SBI Holdings and contract drugmaker Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories (SNBL) have launched a $40 million fund to invest in North American startups specializing in biotechnology, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.
The two Japanese companies will jointly operate an SNBL-owned incubation facility in Seattle, a major hub for biotech and tech innovation in the United States. They aim to attract and fund dozens of startups to support research, development, and business growth. The partnership could also serve as a base for Japanese drug discovery companies looking to expand in the U.S. market.
We see this fund as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. in biotech and AI.
SBI
SBI and SNBL bring complementary expertise to the venture. SBI, with its experience managing funds in Silicon Valley, will focus on selecting high-potential investment targets, while SNBL, a major player in nonclinical research, will support drug safety testing with supplies of laboratory animals from its breeding facilities in Cambodia.
“We see this fund as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. in biotech and AI,” an SBI representative said.
Leverages the strengths of both companies to drive advancements in healthcare and drug development, the fund is expected to fuel innovation in North America and create opportunities for Japanese startups to explore international markets.
