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Keio Innovation Initiative
Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) is an impact-oriented venture capital firm focused on deep tech. It bridges academia and business to support the commercial...
Keio Innovation Initiative
Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) is an impact-oriented venture capital firm focused on deep tech. It bridges academia and business to support the commercial growth and social implementation of technologies and inventions born in university laboratories. From its second fund onward, its support has expanded beyond Keio University to various R&D-driven ventures. Team members with diverse backgrounds help refine businesses from the seed stage through post-IPO.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
2015
Location
Region
Asia
Country
Japan
City
Tokyo
Corporate office
Tokyo, Japan
Principals
Kohei Itoh
President
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does KII source its deal flow?
KII benefits from proprietary access to Keio University's research pipeline, including spinouts and licensing opportunities from its engineering, medical, and science faculties. This embedded position means many portfolio prospects reach the firm before circulating broadly among outside VCs.
What investment stages does KII target?
KII focuses on early-stage companies, including seed and start-up rounds, and makes selective expansion-stage investments. The firm's strategy prioritizes ventures that can leverage Keio's research infrastructure during the R&D-intensive phases of company building.
Which sectors define KII's portfolio?
KII targets deep-tech sectors aligned with Keio University's research strengths, including life sciences, robotics, advanced materials, AI and machine learning, and enterprise software. Its portfolio is shaped by the academic disciplines where Keio holds a competitive advantage.
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