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About KIBOW Impact Investment　
～Investment Belief in the Potential of Social Entrepreneurs～

We invest in social entrepreneurs who want to change society because we believe that social entrepreneurs have the potential to:

・Change society through their businesses
・Realize their organizational growth
・Generate social impacts and financial returns.

Therefore, we have launched an Impact Investment fund named “KIBOW Impact Investment (KIBOW Shakai Toshi Fund I)”

What is Social Investment?

Social Investment refers to any investments in the projects of NPOs, enterprises and other organizations with the intention of solving social issues, made by those who seek a social return.

KIBOW’s Impact Investment is also a type of social investment. While some social investors focus only on a social return, our Impact Investment aims to generate social impact alongside a financial return.

The main objective of our investment is to solve social issues. Our expectation for financial returns is not as high as traditional venture capitalists. However, we do expect our investees to scale rapidly, just as venture enterprises do, in order to have a huge impact on society. Therefore, using various social impact measurements, we support our investees to maximize their impact.

Our support includes the following:
  • 1. Equity investment
  • 2. Recruiting support for management expansion
  • 3. Support for strategic implementation as a discussion partner
  • 4. Raising awareness through our site and social media

Utilizing the wide network of GLOBIS Management School, which has incubated many notable entrepreneurs, we support the growth of our investees.

Candidates for KIBOW’s Impact Investment

Our target organizations (enterprises) must meet all the following criteria:

1. An organization that tackles social issues

In Japan, there are various important social issues. We invest in social entrepreneurs who tackle these issues, especially those in critical areas: care for the increasing elderly population, education for youth, child-care support, and regional revitalization (including disaster-affected areas), as well as social and/or financial inclusion.

In the case of projects outside of Japan, a maximum 10% of the fund can be allocated for Japanese social entrepreneurs who tackle international social issues, such as poverty, healthcare and international development.

2. An organization with an intention to solve social issues by utilizing their business and revenue models

Instead of relying on subsidies or donations, our target investees should be able to generate a profitable business model. Business means having something to do with pecuniary transactions.

3. An organization that is able to receive an equity investment

The form of our investment is not debt but equity. In general, we invest 10-50 million JPY and hold 10 – 30% of its equity interest. For the first round of KIBOW Impact Investment, non-profit organizations, such as specified nonprofit corporations, foundation corporations, and general incorporation associations, are not the target of our investments. However, it is possible to invest in an organization when they establish a new enterprise that can receive our investment in the form of equity.

4. The management team of the organization is capable of maximizing their business and impact
Excellent social entrepreneurs are equipped with the capability to influence others, think critically and decisively take action. As long as entrepreneurs have the appropriate manpower, goods and capital, they can maximize their social impact. We would like to invest in these types of social entrepreneurs.
 
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