INNOVATION Co., Ltd. (TSE Standard, Securities Code 3970, Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Naoto Tomita, hereinafter "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has invested in A-Star Quantum Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Hiroshi Funahashi), which develops the quantum AI cloud service "AQCloud" by hybridizing quantum computing technology with the mathematical optimization and AI technologies of existing computers, through "INNOVATION V Capital" (hereinafter "IVC"), a corporate venture capital fund jointly established with INNOVATION ENGINE Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mutsu nori Sano).
A-Star Quantum's quantum computing technology holds significant potential to fundamentally solve the "big data crisis" that will undoubtedly emerge with the accumulation of 6G sensing data.
Through this investment, we believe that by combining the company's advanced mathematical optimization engine with our strengths, we will accelerate the creation of unknown innovations in the B2B domain. As a pioneer in the social implementation of quantum technology, we will jointly lead productivity improvements in a wide range of industries, including logistics and physical robotics.
IVC was established to jointly realize the INNOVATION Group's mission of "Changing the Way We Work" by investing in startups that can change the way the world works and industrial structures through their unique cutting-edge digital technologies and innovative business models. In addition to investment activities, we will continue to contribute to the "startup ecosystem" through multifaceted management support.
About A-Star Quantum Inc.
A-Star Quantum Inc. is a software company that solves complex "combinatorial optimization problems" in industry by skillfully combining quantum computing (quantum annealing and proprietary optimization algorithms) with classical mathematical optimization.
They have accumulated concrete practical use cases in a wide range of fields, such as production planning and delivery route optimization in the logistics and manufacturing sectors, and aircraft equipment and maintenance planning in the aviation industry, which previously required enormous amounts of time for skilled professionals to calculate. By dramatically advancing and improving the efficiency of complex social issues, they are dramatically improving corporate productivity, alleviating the worsening labor shortage and operational burden, and greatly contributing to the construction of sustainable social infrastructure.
A-Star Quantum Inc.
Representative: President and CEO Hiroshi Funahashi
Established: July 2018
Headquarters Location: Spline Aoyama Tokyu Building, 3-1-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Corporate Site: https://a-star-quantum.jp/
About the CVC Fund "INNOVATION V Capital"
Name: INNOVATION V Capital Investment Limited Partnership
General Partner: INNOVATION ENGINE Inc.
Main Limited Partner: INNOVATION Co., Ltd.
Establishment Date: May 2025
Investment Amount: 1 billion yen
Management Period: 10 years (with a 2-year extension)
Investment Targets: Startups providing innovative solutions and services that promote digital technology
- Theme: #BtoB Business
# Business Sophistication and Efficiency Improvement Using AI/Software
# Transformation of Business Practices
- Business Content: #Labor Shortage #Operational Efficiency #AI/Software Utilization
# DX Promotion #HR Tech #SaaS #Diverse Work Styles
# Well-being #Automation #Reskilling #Productivity Improvement
- Stage: Targeting early to middle stages
*While we plan to invest primarily in startups that fall under the above investment targets, we may also consider investments in startups outside these criteria.
About INNOVATION Co., Ltd.
President and CEO: Naoto Tomita
Location: TOKYU REIT Shibuya R Building 3F, 3-10-13 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established: December 14, 2000
URL: https://www.innovation.co.jp/
About INNOVATION ENGINE Inc.
President: Mutsu nori Sano
Japan Office Location: Shiba Abition Building 3F, 2-3-12 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Established: January 2001
URL: https://www.innovation-engine.co.jp/
To Startup Representatives Considering Funding
We are widely seeking inquiries from startups wishing to receive investment and support from this fund.
We will sincerely consider not only contributing to your immediate growth but also the feasibility of providing ongoing support for your sustained development, so please feel free to contact us.
<Contact Information for Startups>
- Inquiry Form: https://forms.gle/wstiXBi5PmdAXXvk6
- Inquiry Email Address: [email protected]
- Contact Person: INNOVATION Co., Ltd., Incubation Unit
Investment Management Group
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Funding
- Products / services: AQCloud