Nomura Investment Bank to launch cryptocurrency venture unit

Laser Venture Capital will focus on DeFi, CeFi, Web 3.0 and blockchain infrastructure projects

21.09.2022 - 15:55

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What’s new? Nomura, one of Japan's largest investment banks, is launching a new venture capital unit to invest in cryptocurrencies. The division, called Laser Venture Capital, will invest in companies in the digital ecosystem, focusing on decentralized finance (DeFi), centralized finance (CeFi), Web 3.0 and blockchain infrastructure. This is announced in a press release.

Press release

How did things develop? Laser Venture Capital will be the first product launched by Nomura's new digital asset unit, dubbed Laser Digital. The bank plans two more launches related to secondary trading and investor products. Nomura first announced its plans for a new cryptocurrency company in May. At the time, the bank said the unit would provide institutional clients and investors with products and services related to cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, DeFi, NFTs, and other tokens. The bank registered Laser Digital Holdings AG in Switzerland.

Stephen Ashley and Jez Mohideen will run Nomura Laser Digital's cryptocurrency business as chairman and CEO, respectively.

What is known about Nomura? It is a major Japanese financial holding company founded in 1925. Nomura serves individuals, institutions, corporations and governments through its retail, asset management, wholesale (global markets and investment banking) and merchant banking business units.

In late August, Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal launched Symbolic Capital, a $50 million venture capital fund. With it, Nailwal plans to allocate funds to support crypto startups in emerging markets. His partner is the founder of decentralized data storage Cere Network Kenzi Wang.

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