Japan Airlines Ventures

Airline Corporate Venture Capital Fund

Overview of Japan Airlines Ventures

Japan Airlines Innovation Fund: A Strategic Venture Capital Initiative

Japan Airlines (JAL) Group, a renowned name in the global aviation sector, has established the Japan Airlines Innovation Fund, a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) firm. This strategic move is part of JAL's broader vision outlined in its Medium Term Management Plan - 2018, aiming to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

The Japan Airlines Innovation Fund is designed to act swiftly and proactively, engaging in collaborations and co-creations with startups that exhibit cutting-edge technology. The fund's primary objectives are:

1. Enhancing Customer Experience: Elevating JAL's service offerings to provide a truly comfortable and personalized travel experience, reinforcing its status as a Full Service Carrier.

2. Business Domain Expansion: Leveraging JAL's extensive assets to revolutionize the concept of global mobility and logistics, thereby contributing to societal advancement.

3. Innovation and Employee Empowerment: Creating an environment that nurtures innovation and co-creation, allowing JAL employees to engage directly with startups and contribute to the development of new values.

Investment Focus: The fund concentrates on three pivotal areas:

1. Mobility & Life: Investments target sectors like Mobility, Air Mobility, Micromobility, Travel, Finance, Credit Cards, and E-Commerce, aiming to synergize with JAL's existing mobility and lifestyle businesses.

2. Digital Transformation: Focusing on Web3.0 (including Metaverse, XR, NFT), Automation, Robotics, etc., the fund seeks to spearhead digital advancements that align with and enhance JAL's operational capabilities.

3. Sustainability Initiatives: Concentrating on Energy, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Food Tech, and Waste Reduction, the fund aligns with JAL's ESG strategy, promoting businesses that address critical social issues and contribute to a sustainable future.

Global Presence and Operational Strategy: Japan Airlines Ventures operates from two strategic locations:

1. Silicon Valley: Primarily handling investments through the JAL Innovation Fund, integrating these ventures with existing business units.

2. Tokyo: Focused on new business development and management support through the JAL Innovation Lab.

Management Support and Utilization of JAL Group Assets: The fund provides comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, leveraging the extensive knowledge, network, and esteemed brand reputation of the JAL Group. This includes assistance in sales, project development, and strategic guidance, ensuring a holistic growth environment for the invested startups.

*Last update: November 2023