TOKYO—MOL PLUS Co., Ltd. (CEO: Takuya Sakamoto; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) today announced that it has received approval as a co-investment partner of SEEDS Capital, a Singapore government-linked fund. This partnership with SEEDS Capital enables the MOL PLUS to strengthen its investment structure in deep tech startups in Singapore and aim to develop Singapore's deep tech ecosystem.
SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore, supports Singapore's deep tech startups developing new technologies and innovative solutions. Through the partnership, Singapore startups will be able to tap on MOL PLUS’ networks in Japan to access investors and corporates for investment and business opportunities. MOL PLUS will also support foreign technology startups seeking to enter the Singapore market. MOL is the third Japanese investor to be appointed under this co-investment program, in which partners are chosen based on considerations including:
- Track record of investing in deep tech
- Technical and Domain Expertise
- International Networks
- Early Growth Investment Capabilities
The MOL Group promotes initiatives and activities with the Singapore government and has been moving to strengthen its ties with Singapore. Recent measures include the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for comprehensive cooperation with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) (Note 1) with MPA attending MOL PLUS’ maritime startup ecosystem event as the guest of honor (Note 2).
MOL PLUS continually works to generate synergetic effects based on startup companies’ innovative ideas and technologies and the MOL Group’s resources through investment in and collaboration with startups, aiming to create new businesses PLUS new value for the ocean shipping industry and society.
(Note 1) Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) press release
November 26, 2024: “MOL Signs Comprehensive MoU with Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore”
(Note 2) MOL PLUS press release
SEEDS Capital
As the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore, SEEDS Capital catalyses smart investments into innovative Singapore-based early-stage startups with strong intellectual content and global market potential. We adopt a co-investment model, working hand in hand with institutional investors from around the world.
Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, we help startups commercialise, realise their business development plans and expand globally. We focus our investments into emerging and strategic sectors aligned with national priorities, including Manufacturing, Trade & Connectivity, Human Health & Potential, Urban Solutions & Sustainability, and Smart Nation & Digital Economy.
EDBI and SEEDS Capital will be merged to form a new Government investment entity called SG Growth Capital Pte Ltd with effect from 1 April 2025. This brings together the investment expertise and networks of EDBI and SEEDS Capital, to support the growth of innovative enterprises and anchor key operations and capabilities in Singapore.
Learn more about SEEDS Capital at https://www.seedscapital.sg.
Enterprise Singapore
Enterprise Singapore is the Singapore government agency championing enterprise development. It also supports the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups.
The agency attracts global commodities traders to establish their global or Asian home base in Singapore. Today, Singapore is a leading global trading hub with a complete ecosystem for the energy, agri-commodities and metals & minerals trading clusters. Singapore is also home to many global enterprises, startups and investors that operate in its robust pro-enterprise environment.
Visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.
For further information, please contact:
MOL PLUS (website: https://en.molplus.net/)
Tel: +81-3-3587-7643/Email: molplus@molgroup.com