Onigiri Capital Unveils $50M Fund for US Startups in Asia
Credit Saison, Japan’s third-largest credit card issuer, has launched Onigiri Capital, a $50 million blockchain fund aimed at helping US blockchain startups enter Asian markets. Backed by Saison Capital and strategic partners, Onigiri Capital has raised $35 million to date, with headroom to scale up to $50 million. The fund targets early-stage projects in tokenization, digital payments, stablecoins, real-world assets and DeFi infrastructure.
Leveraging Credit Saison’s networks in Japan, Singapore and Indonesia, Onigiri Capital offers portfolio companies access to capital, banking partners, legal frameworks and regulatory guidance. Partners Qin En Looi and Hans de Back emphasize compliance and scalable structures. The launch comes amid cautious crypto funding, as investors seek tangible value beyond hype. Onigiri Capital’s Asia expansion strategy could set a new standard for cross-border blockchain investment.
Neutral
Onigiri Capital’s launch of a $50M blockchain fund is unlikely to directly affect the price of any specific cryptocurrency. In the short term, this funding initiative could support market confidence by signifying continued institutional interest in blockchain innovation. Over the long term, increased investment in tokenization, stablecoins and DeFi infrastructure may foster project development and adoption, but the impact on individual crypto asset prices remains indirect. Therefore, the overall market effect is neutral.