UTokyo IPC Invests as an LP in the “UTEC 6 Limited Partnership”
PrintThe Academic Startup Acceleration Fund (ASA Fund), operated by UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kosuke Ueda), has invested as a Limited Partner (LP) in the “UTEC 6 Limited Partnership” (hereinafter “UTEC 6 Fund”) managed by The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Managing Partner, CEO and President: Tomotaka Goji, hereinafter “UTEC”).
Global Investment and Cross-Border Support Rooted in Japan
UTEC is a seed/early-stage venture capital firm established in 2004. Since its inception, UTEC has been at the forefront of commercializing academic research from the University of Tokyo and other institutions. Leveraging a strong global network that spans universities, research institutions, and startups both in Japan and abroad, UTEC has invested in approximately 150 deep-tech startups to date, providing robust support that bridges Japan and the global market.
The newly launched UTEC 6 Fund will support startups from inception through IPO or M&A, offering continuous and hands-on support. In addition to backing the global expansion of science and technology originating in Japan, it will also promote the social implementation of international innovations within Japan—contributing in both directions to solving global and societal challenges.
Rationale for Investment
UTokyo IPC highly values UTEC’s strong track record in deep-tech investment, its strong capabilities in science- and technology-driven business development, and its proactive cross-border initiatives in collaboration with overseas ecosystems. We have made this LP investment with the strong expectation that UTEC’s efforts will contribute to the strengthening of Japan’s university startup ecosystem.
Comment from Managing Partner, CEO and President Tomotaka Goji, The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd.
UTEC has actively collaborated with UTokyo IPC through initiatives such as participation in the 1stRound program and co-investments in startups originating from the University of Tokyo.
With UTokyo IPC’s LP investment in UTEC6, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership to support startups from academia.
Comment from Managing Partner, COO and Representative Director Noriaki Sakamoto, The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd.
We have lots of regular communication with UTokyo IPC in the same building, having several co-investments. For example, we have co-invested in Alumnote, starting with a project at the University of Tokyo, where we had discussions and overcame difficult times together, and they are now working with more than 100 Japanese universities. We are looking forward to deepening and accelerating our collaboration through this investment.
Future Collaboration
Through this LP investment in the UTEC 6 Fund, UTokyo IPC aims to further deepen our collaboration with UTEC, and together accelerate the development of university-launched startups and the broader startup ecosystem in Japan.
About the ASA Fund: Building a World-Class Ecosystem for University Startups in Japan
The Academic Startup Acceleration Fund (ASA Fund) addresses key challenges in Japan’s university startup ecosystem. By strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, government, and international partners, the fund aims to elevate Japan’s university startup ecosystem to a world-class level. Through this initiative, we seek to foster unicorn startups capable of competing on a global scale and contribute to strengthening Japan’s industrial competitiveness.
As a Fund of Funds, ASA identifies and invests in university-related VC funds that support the commercialization of promising technologies originating from academic institutions. It aims to discover, support, and scale science- and technology-based startups globally.
About The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (UTEC)
Business: Venture capital fund management operation through investment activities in venture companies that utilize the technology and human resources of universities and research institutions such as the University of Tokyo
Established: April 2004
Location: Entrepreneur Lab 3F, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Managing Partner, CEO and President Tomotaka Goji
Managing Partner, COO and Representative Director Noriaki Sakamoto
Website: https://www.ut-ec.co.jp/