PROSPER launches second Japan fund, targeting ¥30B for regional SMEs
What's the deal? PROSPER launched its second private equity fund, the PROSPER Japan Company Growth Support Fund No. 2, on June 24, 2026. The fund targets ¥30 billion to back small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that drive regional economic revitalization across Japan.
What's the endgame? The fund focuses on SMEs, with tourism as a primary target. It provides capital and support for business succession, reorganization, and reconstruction, aiming to build regions that attract people and create stable workplaces.
The backers: Nine financial institutions — including major and regional banks — have joined as limited partners, with six more regional institutions and business companies added since. The team plans to bring in more local financial partners.
Why now? PROSPER launched its first fund in May 2023 and has since invested in 13 SMEs across Japan. The firm frames its work as a response to Japan's declining population and aging society.
Who's behind it? The fund is led by Yōzō Tachibana, previously at Goldman SachsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Merrill LynchDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, alongside professionals from PROSPER and hospitality group Plan・Do・See.
The signal: PROSPER's pairing of finance and hospitality expertise reflects a growing bet on regional revitalization as an investment thesis — using private capital and local banks to tackle Japan's demographic strains, one SME at a time.
Read more: third-news.com
