Idemitsu Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
Turning change into opportunity, we accelerate innovation to inspire the future with energy and materials
With a medium- to long-term perspective, Idemitsu CVC makes strategic investments in GROWTH, including electrification/ICT, and in CNX, which focuses on low-carbon and decarbonization solutions, to create new potential businesses, achieve carbon neutrality, and contribute to energy security.
We view changes in the business environment as opportunities for transformation, and by collaborating with startups, we harness innovative technologies and ideas to create new value.
Through the stable supply of environmentally friendly energy and materials, as well as investments in innovation that supports the society of the future, we aim to help realize a sustainable society.
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CVC: Corporate Venture Capital. Activities that invest in and support unlisted emerging companies (startups) with the aim of creating synergies with existing businesses and creating new businesses.
Investment Budget
10 billion yen– 2024-2026
Investment Domains
CNX - Low-Carbon / Decarbonization Solutions
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Renewable energy
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Bio-fuels / Chemicals
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Hydrogen / Ammonia
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Synthetic fuels
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Offset / Negative emissions（CDR, Carbon Credits）
GROWTH - Creating growth businesses
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Electrification / ICT（Data centers, Satellites, Batteries, Robotics, Drones）
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Bio-Life・AgriLife
Our Approach
Idemitsu CVC makes investments to support startups develop new business models and technologies in related fields. In addition to investment, we share our technological expertise, R&D capabilities, supply chain, and customer base with startups to accelerate the development of new businesses together.
CVC Team
Kengo Arakawa
General Manager
Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Miura
Deputy General Manager
Basel, Switzerland
Takumi Yamamoto
Investment Manager
Tokyo, Japan
Yusuke Araki
Investment Manager
Tokyo, Japan
Hiroyuki Toi
Investment Associate
Basel, Switzerland
Daehong Kim
Investment Associate
Tokyo, Japan
Portfolio
Anaconda Systems
Anaconda's innovative, proprietary aerobic fermentation technology enables the treatment and composting of organic waste within a mere 10 days, which contributes to the promotion of resource circulation through the utilization of waste materials.
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ATOM-X
ATOM-X develop an innovative electrochemical technology that enables the direct synthesis of e-Methanol from water and CO₂, aiming to decarbonize the marine fuel, jet fuel, gasoline and chemicals feedstocks.
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Bacchus Bio innovation
Bacchus has been developing biofoundry services as a platformer combining biotechnology-related knowledge with digital technologies such as data science to create smart cells that efficiently produce useful substances.
CREW Carbon
CREW Carbon is a US-based water technology company providing wastewater treatment facilities with a process intensification solution that improves performance, lowers costs, and permanently removes greenhouse gases.
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Farmnote
Farmnote develops innovative livestock management solutions using AI and IoT, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agriculture industry.
i Labo
i Labo will contribute to the early realization of a decarbonized society and the enhancement of corporate value for our customers by converting engines of heavy trucks, heavy machinery, generators, ships, and other equipment requiring high output to hydrogen (H2ICE).
INERATEC
INERATEC produces carbon-neutral e-Fuels and e-Chemicals from renewable hydrogen and CO₂, enabling defossilized mobility and industry through modular, scalable Power-to-X technology.
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Jet Zero Australia
Jet Zero Australia develops sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to decarbonize the aviation industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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maxwell+spark
maxwell+spark delivers modular, safe, smart lithium-ion batteries for industrial logistics, from forklifts to refrigerated trucks. In South Africa, EU, and US, we partner with OEMs to drive cleaner, efficient power.
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NLM Photonics
NLM Photonics develops cutting-edge organic electro-optic modulation technology transforming data centers, AI, communications, and quantum computing. We build on photonic platforms to enable higher bandwidth, lower power, and minimal process disruption.
Symbiobe
Symbiobe uses photosynthetic organisms to capture greenhouse gas and convert it into sustainable materials like fertilizer, feed, and silk, building symbiosis between humanity and the planet.
Terviva
Terviva produces sustainable products from pongamia trees, creating biofuel, animal feed, and food, while supporting global reforestation and generating carbon credits.
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THEA ENERGY
Thea Energy is commercializing scalable and economical fusion energy systems via its planar coil stellarator architecture. Its power plants will provide an abundant and safe source of zero-emission energy using mass-manufacturable magnets and software controls.
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Tsubame BHB
Tsubame BHB develops innovative ammonia synthesis technology, tackle environmental and food problem to realize sustainable society.
Partnership
Emerald is a globally recognized venture capital firm, founded in 2000.
The company manages and advises assets of over €1 billion from its offices in Zurich, Toronto and Singapore.
The firm invests in start-ups that tackle big challenges in climate change and sustainability, with four current funds, hundreds of venture transactions and five third-party investment mandates, including loan guarantees to over 100 start-ups.
Idemitsu CVC has established a partnership with Emerald, and have built an integrated process from sourcing and investment evaluation to follow-up with portfolio companies.