Investment Community Roundtable in Sapporo – Vol.1, August 2025
The First Step to Creating the Sapporo AM-related Community – Key Outcomes and Outlook
The Investment Community Roundtable held in Sapporo, following its designation as a “Financial & Asset Management Special Zone,” served as a vital forum to explore investment opportunities and ecosystem-building in Hokkaido centered on Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX). A diverse group of domestic and international players gathered, sharing strong expectations and concrete strategies for revitalizing the regional economy.
Major Domestic Investment Institutions
“It is gratifying to see Hokkaido attracting global attention in GX/DX.”
“With vast land, transmission networks, and industries like Rapidus, Hokkaido is an ideal site for power plants and a historic investment opportunity.”
“Highly skilled talent is underutilized in Sapporo — we aim for a long-term (10-year) initiative to nurture industry and talent.”
“Japan’s VC industry is too inward-looking; Hokkaido could lead the global flow of investment.”
“Regulatory limits such as the 49-investor rule are a barrier — STOs should be considered.”
Regional Financial Institutions
“Hokkaido’s Special Zone designation is a major opportunity; we set clear GX/DX investment goals.”
“We aim to tackle regional issues (population decline, labor shortages) with startups, AI, and advanced tech.”
“Deep-tech startups require significant time and capital, and IPO cases are few.”
Asset Owners
“Impact investments failed to deliver expected returns — balancing social and economic goals remains difficult.”
“If similar renewable energy initiatives arise in Hokkaido, we may consider region-specific investments.”
“We emphasize collaboration with asset managers and universities, focusing on impact investment.”
Corporates & Startups
“Hydrogen stations are operating at a deep loss; economic viability is the greatest challenge.”
“GX requires hydrogen’s feasibility and policy support, such as carbon pricing and credits.”
“We must foster not only startups but also entrepreneurs who create jobs.”
“As a ‘front-runner in social challenges,’ Hokkaido can generate advanced technologies and businesses.”
International Perspectives
“We place high priority on Japan’s decarbonization, especially solar panels and storage batteries.”
“We plan to expand business in Japan and Asia and are seeking partners.”
Academic Institutions & University-affiliated VCs
“Hokkaido’s human resources and natural environment hold unlimited potential for value creation.”
“Universities lack the means for commercialization, planning, and sales, despite abundant research seeds.”
JIAM
“We were concerned about forming an investor community in Sapporo, but the strong turnout was encouraging.”
“This meeting reaffirmed that things not possible in Tokyo can be realized in Hokkaido.”
