Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (TYO:8316) will double its startup funding to 270 billion yen through fiscal 2025, up from 135 billion yen originally planned, to meet growing demand from early-stage firms, Nikkei reported Wednesday.

The bank has already invested or lent 185 billion yen over two years to companies such as iQPS and ispace, and is expanding support through venture debt, equity-linked loans, and a new venture fund targeting 10 billion to 15 billion yen by spring 2026, according to the report.

With IPO activity slowing and listing rules tightening, SMBC aims to help startups grow without rushing to market. Other lenders, including Aozora, MUFG, and Mizuho, are also increasing venture funding as Japan targets 10 trillion yen in annual startup investment by fiscal 2027, the report said.

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