Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm from the U.S., is planning to establish its first Asian office in Japan, sources informed Nikkei Asia.

Though still in its early stages, the decision to expand into Japan has been discussed multiple times with the firm’s limited partners, according to insiders.

The upcoming Tokyo office aims to enhance cooperation with existing Japanese partners and bolster future fundraising initiatives.

Despite Andreessen Horowitz‘s limited investment history in Japan, the country is becoming an increasingly important market for the firm.

As part of its broader strategy, the company may look into investment prospects within the nation.

In April, the firm announced it had secured US$7.2 billion in new funds, with contributions from key Japanese players like NTT Group, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, and other major trading houses.

These Japanese entities contributed several hundred million dollars, representing about 5% of the total fund.

While Andreessen Horowitz and NTT Group declined to provide comments, Tokio Marine confirmed its involvement.

With a growing focus on Japanese companies interested in the startup scene, Andreessen Horowitz’s move reflects a larger trend among U.S. venture capitalists seeking to diversify away from Chinese investors due to ongoing U.S.-China tech tensions.

Founded in 2009, the Silicon Valley-based firm opened its first international office in London in 2023.

It has made significant investments in fintech companies, including Wise, Affirm, and Robinhood.

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