Japanese cryptocurrency exchange Bitbank has recently entered the global market by creating another subsidiary, Bitbank Ventures. This new entity aims to invest in and support blockchain-related ventures, helping them enter Japan's market. Bitbank Ventures was created when Japan was increasingly open to embracing the economic potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Bitbank Ventures will focus on various blockchain-related projects, from pre-seed to Series A stages, and aims to act as a strategic bridge connecting foreign innovations with Japanese industry leaders. This initiative reflects Bitbank’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem that integrates international blockchain solutions within Japan.
The exchange leverages its deep-rooted connections with business, media, and government sectors to provide strategic market entry support to its partners.
In recent years, Bitbank has actively participated in various blockchain initiatives, including investments in Next Web Capital, a prominent accelerator for Web 3.0 entrepreneurs, and Oasys, a forward-thinking cryptocurrency project. Jun Kuwahara, Head of Business Development at Bitbank, specified the new focus on corporate venture capital to make investments faster and focus on quality projects.
The company focuses on investing in layer 1 and layer 2 blockchains, but other sectors of interest are AI, gaming, and Web3. Thus, Bitbank has increased the number of companies in its portfolio and set itself up to advance in the digital economy, which is capable of collaboration with future technologies. Additionally, Japanese-based crypto exchanges, including DMM and bitFlyer, are also expanding their services internationally.
Japanese authorities’ supportive stance towards cryptocurrency and blockchain platforms has also boosted the Japanese industry.
This environment allows ventures like Bitbank Ventures to thrive and become pivotal players in the global crypto economy. Keisuke Igarashi, PR Manager at bitFlyer, has expressed similar sentiments, outlining bitFlyer’s strategy to expand its crypto asset exchange business and delve into the Web3 sector, aligning with global market trends.
Through initiatives like Bitbank Ventures, Japan is poised to become a significant hub for blockchain innovation, providing a welcoming landscape for international projects aiming to penetrate the Asian markets.