Tokyo- and US-based venture investor DNX Ventures has raised $243 million for two new funds, while Japan’s Crowd Credit has partnered with Singapore fintech firm Helicap to invest up to $50 million in Southeast Asian startups.
DNX Ventures raises $243m for two new venture funds
DNX Ventures, a Silicon Valley- and Tokyo-based venture capital firm, has raised $243 million for its two new Japan-focused funds.
The firm, which invests in B2B startups in the US and Japan, said it raised $188 million for Japan Fund IV and another $55 million for Japan Annex Fund III.
The funds will focus on nurturing startups in Japan, with the potential inclusion of select ventures within the broader Asia region. The funds secured commitments from global investors including Morgan Stanley Investment Management PE Solutions and Atinum Investment.
To date, DNX Ventures has invested in more than 190 startups and led the exits of 23 companies through eight funds totaling approximately $750 million.
Japan’s Crowd Credit partners with Singapore’s Helicap
Singapore fintech firm Helicap and Japanese financial services company Crowd Credit have teamed up to invest up to $50 million in Southeast Asia.
The partnership will see Crowd Credit introducing potential Japanese investors to Helicap and aiming to raise funds from these investors. On the other hand, Helicap will help facilitate introductions between potential borrowers in the region and Crowd Credit through its deal platform.
The Singapore-based fintech platform, which operates in the alternative lending market, will also provide Crowd Credit with access to its proprietary credit analytics platform.
“This partnership will allow us to expand our investor base and provide Japanese investors with access to a growing market with stable returns,” said Helicap co-founder David Z Wang.
In February, Helicap announced its partnership with Bank Danamon to support startups operating in Indonesia’s fintech and alternative lending industry.