What is Minerva Growth Partners' new fund targeting?

Minerva Growth Partners' new fund is targeting late-stage startups in Japan.

How much capital has Minerva Growth Partners secured so far?

Minerva Growth Partners has secured approximately 7 billion yen at its first close.

Who are the backers of Minerva's second fund?

Backers include the state-backed Japan Investment Corp, among others.

Home / Business and Economy / Minerva Growth Raises 7 Billion Yen for Startup Fund

Minerva Growth Raises 7 Billion Yen for Startup Fund

14 Jan

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Summary

Minerva Growth Partners secured 7 billion yen for its second fund.
The fund aims to invest in late-stage startups.
Japan Investment Corp is among the backers of the new fund.

Minerva Growth Raises 7 Billion Yen for Startup Fund

Minerva Growth Partners has achieved a first close of around 7 billion yen for its second investment fund, which targets late-stage startups. The firm's ultimate goal for this fund is to raise approximately 20 billion yen in total. Prominent investors include the state-backed Japan Investment Corp, indicating strategic support for the venture.

The Japanese market has historically faced a deficit in late-stage funding, a challenge often cited for pushing startups towards initial public offerings (IPOs) at smaller valuations. This new fund by Minerva aims to alleviate that pressure by providing crucial capital for growth.

Minerva, established in 2020 by former Morgan Stanley banker Kensuke Murashima and ex-Mercari CFO Kei Nagasawa, has a history of supporting Japanese startups. Their first fund, launched in 2020 with 19.2 billion yen, successfully invested in companies like Infcurion, which later went public.