Munich-based Hitachi Ventures has introduced its fourth investment fund, securing $400 million to support emerging technologies across energy, AI, biotech, and manufacturing. This latest fund underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to deep tech sectors, aligning with the strategic priorities of its sole backer, Japanese conglomerate Hitachi.
This announcement comes close on the heels of recent venture funds such as Cherry Fund V and Shift4Good.
Focus on early-stage investments
Hitachi Ventures remains committed to Series A investments, which it considers its “sweet spot” for funding. Despite its ties to Hitachi, the venture arm operates with independent decision-making. This investor follows a traditional VC model, with an internal committee making investment choices rather than seeking approval from Hitachi itself.
Identifies and backs promising companies
The VC has made strategic investments across multiple industries, including As a corporate venture capital firm, Hitachi Ventures plays a crucial role in identifying technologies that align with its parent company’s business interests.
The launch of its new $400 million fund reinforces its dedication to fostering technological advancements while enabling startups to scale and collaborate with industry leaders.
Under the leadership of Toshiaki Tokunaga, who will be appointed as Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO in April, Hitachi aims to realise “True One Hitachi” with digital at its core and accelerate sustainable growth of Social Innovation Business.
Notable investment portfolio
Below are some companies backed by Hitachi Ventures.
Aalo Atomics: Develops modular micro-reactors to provide safe and affordable nuclear energy solutions.
Akarion: Offers blockchain-based software for compliance and data security management.
Archetype AI: Creates a multimodal AI foundation model that integrates real-time sensor data with natural language processing.
Arrcus: Provides a hardware-agnostic network operating system for data centers, edge computing, and multi-cloud environments.
Arsenal Bio: Develops programmable cell therapies, focusing on CAR-T treatments for solid tumours.
Cyclic Materials: Recycles critical metals, including rare earth elements, from end-of-life products like EV motors and wind turbines.
Ema: Enhances enterprise workflows through AI-driven solutions.
Strikeready: Focuses on cybersecurity innovations to protect digital infrastructures.
Makersite: Utilises AI to optimise supply chains for improved efficiency and sustainability.
These companies exemplify Hitachi Ventures’ commitment to investing in innovative solutions across various industries.
Stefan Gabriel, managing director and CEO of Hitachi Ventures, highlighted a clear focus on groundbreaking technologies. “There’s a lot around quantum, nuclear, life science, space tech. Not too broad — we have a clear view on what excites us in these areas,” he stated.
Keiji Kojima, President and CEO of Hitachi, Ltd. said: “Hitachi’s efforts in CVC, which began in 2019 with 150 million USD, have expanded to 1 billion USD in 5 years, driven in part by the disruptive innovation brought about by Generative AI. With technology trends shifting at an unprecedented speed, it is important to identify the next global change point while leveraging the external ecosystem in addition to developing cutting-edge technologies through R&D, for further growth of the Social Innovation Business. We hope that the establishment of the fourth fund will accelerate our quest for new growth opportunities.”
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