Japanese financial firm Credit Saison has introduced a new initiative, Onigiri Capital, focusing on investment in early-stage blockchain startups. The fund primarily aims to support U.S. companies seeking to penetrate crucial Asian markets by providing essential resources such as capital, infrastructure, and regulatory guidance. Credit Saison leverages its profound local insights to facilitate smoother cross-border growth for cryptocurrency innovators.
Currently, Onigiri Capital has successfully raised $35 million, with an ambitious goal of reaching $50 million. The financing comes from Credit Saison, alongside various strategic investors. The fund is dedicated to investing in emerging startups that are developing foundational technologies for financial services, which encompasses platforms for tokenization, innovative payment systems, and other blockchain solutions designed to integrate traditional and digital finance.
Onigiri Capital is particularly focused on projects that address real-world assets, digital payments, and decentralized finance tools—areas where many startups often face challenges regarding scalability and compliance with regulations. By combining financial backing with regional expertise, the fund seeks to guide these entities toward establishing themselves in key markets such as Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia, alleviating the burdens of navigating complex operational landscapes independently.
One core objective of Onigiri Capital is to assist American blockchain startups in establishing a foothold in Asia. Many U.S.-based firms possess strong products yet encounter difficulties when attempting to expand globally. Through partnerships with banking institutions and extensive operational advice, Onigiri Capital aims to reduce the friction tied to entering highly regulated or unfamiliar environments.
The fund’s leadership, including Qin En Looi, a partner at Saison Capital, emphasizes the importance of supporting builders focused on solving genuine problems rather than merely chasing market trends. Hans de Back, another managing partner, underlines a commitment to understanding legal frameworks and compliance to ensure that the companies they support can scale without unnecessary hurdles.
This fund emerges in a climate where funding for cryptocurrency ventures has become more cautious following a period of robust investment in 2022. Now, investors are seeking tangible value, making Onigiri Capital’s role even more significant as it offers not only monetary resources but also vital industry insights.
Given the complexity of regulatory environments across borders, startups will still confront challenges related to licensing, audits, and compliance. However, the advantage of having a partner with experience in navigating these systems is expected to make a substantial difference in their expansion efforts.
Credit Saison’s strategic approach aims to create a bridge between traditional financial practices and the burgeoning field of blockchain innovation in Asia. The success of Onigiri Capital will ultimately hinge on its ability to carefully select investments and provide meaningful support to the companies involved. If successful, the fund could set a precedent for how traditional finance can effectively foster innovation in the digital age.
