Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Keisuke Honda
Keisuke Honda, a former Japanese national soccer star, has achieved yet another success off the field. His venture capital fund, X&KSK Fund, has raised an impressive $98 million (approximately ¥15.3 billion). The fund aims to support tech startups focusing on artificial intelligence and innovative business technologies.
Business Leaders Among Investors
Among more than 20 investors backing Honda’s fund are leading Japanese financial firms such as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., Nomura Holdings, and SBI Holdings. Notably, SBI Holdings and SBI Shinsei Bank have collectively invested ¥2 billion, making them the fund’s largest shareholders.
Shohei Yamada, a partner at SBI Investment, highlighted that the goal of this investment is to expand its network of international investors and promote Japanese startups. In Japan, where the number of so-called “unicorn” companies—those valued at over $1 billion—remains limited, this initiative represents a significant step forward for the local startup ecosystem. (Source: Bloomberg, Japan Times)
Honda’s Visionary Investment Keisuke Honda Startups
Keisuke Honda, known for his stellar performances at CSKA Moscow, AC Milan, and three consecutive World Cups, has been expanding his business ventures. Together with American actor Will Smith, he co-founded Dreamers VC. His goal is to create a "decacorn"—a private company valued at over $10 billion—in Japan. Honda is particularly focused on firms involved in artificial intelligence and cutting-edge business strategies.
“I’m aware that creating a decacorn in Japan is a very difficult challenge, but considering what the Japanese have already achieved, I believe it is possible,” Honda said in an email interview. (Source: Japan Times)
The former AC Milan midfielder acknowledged that his fame as a former soccer player provides him access to lucrative investment opportunities. He also noted that in Japan, celebrities are often hesitant to openly discuss their investments, which contrasts with their counterparts in the U.S.
Supporting Japanese Startups
While the number of startups in Japan continues to grow, the country still lags behind in producing unicorn companies. According to a report from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the development of startups requires greater access to substantial funding. In 2022, Japanese startups raised a record ¥978.2 billion, but this amount dropped to ¥803.9 billion in the following year. Despite the decline, this still represents a fivefold increase compared to 2014. (Source: Bloomberg)
The X&KSK Fund aims to support innovative projects and foster future-forward technologies. This initiative is a milestone not only for Keisuke Honda but also for Japan’s burgeoning startup scene, injecting new energy into its growth.
Sources: Bloomberg, Japan Times
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