Bitbank, one of Japan's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced the launch of a new subsidiary called Bitbank Ventures, which will focus on investing in overseas blockchain and cryptocurrency projects. The move signals the company's ambition to expand its reach beyond Japan and support international blockchain firms seeking to enter the Japanese market.Bitbank Ventures: A Bridge for Global Blockchain Startups
According to a statement from the exchange, Bitbank Venturesis a wholly owned subsidiary designed to serve as a bridge for international blockchain companies looking to establish a presence in Japan. The company stated that the new venture would focus on projects at various stages of development, from early-stage startups (pre-seed) to those raising Series A funding.“We welcome blockchain-related projects, ranging from pre-seed to Series A, from both Japan and overseas,”Bitbank said, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering growth in the cryptocurrency space. The subsidiary’s role will be to deepen Japan’s engagement with the global crypto industry by providing strategic support to foreign projects interested in expanding to Japan.Growing Trend Among Japanese Exchanges
Bitbank’s move to launch a dedicated investment arm follows a broader trend among Japanese cryptocurrency exchanges looking to expand their international footprint. Rival exchanges, such as DMM with its DMM Coin and DMM Crypto arms, and bitFlyer, another major player in Japan's crypto space, have been pursuing similar ventures as they target international markets, particularly in Europe and other global locations.By launching Bitbank Ventures, the exchange is positioning itself as a key player in both the Japanese and international cryptocurrency ecosystems. The new subsidiary will not only invest in foreign blockchain projects but also help them navigate the Japanese market, which is known for its complex regulatory environment.Supporting International Projects with Local Expertise
Bitbank has been a prominent figure in Japan’s cryptocurrency industry since it started operating in 2014, and the exchange has built a strong network of domestic partners across business, media, government, and accelerators. This extensive network will be leveraged by Bitbank Ventures to provide strategic support for overseas startups looking to expand into Japan.“Our vast network of domestic partners, including in business, media, government, and accelerators, will provide strategic support to each project as they plan their entry into Japan,”Bitbank said. This support is expected to help foreign blockchain startups navigate the regulatory landscape and build the necessary relationships to thrive in the Japanese market.Focus on Layer 1 & Layer 2 Projects, Web3, and AI
Bitbank Ventures plans to focus its investments on both Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain projects, as well as infrastructure developments that support the broader crypto ecosystem. In addition, the company expressed particular interest in emerging sectors such as Web3, AI, and gaming—all of which are gaining momentum in the global blockchain industry.
Jun Kuwahara, head of business development at Bitbank, highlighted that the company had already made strategic investments in blockchain projects over the past few years, including in Next Web Capital, an accelerator focused on Web3 entrepreneurs, and Oasys, a cryptocurrency project.
“Our shift towards corporate venture capital investments will allow us to make faster investment decisions and strengthen our ability to support projects in their entry and growth phases,”Kuwahara said. This marks a significant pivot for Bitbank, which has been increasing its involvement in the crypto investment space to complement its core business as an exchange.A Stronger Global Presence
As Bitbank Ventures begins operations, the Japanese exchange aims to enhance its role as a global bridge between blockchain innovation and the Japanese market. By targeting both international crypto projects and the broader Web3 space, Bitbank is looking to foster new partnerships and drive growth in one of the world’s most established crypto ecosystems.
With a focus on Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain solutions, as well as emerging technologies like AI and gaming, Bitbank Ventures hopes to tap into some of the most exciting trends in the crypto industry. The exchange is betting that its expertise in Japan's crypto market, combined with its new venture capital focus, will help build strong connections and attract promising startups.Conclusion
Bitbank’s launch of Bitbank Ventures reflects the exchange’s broader strategy to expand its influence beyond Japan and become a key player in the international blockchain investment space. By supporting overseas blockchain firms and helping them enter the Japanese market, Bitbank is positioning itself as a bridge between global innovation and one of the world’s most influential cryptocurrency markets.
As Japanese crypto exchanges continue to build out their international operations, Bitbank Ventures could become a major catalyst for growth, both for its own business and for the broader blockchain ecosystem worldwide. With its focus on Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchain technologies, as well as the future-forward sectors of Web3, AI, and gaming, Bitbank’s new subsidiary is poised to make an impact in the fast-evolving crypto landscape.
November 2024, Cryptoniteuae