Ex-Ripple VP Who Built Japan’s XRP Strategy Launches $100M Fund With SBI
Former Ripple VP Emi Yoshikawa launches a $100M fund with SBI Holdings to connect Japanese firms with Silicon Valley startups in blockchain and AI.
In a significant move for the cryptocurrency landscape, Emi Yoshikawa, the former Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Ripple, has launched a $100 million fund with the backing of SBI Holdings. This initiative, known as Across Ventures Fund I, aims to bridge Japanese corporations with innovative Silicon Valley startups specializing in blockchain, AI, deep tech, and more.
What Does This New Fund Mean for Japan's Crypto Landscape?
April 2026 has already been a monumental month for XRP adoption in Japan. With the launch of XRP payments for 44 million Rakuten users and proven efficiencies showing that XRP settles 60% cheaper than traditional SWIFT transactions, the landscape is rapidly evolving. This fund is not just another venture but a strategic step in furthering Japan's relationship with blockchain technology.
Who is Emi Yoshikawa and What Will the Fund Focus On?
Emi Yoshikawa is no stranger to the crypto scene. During her eight years at Ripple, she led key strategies that propelled the company into Japan’s burgeoning blockchain market, including corporate strategy, joint ventures, and the launch of Ripple’s ecosystem fund. Yoshikawa sat on the board of SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture that played a crucial role in establishing XRP’s institutional presence in Japan.
SBI Holdings expressed their strong faith in Yoshikawa, emphasizing the established relationship built on mutual trust over the years at Ripple. Their commitment is clear: “We have built a strong relationship with Ms. Yoshikawa based on mutual trust since her time at Ripple,” said the company's official statement.
How Will the $100 Million Fund Operate?
Across Ventures will function as a fund-of-funds, primarily investing in specialized micro VCs focused on blockchain, fintech, AI, climate tech, and deep tech. The goal is to provide Japanese corporations with systematic access to early-stage innovations from Silicon Valley that have traditionally been outside their reach. SBI’s role isn’t merely financial; the company will actively engage in deal sourcing and investment reviews, utilizing its extensive network in Asian banking and technology.
What's Happening Now in Japan with XRP?
This month has seen intense activity around XRP and XRPL in Japan. Just recently, SBI Ripple Asia completed its XRPL token issuance platform under Japan’s Payment Services Act. Additionally, Japanese banks have conducted pilots demonstrating XRP’s capacity to reduce cross-border costs by up to 60% compared to SWIFT. In fact, SBI has even launched a 10 billion yen blockchain bond, offering investor rewards in XRP earlier this February.
Is This Just the Beginning for Yoshikawa and SBI?
Emi Yoshikawa expressed her commitment to building an innovative platform through Across Ventures. “We are committed to co-creating next-generation industries together with Japanese enterprises,” she stated in the official announcement.
What emerges is clear: this fund is not a deviation from the XRP narrative; rather, it’s the next chapter in a story that has significantly impacted Japan's blockchain ecosystem. With Yoshikawa now operating independently, fueled by the institution she once helped elevate in the XRP domain, exciting times lay ahead.
- Emi Yoshikawa, former Ripple VP, launched a $100M fund with SBI Holdings to enhance blockchain innovation in Japan.
- The fund aims to connect Japanese corporations with Silicon Valley startups specializing in blockchain and deep tech.
- SBI’s historical partnership with Yoshikawa demonstrates confidence in her vision for future developments in XRP adoption.
- This month marks a significant increase in XRP adoption, seeing innovative implementations like XRP payments for Rakuten users.
- The fund represents a systemic effort to tap into early-stage technologies and retain Japan's competitive edge in the global market.
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