*This is a machine-translated text of the original article.
KDDI Corporation announced its investment in “Stage-up Fund Investment Project Limited Liability Cooperative” operated by MAKOTO Group. The funding was directed from “KDDI Regional Initiatives Fund #1” aimed at supporting start-up projects for revitalization of rural areas.
MAKOTO’s mission is providing support to local entrepreneurs in cooperation with local governments, and also inviting entrepreneurs outside of the regions with the aim starting new projects.
Relying on its wide network of contacts, MAKOTO has developed a support program for promising start-ups in six prefectures of Tohoku region (in northern Japan) in cooperation with Sendai city. It also cooperates with over 15 local governments in Tohoku aiming to reinvigorate rural areas.
As for Stage-up Fund, it provides funds to support start-ups and intends to use its extensive business experience in Tohoku region to nurture innovative ventures originating in the local area.
KDDI and MAKOTO sealed partnership agreement in July 2019 with the purpose of nurturing local start-ups. The two companies have cooperated to open training and educational programs for future entrepreneurs.
KDDI also hopes to convey MAKOTO’s start-up support know-how to other regions outside Tohoku, aiming to revitalize rural areas.
Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2020/04/30/kddi-18/