Grand Story has entered into a capital partnership with the Nippon Life Group and will accelerate the implementation of regional industrial creation infrastructure centered on STORIUM. Through the partnership, it aims to create an environment that connects capital, networks and expertise with regional initiatives.
Grand Story has entered into a capital partnership with Nippon Life Insurance Group and Nissei Capital. At the core of the partnership is STORIUM, the social capital platform operated by Grand Story, which aims to connect diverse players, including regional financial institutions, local governments and startups, and create a cycle that generates new businesses and industries from local communities.
The partnership combines the trust base and financial functions that the Nippon Life Group has developed with local communities with resources accumulated by STORIUM, including primary information, relationship assets and catalysts. The stated aim is to eliminate information and opportunity asymmetries and promote co-creation.
Three synergies from the partnership are identified: connecting the Nippon Life Group’s nationwide network with STORIUM’s industrial co-creation platform, expanding funding opportunities for purpose-driven regional initiatives, and developing “catalysts,” or talent who drive industrial creation in local communities.
The representatives of the companies said they intend to deepen encounters and understanding, encourage the next decisions and create sustainable capital circulation and regional industries, rather than treating fundraising as the end goal. They also referred to building an ecosystem involving regional financial institutions, local governments, universities and regional companies, as well as advancing information distribution through the use of AI and data.