Firms

Tohoku University Venture Partners

thvp.co.jp

Sendai-based venture capital firm wholly owned by Tohoku University, established in February 2015 to commercialize university research and build technology companies. It invests mainly at seed and early stages in deep-tech and life-sciences startups using research from Tohoku University and other national universities in the surrounding region. Its focus includes semiconductor devices, materials, drug discovery, space, green transformation and food technology. Its investment professionals help assemble management teams, match companies with executives and entrepreneurs in residence, and support industrial partnerships and global expansion. Its third fund began operating in June 2026.

Founded: 2015
Type: Venture capital

Funds1

THVP-3 Investment Limited Partnership2026-06-302026-06-30—
Third university research commercialization fund, legally THVP-3号投資事業有限責任組合. Established June 5, 2026; its first close was announced June 30, 2026. It targets ¥6 billion of commitments, with a ¥10 billion upper limit; exact capital committed at the first close is not disclosed. It invests principally at seed and early stages in startups commercializing national-university research from Tohoku and surrounding regions, with emphasis on materials science, semiconductors and life sciences. Its twelve-year term can be extended by three years. Tohoku University Venture Partners is the general partner; announced LPs include Tohoku University, Shin Nippon Air Technologies and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking.