Tokyo, Japan – July 11, 2025 – The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC), one of Japan's premier science & technology venture capital (VC) firms, has raised its sixth fund, UTEC 6, with a size of JPY 47 billion (approximately USD 326 million). With the launch of UTEC 6, the firm has surpassed USD 1 billion in total assets under management (AUM), reinforcing its position as Japan's largest science & technology-focused VC firm—and one of the most prominent in Asia. UTEC 6 is purpose-built to realize the vision of creating globally competitive, multi-billion-dollar startups with Japan's scientific and industrial excellence at their core.

Founded in 2004, UTEC is an independent VC firm that collaborates closely with leading universities in Japan and around the world—including its namesake, The University of Tokyo. Over the past two decades, UTEC has invested in more than 150 startups, resulting in 20 IPOs and 22 M&A exits including standout successes such as PeptiDream and Mujin. Through these accomplishments, UTEC has played a pioneering role in establishing science & technology VC as a distinct asset class in Japan and across Asia. UTEC is backed by a distinguished base of Japanese and Global institutional Limited Partners (LPs), including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies, and asset managers.

Japan is a global powerhouse in science & technology, with the Tokyo region alone accounting for approximately 10% of global Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications—by far the highest concentration worldwide. In parallel, cumulative funding raised by Japanese startups has grown tenfold over the past decade. In recent years, there has been a clear trend towards the globalization of Japanese startups, with many—including those in UTEC's own portfolio—expanding into global markets.

“To further accelerate the growth of cross-border startups, UTEC 6 will make larger investments ranging from USD 10 million to 20 million per company,” said Tomotaka Goji, Managing Partner, and CEO of UTEC. Staying true to its DNA, UTEC will remain a seed-and-lead investor, with a strong focus on three domains: Healthcare and Life Sciences, Information Technology, and Physical Sciences and Engineering. 

UTEC partners with startups both in Japan and across the globe—including in the United States, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. “At UTEC, we seek out innovative startups tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as labor shortages, aging populations, and the digitization of legacy industries,” said Noriaki Sakamoto, Managing Partner and COO of UTEC

Drawing on two decades of deep-tech investing experience, UTEC's investment approach is anchored in three core principles: a) backing transformative science and technology, b) supporting bold, resolute founders and entrepreneurs, and c) targeting cross-border markets that address humanity's greatest challenges.

UTEC's edge as a hands-on, value-added investor includes comprehensive support to science & technology startups at every stage of their journey:

• Long-term commitment—providing support from pre-incorporation through IPOs and M&A exits.

• A bidirectional innovation model—helping Japanese startups expand globally while also bringing global innovation into Japan.

• Strategic partnerships—facilitating collaborations with large corporations to unlock commercial opportunities and R&D synergies.

• Proactive governance support—enhancing oversight and risk management by helping startups appoint independent directors and auditors. 

About UTEC: The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) is one of Japan's leading science & technology venture capital firms, founded in 2004. With over USD 1 billion in assets under management across six funds, UTEC invests in transformative startups at the intersection of science, technology, and global markets. The firm has backed more than 150 companies, resulting in 20 IPOs and 22 M&A exits.

For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.ut-ec.co.jp/english/ 

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