List of Western VCs tapping Japan biotech incentive continues to grow

Four more VCs — all ex-Japanese investors — are now able to take advantage of a Japanese government incentive program to invest in life sciences innovation in Japan. Results from AMED’s latest calls for proposals, announced this week, come as Western VCs are increasingly scouring Japanese research institutes and early-stage biotechs for opportunities. 

The Agency for Medical Research and Development’s $2 billion program provides non-dilutive two-to-one matching funds for biotech programs to accredited investors. RA Capital Management, The Column Group, TPG Global and B Capital Group Management join the list, bringing the number of accredited investors to 35...