Asuene raises ¥13.5B Series D led by BlackRock-Temasek fund Decarbonization Partners
What's the deal? Tokyo-based Asuene has raised ¥13.5 billion (about $82.7 million) in a Series D round led by Decarbonization PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the joint venture between BlackRock and Singapore's Temasek. The startup runs an AI sustainability platform that helps companies measure, cut, and report CO2 emissions across their supply chains.
The breakdown: The round combined ¥6.8 billion in primary funding through a third-party allotment, ¥3.7 billion in a secondary sale for existing shareholders and employees, plus debt financing from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. That brings Asuene's total funding to ¥25 billion.
Who's in? The round marks Decarbonization Partners' first investment in a Japanese startup — and BlackRock's. Other backers include Twin Towers VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the corporate venture arm of Malaysia's state oil firm Petronas, alongside existing investors SPARX Asset ManagementDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Incubate Fund, Environmental Energy Investment, Daikin Industries, RICOH Innovation Fund, and GLIN Impact Capital.
Why it stands out: The deal sits above the 95th percentile among all-time Series D rounds in Japan, based on a sample of 170. Asuene says it holds roughly 40% of prime-listed companies as customers.
What's the money for? Asuene will prioritise M&A across Japan, the US, Europe, and Asia, plus AI and product development. The company covers emissions accounting, ESG assessment, supply chain management, third-party assurance, carbon credits, and energy management through six products.
What's the endgame? Asuene wants to set the international standard for AI sustainability platforms and reshape itself into an "AI Native company." Chief executive officer Kohei Nishiwada said the firm will accelerate M&A, domestic growth, and global expansion "as a Japan-born AI sustainability integration company."
Why now? Compliance regimes such as SSBJ, CSRD, and CBAM are turning sustainability data into a core business concern tied to finance and supply chains. "Sustainability data is evolving from a mere reporting obligation into a strategic tool," said Meghan Sharp, global head and CIO of Decarbonization Partners.
The signal: A top global asset manager writing its first Japanese startup cheque points to rising investor appetite for climate software with real regulatory tailwinds — and to Japan producing category leaders with global reach.
Read more: PR Times
Image credit: Asuene
