Nobuhiro Seki

We see rising scope for a broad-based normalization of content supervision and favorable policy supporting quality content. This favorable backdrop started with domestic game banhao approvals, in 2025 the number of approvals grew by 25% yoy, and in 3Q25, new guidelines for China long drama/movie industry were issued where details support prospects for growth recovery and likely shortened production cycle of dramas. We believe the quality and diversity of content will increase (with a likely 12m lag post new guidelines) which should benefit LFV players (IQ/Mango).

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Differentiated AI features to attract user adoption: On ToC users, the company provides WPS Super (priced at Rmb168/yr) and WPS Premium (priced at Rmb348/yr, including WPS AI), offering discount and trial period to expand the AI user base. We expect KO to launch more AI features and agentic AI for WPS Document/ Presentation/ Spreadsheet to better define user demand and offer solutions. On ToB users, KO provides comprehensive office efficiency products to enhance employee productivity, and the new version of WPS 365 launched in Nov 2025 (Report link) highlights features incl. digital employee, intelligent searching and team space, supporting the accelerated enterprise adoption ahead. Despite rising competition from Gen-AI model and AI organic applications, we expect the company's accumulated data base and full coverage of features will enable it to capture its long-term AI opportunities.

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China MIIT forms The Standardization Technical Committee for Humanoid Robots: On November 24, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the member list of the Technical Committee. Wang Xingxing (Unitree's Founder) and Peng Zhihui are two of the four vice-directors. The committee aims to develop and implement standards for humanoids, covering basic features, safety, key technologies, components, and applications. It will also foster global collaboration and internationalization of the standards.

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HP has launched “Garage 2.0” in Singapore — a global innovation accelerator built to catalyze DeepTech and AI startups. The program, named after HP’s legendary founding garage, aims to recreate that spirit of invention for the next generation of founders. With strategic partners including Antler, EDB, and SGInnovate, HP is offering startups access to its research labs, AI infrastructure, and mentorship — bridging the gap between corporate R&D and entrepreneurial agility. The initiative highlights Singapore’s rise as a hub where corporates and startups co-innovate at scale. This model of corporate-backed DeepTech incubation could be a valuable blueprint for Japan’s university-linked ecosystems and regional industrial clusters. Turning corporate R&D into open innovation platforms may be key to building globally competitive startups. #DeepTech #AI #CorporateVenture #Singapore #InnovationEcosystem Details: https://lnkd.in/gUR9jnUw

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Hybrid investment models are reshaping venture creation and scaling Traditional venture capital is evolving into a more integrated, hands-on approach that blends capital with operational expertise. This hybrid model offers startups not just funding, but strategic guidance, access to networks, and support to navigate complex growth challenges. For example, Mandalore Partners combines venture capital discipline with venture studio capabilities, actively partnering with founders to build sustainable, high-impact companies. This approach has proven effective in fintech, insurtech, and impact-driven sectors where agility and deep sector knowledge matter. What does this mean for entrepreneurs? Access to capital alone is no longer enough. Success increasingly depends on investors who engage deeply, helping ventures scale while aligning on long-term value creation. Are you ready to explore how hybrid investment models can accelerate your venture's growth and resilience? #VentureCapital #VentureCapitalAsAService #VCaaS

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Excited to share that LB Investment joined Whizzo’s USD 15M Series A round. This marks another step in LB’s active expansion into India, and we’re proud to support Whizzo as a long-term partner from Korea https://lnkd.in/gQgydHzm #Whizzo #LBInvestment #Korea #India #Beenext #Lightspeed #VentureCapital

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Announcing GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA: A Greentech Market-Entry & PoC Program in Japan We’re excited to announce GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA, a new greentech innovation program launched by our close business partner and LP, Tokyu Land Corporation, designed to support greentech startups entering and scaling in the Japanese market. The program is open to both domestic and international greentech startups and focuses on enabling real-world proof-of-concept (PoC) deployments in the Greater Shibuya area—one of Japan’s most dynamic urban environments. Selected startups will receive PoC funding of up to ¥5 million ($32K as of today) per company, along with hands-on support for market entry and growth. 📌 Program Overview Program Focus: PoC support and fundraising for greentech startups Application Period: November 25, 2025 – February 27, 2026 PoC Funding: Up to ¥5 million per selected startup Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gR8cdYPf 🚀 Program Highlights Real-World Demonstration Fields Across Shibuya Startups will gain access to extensive PoC sites throughout the Greater Shibuya area, including: Public spaces such as Shibuya Station Square Office buildings, commercial facilities, hotels, and residential properties owned and operated by Tokyu Land Corporation This enables startups to validate solutions in real urban environments at meaningful scale. Fundraising & Global Expansion Support Selected startups will participate in a final pitch event attended by leading domestic and international investors and venture capital firms, creating strong opportunities for: Follow-on funding Strategic partnerships Expansion into Japan and other global markets 🔍 Startups Criteria: Have deployable products or services ready for real-world PoC trials (especially solutions suitable for public or urban environments) Are planning to raise capital following the PoC phase Are exploring international growth, including entry into the Japanese market Kyohei Shinohara Masayuki Kumamoto Noriya Tarutani Daiki Nakajima Nanami Suzuki Natsuho Toyama Arisa Sonoda Remarkable Ventures Climate

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