Sony Ventures Corporation ("SVC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation ("the Sony Group") has completed the first closing of its new fund, Sony Innovation Fund 3 L.P. ("SIF3"), targeting 25 Billion Yen. SMBC Group1, Mizuho Group2, Daiwa Securities Group3, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited., The Bank of Yokohama, Ltd., The Shiga Bank, Ltd., Koei Tecmo Group4, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., a university, and the Sony Group are amongst the limited partners. SVC was established in July 2021 and manages Sony Innovation Fund, which invests in all stages of emerging technology companies as well as in startups solving global environmental challenges.

The Sony Group has long participated in the global ecosystem for creating new businesses and supporting the business growth of innovative venture-backed companies. The Sony Group led these investment activities through Sony Innovation Fund (established 2016), Sony Innovation Fund by IGV (2019), a joint venture with Daiwa Capital Holdings Co., Ltd., Sony Innovation Fund: Environment (2020), and now SIF3 (2022). These funds, collectively referred to as Sony Innovation Fund, are managed by SVC and account for nearly 60 Billion Yen of capital commitments.

"Sony is committed to fostering new businesses and promoting open innovation," said Toshimoto Mitomo, Executive Vice President of Sony Group Corporation. "Since the launch of our first fund, our venture investment activities have grown steadily, which is why we have established Sony Ventures Corporation. We are confident that this investment activity will make a solid contribution to Sony and the technology ecosystems it supports."

"We actively foster entrepreneurs and startups that lead the creation of next generation technologies, promote open innovation, and contribute to the global environment and social development through our corporate venture capital activities," said Gen Tsuchikawa, CEO of Sony Ventures Corporation. "Sony Ventures Corporation will not only invest in emerging technology sectors and high-growth startups, but will further strengthen its ESG initiatives and eagerly support its portfolio companies."

• 1Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and SMBC Nikko Securities Inc.
• 2Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and Mizuho Leasing Company, Limited.
• 3Daiwa VC Accelerator L.P.
• 4Koei Tecmo Capital Co., Ltd.

The Sony Group has vast experience and resources from its operating and investment teams globally. Sony and SVC will continue to utilize these capabilities to engage with pioneering startups to help fuel the development of disruptive technologies, launch new businesses, and support ESG investing while maintaining a focus on return on investment.

Company Profile

• Company name:
  Sony Ventures Corporation
• Headquarters location:
  1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Board member:
  Representative Director, Gen Tsuchikawa
• Founded:
  July 1, 2021
• Shareholders:
  Sony Group Corporation 100%

• ※This press release is not intended to provide investment management services or solicit specific investment products by the Sony Group. In addition, the Sony Group does not solicit the above funds, etc. through this press release.