Living Lab Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Sinar Mas Land, has partnered with Spiral Ventures to launch the Japan Thematic Fund, a cross-border investment initiative designed to accelerate economic and innovation collaboration between Japan and Southeast Asia (SEA).
The fund had its first close formalised during a high-profile signing ceremony in BSD City, Indonesia, on Wednesday.
Backed by a syndicate of prominent Japanese and Indonesian investors, the fund positions Indonesia as the strategic gateway for Japan’s capital and innovation to scale across SEA. The list of investors includes the Cool Japan Fund, Bank Danamon Indonesia (a member of MUFG Group), Rohto Pharmaceutical, Advasa, and Culture Convenience Club.
The Japan Thematic Fund reflects a growing urgency among Japanese investors to tap into SEA’s startup growth and consumer momentum. Cool Japan Fund, a major Japanese public–private initiative known for backing cultural and lifestyle-linked innovations, joins as a key investor, further underlining Japan’s commitment to integrating with the region’s tech ecosystem.
“The Japan Thematic Fund reflects Indonesia’s emergence as a key innovation hub and gateway for international collaboration,” said Bayu Seto, Partner at LLV. “With Cool Japan Fund’s involvement, we are creating an enduring platform for founders to grow beyond borders.”
Also Read: Why digital parks are becoming the backbone of the Philippines’ emerging tech ecosystem
Living Lab Ventures leverages BSD City to offer startups and investors a high-functioning testbed and launch environment. Developed by Sinar Mas Land, BSD City combines infrastructure, business networks, and a digitally-driven ecosystem, creating a landing point for global ventures.
According to Living Lab Ventures, this strategic positioning enables the organisation not only to deploy capital but also to serve as a bridge between Japan’s advanced technology and SEA’s entrepreneurial dynamism.
The organisation has recently made investment in INCREASE.
Spiral Ventures brings deep operational expertise across Asia and a focus on companies addressing social challenges.
“This initiative goes far beyond investment—it represents true integration,” noted Yuji Horiguchi, CEO and Managing Partner of Spiral Ventures. “By uniting Japan’s technological precision and cultural excellence with Southeast Asia’s entrepreneurial energy and speed, we aim to create new business models and generate social impact.”
—
Image Credit: Living Lab Ventures
The post Living Lab Ventures, Spiral Ventures launch Japan Thematic Fund to strengthen Japan-SEA collaboration appeared first on e27.