Vertex Ventures Japan (VVJ) announced the first closing of its inaugural fund, Vertex Ventures Japan Fund I (VVJFI), targeting 10 billion yen (US$66.8 million).

Backed by Vertex Holdings – a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings – it aims to help Japanese startups expand globally, focusing on sectors such as deep tech, AI, digital transformation, and the creator economy.

VVJ will leverage the Vertex global platform to connect Japanese startups with innovation hubs in Southeast Asia, India, the US, Israel, and China.

Alongside the fund launch, VVJ has appointed Naonori Kurokawa as general partner and Akiko Kihara as venture partner.

The leadership team – including managing partner Takashi Tomita and investment committee chairmen Chua Kee Lock and Chua Taik Him – will provide strategic guidance to support startups in capital allocation, business growth, and market entry.