Marui Group, Q’sfix and Giftee have contributed to a $13.7m first close that represents half of the fund's target for its final close.

Japan-based venture capital firm Nextblue has raised about ¥1.5bn ($13.7m) for its debut fund, from limited partners including local department store retailer Marui Group, system integrator Q’sfix and rewards platform Giftee.

The figure represents the first close of the fund, which has a ¥3bn target for its close. It will make seed-stage investments in companies focusing on the future of work, health and lifestyle, in Japan and Europe.

Nextblue was formed by Yuichi Kori, founder of Reality Accelerator, with Kanako Inoue…

James Mawson

James Mawson is founder and chief executive of Global Venturing.