JBIC Supports JOI Seminar on Global Topics: Digital Innovation and Social Transformation – Case Study of Nordic and Baltic Region

   Presentation by SOHARA, Investment Director of JBIC IG and Managing Partner of NordicNinja VC, about a case study of MaaS (Mobility as a Service) in Finland

On May 26, 2021, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) supported an online seminar titled “JOI Seminar on Global Topics: Digital Innovation and Social Transformation – Case Study of the Nordic and Baltic Region,” which was sponsored by the Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (JOI). The seminar was attended by more than 80 participants from Japanese companies and embassies in Japan who are interested in the Nordic and Baltic region.

The opening speech was made by FUJINO Shinji, Global Head of Equity Finance Group (Managing Executive Officer) of JBIC, which was followed by a presentation by SOHARA Tomosaku, Managing Partner of NordicNinja VC, which is based in Finland and invests in start-ups in the Nordic and Baltic region. The presentation gave an overview of the latest trends in innovation and social transformation in the region. The Nordic and Baltic region is at the forefront of innovation where a number of renowned tech start-ups, including Spotify and Skype, were born. The region is also advanced in terms of digitization of administrative procedures and transformation to a cashless society. In April 2021, NordicNinja VC co-published a report titled “Digital Innovation and Social Transformation – Case Study of the Nordic and Baltic Region” with JBIC IG Partners (JBIC IG), a subsidiary of JBIC. In the seminar, Managing Partner SOHARA shared the knowledge and local information gained through the past activities, referring to the report. A lively, open discussion was prompted by participants' questions, including one about challenges related to collaboration between Japanese companies and local companies.

JBIC will continue to proactively provide a variety of information about overseas business expansion of Japanese companies.

Note

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   NordicNinja VC provides investment advice to JB Nordic Fund I SCSp, which invests in advanced IT companies in the Nordic and Baltic region. In January 2019, JBIC invested in JB Nordic Fund I SCSp. See Press Release on January 15, 2019.