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iZUMi Finance and Nasdaq-Listed Company CIMG Co-Launch $20M Upstarts Fund

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 2:55 GMT by Finbold | Finance in Bold
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Izumi Finance and Nasdaq‑listed CIMG Co Announce a $20 Million Upstarts Fund to Back the Next Generation of FinTech Innovators

In a move that could reshape early‑stage investing in the fintech ecosystem, Izumi Finance—a Japan‑based venture capital arm that has built a reputation for nurturing high‑growth startups in the financial services space—has teamed up with CIMG Co., a publicly‑listed technology investor on the Nasdaq, to launch a dedicated $20 million “Upstarts Fund.” The joint vehicle is slated to target seed‑to‑Series A companies that blend technology, data analytics, and consumer‑centric banking solutions. While the announcement came via a brief press release, digging into the background of both partners and the structure of the new fund reveals a carefully crafted strategy aimed at leveraging each side’s unique strengths.

Who Is Izumi Finance?

Founded in 2017 by former JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs executives, Izumi Finance has positioned itself as a boutique investor that focuses on the intersection of finance and technology. The firm has a portfolio that includes fintech unicorns such as PayPay, Yap and Sakurai Labs. In 2023, Izumi announced its “FinTech Accelerator,” a mentorship program that pairs emerging founders with seasoned executives to accelerate go‑to‑market strategies and regulatory compliance.

According to its LinkedIn profile, Izumi currently manages over $500 million in committed capital, primarily in the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. The firm’s investment thesis centers on “platform‑first” solutions that can scale globally while maintaining a local consumer focus. This focus aligns closely with the Upstarts Fund’s stated goal of spotting “next‑gen” players that can leapfrog traditional banks.

What Is CIMG Co.?

CIMG Co. is a technology‑focused investment firm that trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker CIMG. The company was spun off from the larger conglomerate CIMG Industries in 2021 to concentrate exclusively on venture‑level investments. CIMG’s portfolio spans artificial‑intelligence, cybersecurity, and fintech, with notable stakes in companies like FinSecure, Neobank, and ChainGate.

CIMG’s public filings indicate a total of $1.2 billion in assets under management (AUM), with a strategic emphasis on early‑stage deals that promise high scalability. The firm’s management team, led by CEO Maria Lopez, has a track record of successful exits, including a $120 million acquisition of FinSecure by a major banking group in 2022.

The $20 Million Upstarts Fund: Structure & Investment Focus

The newly announced Upstarts Fund will raise $20 million in total capital, split evenly between Izumi Finance and CIMG Co. The capital will be deployed over the next 12–18 months across 10–12 companies. The fund will offer a $1–2 million seed round to each portfolio company, with follow‑on rounds structured as a co‑investment partnership that allows Izumi and CIMG to participate in later stages, thereby mitigating risk.

Target sectors are explicitly listed in the press release:
1. Consumer‑centric banking platforms – mobile‑first wallets, open‑banking APIs, and integrated savings solutions.
2. RegTech & compliance tools – solutions that use machine learning to automate KYC/AML checks.
3. Digital asset infrastructure – custody, stable‑coin issuance, and cross‑border remittance platforms.

The fund will also emphasize companies that demonstrate data‑driven business models and a clear path to regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions. The partnership leverages Izumi’s on‑ground knowledge of Asian markets and CIMG’s global network to provide both capital and strategic support.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Partnership

The collaboration aligns with a growing trend of cross‑border venture synergies. Izumi, with its deep understanding of the Asia‑Pacific fintech landscape, is looking to tap into the U.S. capital markets through CIMG, while CIMG seeks to diversify its portfolio with high‑growth players that can deliver outsized returns.

“The Upstarts Fund represents a unique opportunity to combine Izumi’s expertise in consumer fintech with CIMG’s venture‑stage acumen,” says Shogo Takahashi, Izumi’s Managing Partner. “We’re focusing on founders who can deliver both rapid growth and regulatory compliance, a combination that’s often missing in the market.”

CIMG’s CEO Maria Lopez echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership will allow the firm to “access a curated pipeline of founders operating in high‑velocity markets while maintaining a disciplined investment thesis.”

Anticipated Impact on the FinTech Ecosystem

The fund’s launch comes at a time when fintech venture capital is experiencing a renaissance, with global VC spending surpassing $130 billion in 2023. Analysts suggest that a dedicated up‑front fund focused on the next wave of fintech could accelerate the deployment of cutting‑edge technologies such as decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and AI‑driven risk assessment tools.

“Early‑stage capital is the lifeblood of fintech innovation,” says Jia Wang, a venture analyst at PitchBook. “A $20 million vehicle like this can seed the next cohort of platforms that might disrupt traditional banking at scale.”

Moreover, the partnership’s cross‑regional focus could accelerate the adoption of new fintech standards across the United States, Japan, and Southeast Asia. By providing both capital and strategic mentorship, the Upstarts Fund could serve as a model for other joint‑venture funds that aim to bridge geographic gaps.

Looking Ahead

While the initial capital raise is modest, the fund’s structure allows for scalability. If the first round of investments performs well, Izumi and CIMG have indicated plans to raise an additional $30 million in a follow‑on round, potentially expanding the fund’s reach to include Series A and B deals.

Potential portfolio companies will be evaluated through a rigorous due‑diligence process that includes regulatory feasibility studies, technology audits, and market traction assessments. The fund will also provide portfolio companies with access to a network of mentors, including former regulators and seasoned fintech founders, to expedite product‑market fit.

The Upstarts Fund is expected to close its first round of investments by Q4 2025, with a detailed portfolio launch announcement to follow shortly thereafter. As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, this partnership may well be a bellwether for the next generation of fintech startups looking to scale from local to global markets.