Japanese accelerator launches $17.5m hardware fund
Darma Tech Labs, operator of Japanese hardware-focused accelerator Makers Boot Camp, plans to launch a JPY2 billion ($17.5 million) venture capital fund, with Kyoto Bank serving as the anchor LP.
The MBC Shisaku No.1 Investment Fund will target start-ups in Japan, North America and Europe. It will primarily focus on the internet-of-things (IoT), robotics, sensors, networking equipment, big data analysis, medical devices and healthcare services, lifestyle applications, and energy and the environment.
According to a statement, the fund is intended to make Kyoto – where Darma Tech Labs is based – the “city of the IoT start-up,” supporting the continued growth of companies that come through the accelerator program. Mimaki Kimura, formerly CIO at Future Venture Capital, and Kuwabara Manabu will serve as managing directors for the vehicle.
Darma Tech Labs has also strengthened is alliance with New York-based FabFoundry and appointed Sekihro Seki, a director with the Japanese firm, to look for investment opportunities on the US east coast.
Founded in 2015, Makers Boot Camp runs four-month hardware accelerator programs. It has partnerships with the Advanced Scientific Technology & Management Research Institute of Kyoto, Kyoto Shisaku Net, and Kyoto Institute of Technology. The accelerator offers services covering product conceptualization, prototyping, machining, industrial design and quality control.
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