Authorized Corporation under Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), created in 2018 to take over the mandate of the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). JIC VGI was established in July 2020 as the group's dedicated startup investor, headquartered in Toranomon, Tokyo.

Investment thesis

JIC VGI exists to supply patient risk capital where private markets underinvest. Its mission is to foster innovation through venture and growth investments that improve Japan's international competitiveness and resolve industrial and social issues. It targets venture companies in all industrial fields, with emphasis on deep tech and life sciences, which need long-horizon money from the early stage through to the aftermarket. It also works as a catalyst, using government-backed networks with ministries, universities, large companies and overseas funds to create deals and add value.

Sectors and stages

The firm invests across stages, from early-stage venture to growth, and across sectors: deep tech, life sciences, healthcare, quantum and other next-generation industries. Its policy pillars are strengthening industrial competitiveness, solving social and industrial issues, promoting open innovation, and deepening Japan's risk-capital supply.

Cheque size and fund size

JIC VGI invests through JIC Venture Growth Fund I, with approximately JPY 120 billion in capital, and JIC Venture Growth Fund II, with approximately JPY 200 billion, figures stated in the company's July 2026 investment announcement. That is roughly JPY 320 billion (about USD 2.1 billion) of firepower, making it one of the largest venture investors in Japan. Individual cheque sizes are not publicly disclosed.

Notable portfolio and activity

In July 2026 JIC VGI made its first quantum computing hardware investment, joining Toyota Invention Partners in the seed extension of Yaqumo, the Japanese neutral-atom quantum computer startup previously backed by Quantonation and Alumni Ventures. The wider JIC group also acts as a limited partner: it committed USD 50 million to a General Atlantic growth fund and JPY 2 billion to the Red No. 1 Healthcare fund managed by Red Capital.

Key people

Hideki Yarimizu is CEO and Tomohiro Tange is CIO, with Toshiyuki Kumura (CIO of JIC) and Kazuaki Osumi (CSO of JIC) on the board.

Programs, credits and perks

JIC VGI runs no public accelerator and lists no startup credits. Its distinctive perk is access: a government-backed network spanning ministries, public institutions, corporates, universities, local governments and overseas funds, plus hands-on value creation through deal sourcing and industry collaboration.

How to apply for funding

There is no public application form for JIC Venture Growth Investments. Founders typically reach the team through introductions from co-investors, corporates or public-sector partners. Life-science founders may also note the published contact email [email protected].