Financial institution Mizuho Bank will purchase AI-focused venture in the financial sector.
Mizuho Financial Group, one of Japan's largest financial institutions, has announced its acquisition of Upsider Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based financial venture that specialises in using artificial intelligence for credit card and accounting efficiency services for corporate clients.
The acquisition, valued at approximately 46 billion yen, will make Upsider Holdings a consolidated subsidiary of Mizuho Bank. This strategic move reflects Mizuho's goal to deepen its presence in the fintech sector and better serve startups and high-growth companies by integrating technology-driven credit assessment and flexible financing solutions.
Upsider Holdings' AI credit model and products like corporate credit cards and invoice payment systems ("Shiharai") will be utilised to support over 80,000 companies in Japan. Mizuho aims to address the labor shortage faced by small and midsize companies that support the Japanese economy through this acquisition.
Mizuho Financial Group plans to leverage Upsider's operational independence while providing resources and insights to innovate financial service delivery for small and midsize businesses. A specific joint business strategy between Mizuho Bank and Upsider Holdings will be announced in autumn.
The partnership aims to improve the fundraising capabilities of small and midsize companies, addressing the challenges they face in securing funding. Mizuho's extensive network, capital, and industry expertise will be combined with Upsider's fintech infrastructure to offer flexible, scalable financial solutions tailored for startups, mid-sized companies, and growth-stage firms.
Previously, the two entities have collaborated on a debt fund for startups, providing about 13 billion yen in loans since November 2023. This partnership signifies a broader strategy to nurture growth-oriented fintech ventures and serve a wider corporate client base.
The acquisition by Mizuho Bank, a subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group, is expected to strengthen financial services for small businesses and startups, ultimately contributing to the growth and vitality of the Japanese economy. More specific joint business strategies are expected to be announced in autumn 2025, indicating the ongoing development of their collaborative approach.
The acquisition made by Mizuho Financial Group, valued at approximately 46 billion yen, will utilize Upsider Holdings' AI-powered credit model and products like corporate credit cards and invoice payment systems ("Shiharai") to serve over 80,000 companies in Japan. This move is part of Mizuho's strategy to improve the fundraising capabilities of small and midsize companies, addressing their challenges in securing funding.
To address the labor shortage faced by small and midsize companies that support the Japanese economy, Mizuho Financial Group plans to leverage Upsider's operational independence while providing resources and insights to innovate financial service delivery. In autumn, a specific joint business strategy between Mizuho Bank and Upsider Holdings will be announced.
The partnership between Mizuho Financial Group and Upsider Holdings will also involve the development of artificial intelligence for better business efficiency services, reflecting Mizuho's goal to deepen its presence in the fintech sector and serve startups and high-growth companies more effectively. This collaboration signifies a broader strategy to nurture growth-oriented fintech ventures and serve a wider corporate client base, contributing to the growth and vitality of the Japanese economy.
