Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) has signed an agreement to invest in Airbus Ventures Fund III LP ("the Fund"), a venture capital fund newly launched by Airbus Ventures, together with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited and Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd.
DBJ has been supporting the growth of the Japanese aviation industry by providing loan and equity finance for more than 40 years. In order to further expand its activities to include the space industry, DBJ established its Aerospace Office in April 2017 and has been actively promoting the development of the Japanese space industry, conducting research and providing finance to enhance its competitiveness.
Airbus Ventures, the manager of the Fund, was established in 2015 by Airbus S.E., the leading company in the aerospace industry, in an attempt to search for and invest in early- to growth-stage start-up companies which possess disruptive technologies with potential to bring significant change into the industry. Its investment scope includes, but is not limited to, technologies in autonomous mobility, electrification, next-generation computing, advanced materials, and other various sectors. Airbus Ventures invests globally in these sectors, capitalizing on its deep knowledge in advanced technologies; close relationships with various venture firms, mainly located in Silicon Valley; and proactive value-adding activities for its portfolio companies, utilizing the dense networks of Airbus and its group companies. Eyeing Japan as a core base in the Asia Pacific region, Airbus Ventures is setting up an office in Tokyo and actively looking for investment opportunities in Japanese start-up companies that need support for the overseas expansion of their business.
Through its investment in the Fund in line with the global wave of innovation, DBJ aims to obtain advanced know-how related to the aerospace sector, fostering innovation and further contributing to the industry's next phase of growth. In addition, DBJ will support the growth of ripple-effect technologies that develop in Japan as a result of the Fund's investments, technologies with the potential to impact various industries and revitalize Japan's regional economies.
"Design the future with financial expertise: continue to expand financial frontiers; Provide the best solutions for customers and society; Pursue sustainable development for Japan and the world." Based on this corporate philosophy, DBJ will actively support the innovation of Japanese industries.
Inquiries:
Corporate Finance Department, Division 2
+81-3-3244-1660