Japanese Mobile Entertainment Giant MIXI Launches $50 Million Venture Capital Fund to Empower Indian Entertainment Startups

• ByStartupStory     |    August 8, 2023

MIXI, a renowned mobile entertainment company hailing from Japan, has unveiled an exciting initiative with the introduction of a groundbreaking $50 million Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund, specifically tailored for the Indian market. This strategic move by MIXI reflects its strong commitment to nurturing innovation within the realms of communication and entertainment, particularly in emerging countries like India.

The newly established CVC venture is poised to serve as a potent investment vehicle through which MIXI will identify and support promising startups across India. In line with its objective, the CVC will be dedicated to fueling the growth of early-stage enterprises operating in the entertainment sector and consumer services arena.

With India boasting a population of approximately 1.4 billion individuals, and its working-age demographic projected to experience sustained growth until the mid-21st century, the digital landscape of the nation is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Presently, around 50% of the population possesses a smartphone, contributing to a burgeoning digital entertainment market focused on mobile platforms. The mobile gaming sector, in particular, is anticipated to witness a valuation of 1 trillion JPY by FY2027.

Tomoharu Urabe, Principal Partner at MIXI Global Investments, Inc., shared his insights on this exciting venture, stating, “We believe in India’s startup ecosystem, especially in the sector of digital entertainment. MIXI is a business operator in social network and mobile entertainment apps. We are committed to contributing to startups’ growth with our industry knowledge and assets, positively impacting the startup ecosystem in India.”

MIXI’s investment journey thus far has been marked by a dedication to cultivating new pillars of business and fostering synergies within its existing operations. Over the period spanning FY2019 to FY2022, MIXI made substantial investments totaling around 70 billion yen, a testament to its commitment to innovation and growth. These investments strategically bolstered growing businesses and services, aligning them with the company’s overarching purpose.

Looking ahead, MIXI has earmarked a budget of 30 to 50 billion yen for M&A, capital investments, and business alliances within the span of the next three years, from FY2023 to FY2025. The company’s investment focus extends beyond domestic borders, with a keen eye on overseas markets, including emerging economies. The spotlight is currently on the rapidly evolving Indian market, where MIXI aims to leverage its assets and expertise in B2C services within the Digital Entertainment domain. This strategic approach seeks to create synergies with portfolio companies and fortify its global footprint.

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