SDG Impact Japan and Bio Engineering Capital Form Strategic and Capital Partnership

August 28, 2024

— Strengthening Efforts to Promote Impact Investments Focused on Healthcare-related Ventures —

SDG Impact Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Directors: Mari Kogiso and Shohei Maekawa, hereafter referred to as “SIJ”), which promotes business incubation and sustainable investments towards realizing a sustainable society for future generations and Bio Engineering Capital Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuki Shimahara, hereafter referred to as “BEC”), a company that supports entrepreneurs in life sciences fields such as medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine, has entered into a strategic and capital partnership with. As part of this partnership, Mamoru Taniya, Chairperson of SIJ, has been appointed as Chairperson of BEC, and Shohei Maekawa, Co-CEO of SIJ, has joined BEC as a Director. Both companies aim to advance the healthcare industry and create a significant impact on society.

Background and Purpose of the Capital Partnership

In recent years, environmental and social challenges such as climate change and an aging population have become increasingly important. To address these issues, it is essential for industry, academia, and government to collaborate more actively than ever. Particularly, businesses and investors are expected to pursue management approaches that deliver positive “impact” on the environment and society, rather than merely focusing on profit. By linking such impacts to economic and social growth and a sustainable future, synergies can be generated. The medical field, which is also BEC’s area of investment, is a significant focus for impact investments, as investing in medical and life sciences technologies can lead to the development of innovative treatments and improvements in medical services, thereby creating a substantial impact on society.

Through this capital and business partnership, SIJ and BEC will comprehensively promote business support and investment in the healthcare sector. BEC aims to invest in entrepreneurs and startups in the medical and life sciences fields, adhering to its mission, “Sailing with Bioengineers.” Together with innovators, BEC is committed to pioneering this domain and making a substantial impact on society. On the other hand, SIJ, with its mission to promote innovation and create new capital flows towards a sustainable society of the future, engages in business incubation and sustainable investments that pursue both sustainability impact and economic growth. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their respective strengths to support entrepreneurs and startups in the healthcare and life sciences sectors and globally promote impact-driven management.

Comment from Yuki Shimahara, CEO of Bio Engineering Capital

“I am honored to welcome Mr. Taniya, who has a remarkable track record in venture investment both domestically and internationally, as the Chairman of the Board, allowing us to pursue our mission and vision at an even higher level. Additionally, I am excited to have Mr. Maekawa, a Co-CEO of SIJ, a company actively promoting impact investments as a global agenda, join our board, enabling us to engage in comprehensive activities globally. We will collaborate with various medical professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and financial experts to address all healthcare challenges and strive to create a world where everyone can live safely and happily.”

Comment from Mamoru Taniya, Chairperson of SDG Impact Japan

“SDG Impact Japan focuses on creating new capital flows that accelerate the construction of a sustainable society and supports entrepreneurs with technologies and businesses contributing to sustainability in collaboration with domestic and international partner companies. Together with BEC, which has profound knowledge in high-interest fields such as medical AI, DX, and regenerative medicine, we will strive to contribute to promoting a sustainable society.”

Comment from Shohei Maekawa, Co-CEO of SDG Impact Japan

“I am delighted to announce this capital and business partnership with BEC. While business and investments in the healthcare field can create significant social impact, truly meaningful efforts in this area require a deep understanding of social issues and various systems, as well as a high level of expertise to implement new technologies in society. BEC has extensive knowledge and a rich network of experts in this field. Through collaboration with BEC, we aim to support many healthcare entrepreneurs and startups and work towards solving social issues.”

【Company Overview – Bio Engineering Capital Inc.】

  • Head Office:       7F Nihonbashi Muromachi Mitsui Tower, 3-2-1 Muromachi Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0022, Japan
  • Representative:   Yuki Shimahara, CEO
  • Established:         November 2023
  • Website:              https://bioengineering.capital/

【Company Overview – SDG Impact Japan】

  • Head Office:        7F Kishimoto Bldg. 2-2-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
  • Representative:    Mari Kogiso and Shohei Maekawa / Representative Director, Co-CEO
  • Established:         January 2021
  • Website:              https://sdgimpactjapan.com/

Wataru Baba

Senior Fellow, Climate and Sustainability at Panasonic Group since 2022, where he accelerated the company’s growth through an integrated strategy for creating positive impact on climate change and established Sustainability Committee, chaired by the Group CEO. Board Member of Japan Professional Football League (J.League) and Independent Director for a civic technology nonprofit, Code for Japan, and a web3 startup, Financie, Inc