Resona Bank is targeting cumulative lending of ¥100 billion to startups by the end of FY2028 and ¥45 billion in FY2028 alone. It has outlined a ninefold expansion plan and plans to introduce new credit assessment methods through a partnership with Fivot.
Resona Bank plans to expand lending to startups. It has set a cumulative target of ¥100 billion by the end of FY2028 and an annual target of ¥45 billion for that fiscal year, aiming for more than ninefold growth. This includes a shift away from relying solely on conventional financial analysis toward assessments that place greater emphasis on business viability and future potential.
The bank plans to adopt new credit assessment methods, including real-time monitoring of actual transactions, by working with Fivot and using Flex Capital, a lending program for startups. The aim is to broaden the scope of funding through accounting SaaS integration.
Amid discussion of the difficulties of open innovation, calls are growing for banks to serve as a bridge between large companies and startups. Resona is establishing a structure that uses debt and equity in tandem, with a view to providing not only funding but also business opportunities.
Resona’s efforts center on strengthening its ability to identify promising startups and its fund-formation capabilities in order to improve the feasibility of its ninefold expansion plan. Its approach indicates an ambition to transform Japan’s startup ecosystem through new credit models and strategic partnerships that support startup growth.