Equity Participation in Fund that Invests in Advanced IT Companies in the Nordic and Baltic Region
Supporting Japanese Companies in Strengthening International Competitiveness through Investments in Venture Capital Fund Launched by JBIC IG Partners

• Region: Europe
• Others
• Equity Investment

1. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC, Governor: Tadashi Maeda) signed an agreement today for equity participation in the JB Nordic Fund I SCSp (the Fund), established in Luxembourg.
     
2. The Fund is jointly established and managed as a venture capital fund by AS BaltCap, a leading fund manager in the Baltic States based in Estonia, and JBIC IG Partners, a joint venture between JBIC and Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. (IGPI). The Fund intends to invest in advanced IT companies in the Nordic and Baltic region^*1. In addition to JBIC, OMRON Corporation, Panasonic Corporation^*2, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. also commit to the Fund. The Fund will launch with an aggregate amount of approximately EUR100 million. JBIC plans to invest up to EUR40 million into the Fund.
     
3. The Nordic and Baltic region has established itself as one of the world's leading start-up hubs owing in part to the existence of various advanced IT technology projects, including e-government, and reflecting support to venture companies via sovereign funds. The aim of the Fund, where Japanese companies participate as strategic investors, is not only to invest in advanced IT companies in Nordic and Baltic countries but also to provide support for the Japanese companies by offering opportunities to form business alliances with advanced IT companies. Japanese investors may also find opportunities to invest in leading IT companies as a result of the relationship. The equity participation by JBIC in the Fund is expected to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the international competitiveness of Japanese companies.
     
4. As Japan's policy-based financial institution, JBIC will continue to proactively support Japanese industries in maintaining and strengthening their international competitiveness by utilizing various financing tools, including equity participation and investments.
     

Note

1. *1 
   The region comprises eight countries: Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland (the Nordic countries) and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (the Baltic countries).
2. *2 
   Panasonic Corporation commits to the Fund through its subsidiary