Across Ventures and SBI Holdings announce strategic alliance to launch a micro VC-focused fund-of-funds

Across Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm founded by Managing Partner Emi Yoshikawa, announced it will enter into a strategic alliance with SBI Holdings, Inc. and launch a new fund, Across Ventures Fund I, L.P. The fund is targeting approximately USD 100 million (approximately ¥16 billion), with the objective of connecting leading-edge U.S. innovation with Japanese enterprises.

“Across Ventures is committed to building a platform for co-creating next-generation industries together with Japanese enterprises.”

Fund structure and access to early-stage innovation

Across Ventures Fund I will operate as a Fund-of-Funds. Its investment strategy focuses on a diversified portfolio of “specialized micro VCs,” a segment that has gained prominence in the U.S. venture capital ecosystem.

Across Ventures said the structure is designed to provide Japanese corporations with systematic access to early-stage innovation opportunities that have traditionally been difficult to reach. The firm plans to invest in a curated portfolio of more than 20 micro VC funds and aims to provide indirect access to hundreds of cutting-edge startups.

Targeting frontier technologies across sectors

The fund will take a cross-sector approach to frontier technologies by investing in micro VC funds focused on areas including AI / Physical AI, Fintech / Blockchain, ClimateTech, HealthTech, next-generation computing, space, and other deep tech sectors.

By partnering with the general partners of these specialized micro VCs, the firm said Japanese enterprises can identify emerging technological and market trends at an early stage. Across Ventures also said the approach is intended to enhance corporate venture deal flow, facilitate early-stage strategic partnerships, and provide insights for mid- to long-term business strategy development.

Strategic alliance with SBI Holdings

The alliance with SBI Holdings is intended to establish a comprehensive strategic collaboration to bridge U.S. innovation with Japan’s corporate ecosystem. SBI Holdings, described as one of Japan’s most active venture capital investors, is expected to participate in the fund as an anchor LP upon its formation.

Across Ventures said the partnership aims to combine SBI Holdings’ investment expertise and network of Japanese corporate relationships with Across Ventures’ network of Silicon Valley micro VCs and startups. The fund is also positioned as a strategic platform to connect Japanese enterprises with U.S. innovation, with the goal of strengthening U.S.-Japan innovation collaboration beyond traditional cross-border frameworks.

Statements from leadership

Emi Yoshikawa, Managing Partner of Across Ventures, said: “Through years of engaging with Japanese corporations seeking to access Silicon Valley innovation, I have recognized the need for a fundamentally new approach. Across Ventures' platform — built on deep partnerships with specialized micro VCs — is designed with the goal of delivering early-stage insights and investment access that have been difficult to obtain through conventional models.”

She added that the firm is “honored to partner with SBI Holdings” and described the alliance as a catalyst to accelerate Across Ventures’ initiative to build a platform for co-creating next-generation industries with Japanese enterprises.

Yoshitaka Kitao, Representative Director, Chairman and President of SBI Holdings, said: “We believe that Japanese companies’ ability to access these cutting-edge developments will be a key factor in determining their future competitiveness.”

Kitao added that the partnership, together with other forward-looking Japanese companies, aims to enhance the presence of Japanese enterprises in the U.S. innovation ecosystem and contribute to the creation of global innovation.

Company background

Across Ventures was founded in 2025. The firm is building a Fund-of-Funds platform intended to invest in specialized micro VCs across frontier technology sectors. Emi Yoshikawa has more than 20 years of experience across technology and finance in the United States, including a prior role as Vice President at Ripple, where she led corporate strategy, international expansion, joint ventures, and the launch of the company’s ecosystem fund.

About SBI Holdings: SBI Holdings is a Tokyo-based comprehensive financial group established in 1999 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Through subsidiaries including SBI Shinsei Bank, SBI Securities, and SBI Investment, it provides banking, securities, asset management, and insurance services within an internet-based financial ecosystem. SBI has also expanded into digital assets, biotechnology, and media. The company announced a capital and business alliance with Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) in 2022 and a similar partnership with the NTT Group in 2025.