Japan-based UNLEASH Capital closes maiden Rs 300 crore fintech fund for India

Japanese-based venture capital firm Unleash Capital Partners has closed its maiden fund at Rs 300 crore to invest in early-stage fintech startups.

The fund, supported by around 35 Japanese LPs, is co-managed by founder Natsuki Sugai alongside financial services firm Gojo & Company.

The fund has already invested in seven Indian startups and aims to support 12–15 companies in total, with cheque sizes between ₹5 crore and ₹18 crore.

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“We are a fintech-focused investor and unlike sector agnostic investors, we are covering any possible opportunities in the fintech space. We are selecting entrepreneurs whose intention is very clearly to comply with RBI regulations and is very knowledgeable about the regulations and intention behind it,” founder and managing partner Sugai.

Unleash Capital invests in seed and Series A startups, focusing on both direct financial services and technology or infrastructure supporting the broader ecosystem. 

Beyond funding, the fund connects portfolio companies with Japanese investors for equity, debt, business collaborations, and potential M&A opportunities.

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It adds to the growing presence of Japanese capital in India, following major investors like SoftBank and MUFG, who already have significant exposure in the market.

“What’s often missing for Japanese LPs is not just financial statements but access to broader insights like market information, founder references, regulatory updates and specific regional context. They expect financial returns, but at the same time, they also see us as a strategic partner for their business expansion in India,” he said.

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