Credit Saison, one of Japan's largest credit card issuers, has announced the launch of a new investment fund called Onigiri Capital, aiming to allocate up to $50 million for early-stage projects.
Launch of New Investment Fund
Credit Saison has launched Onigiri Capital as a bridge between builders from Silicon Valley and Asia’s deep financial networks. The fund has already secured $35 million in commitments from both the company and external investors, leaving room to grow to its $50 million target.
Onigiri Capital's Investment Strategy
The focus of Onigiri Capital is firmly on real-world asset plays, including tokenization, DeFi infrastructure, stablecoins, and next-generation payment systems. Co-founder Qin En Looi noted that attracting investors from the U.S. leads to the need to navigate the patchwork of regulators and banks in Asia.
Impact on Blockchain Industry
The creation of Onigiri indicates that traditional finance in Japan is increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies. This also highlights how Credit Saison's involvement extends to other financial and entertainment sectors, providing substantial resources and influence in the blockchain market in the region.
The launch of Onigiri Capital by Credit Saison demonstrates a growing interest in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the evolving blockchain sector in Asia. The success of this fund may have a substantial impact on the future of venture capital in crypto.