Saison Capital, the venture arm of Japan’s Credit Saison, has announced the launch of Onigiri Capital, a $50m blockchain investment fund. The fund, which has already secured $35m, is designed to connect global innovation with Asia’s established blockchain and financial networks, focusing on start-ups in sectors such as stablecoins, payments, tokenised assets, decentralised finance (DeFi), and financial markets infrastructure.
The launch of Onigiri Capital comes at a time when blockchain venture capital funding is experiencing a resurgence, reaching its highest levels since 2022. The fund aims to capitalise on the growing trend of real-world asset tokenisation, which is projected to reach a market value of $10 trillion by 2030. Major institutions like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, MUFG, and Bank of China are already integrating blockchain into their traditional finance systems.
Co-led by managing partners Qin En Looi and Hans de Back, Onigiri Capital leverages the extensive network of Credit Saison Group and other financial institutions across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This provides portfolio companies with access to major distribution channels, regulatory expertise, and established credibility.
Qin En Looi highlighted the fund’s role in addressing a critical gap in the US market, stating, “Our institutional background and deep roots in the region instantly provide a launchpad for US founders and developers to drive real progress at scale and speed.”
Onigiri Capital aims to support blockchain innovation by offering a blend of Silicon Valley’s creativity and Asia’s institutional validation, ensuring high-quality solutions that meet global finance standards.
