Tsinghua’s Tus-Holdings is weighing up a venture capital fund as part of a $584m push into Japan’s artificial intelligence, fintech and robotics sectors.
Tus-Holdings, the investment arm of Tsinghua University, is considering launching a VC fund of undisclosed size focused on Japan-based artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and robotics innovations, Nikkei Asian Review reported today.
The plans are part of a proposed RMB4bn ($580m) investment budget aimed at Japan’s AI, fintech and robotics sectors over several years. Tus-Holdings could potentially set up incubators in Japan for emerging businesses that fit its investment purview.
Tsinghua’s multi-year investment compares with approximately $1.2bn supplied by Japan’s venture capital sector to domestic businesses during the 2017 fiscal year, according to Nikkei.
Tus-Holdings currently has international operations mainly focused on entrepreneurial support in 45 countries and regions. It previously partnered its University of Tokyo counterpart, UTokyo Innovation Platform, last month to launch an office promoting joint research and talent exchange between Japan and China-based businesses.
