Key Facts
• On July 16, 2025, Kitakyushu City announced a ¥100 million investment in a startup fund.
• The fund was established by 9Capital, a Kitakyushu-based investment company.
• This marks the city’s first-ever investment in a venture capital fund.
• 9Capital aims to raise ¥1–3 billion by May 2026, including the city’s contribution.
• The goal is to create two unicorn companies (valued at over $1 billion) within five years.
• Investments will range from ¥10–30 million per company, targeting 30–50 startups.
• Eligible startups must be headquartered in Kitakyushu and focus on fields like healthcare, caregiving, and the environment.
• Excluded sectors include drug development requiring specialized expertise.
• Kitakyushu has been designated a national startup ecosystem hub city for two consecutive terms.
• The number of startups in the city grew from 22 in 2020 to 101 by March 2024.
Summary
Kitakyushu City has made its first venture into startup funding by investing ¥100 million in a fund established by 9Capital, a local investment company. This initiative aims to foster long-term support for startups, with a focus on creating two unicorn companies within five years. The fund will target early-stage companies in healthcare, caregiving, and environmental sectors, excluding specialized fields like drug development. Kitakyushu’s designation as a national startup ecosystem hub has contributed to a significant rise in local startups, from 22 in 2020 to 101 by 2024. The city’s mayor, Kazuhisa Takeuchi, and 9Capital’s CEO, Masashi Takeyama, emphasized the region’s unique potential, including its proximity to Shenzhen, China, and its robust manufacturing base. This initiative is expected to address local challenges like population decline and aging while fostering innovation and economic growth.
