a16z loves Sano Saki? The first overseas branch chooses Tokyo, focusing on AI drones and national defense

Silicon Valley Venture Capital Giant a16z Announces Opening of First Overseas Office in Tokyo This Summer, Managing Over $100 Billion. Will Collaborate with the Japanese Government Focusing on AI, Defense Technology, and Startup Accelerators.

a16z Announces Tokyo Office, Japan Becomes First Overseas Location
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Globally renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) co-founder Ben Horowitz recently met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the official residence and officially announced that a16z will establish its first overseas office in Tokyo this summer. This marks the first time this Silicon Valley VC giant, managing over $100 billion in assets, has set up an office outside the United States.

According to Japanese government sources and related officials, the meeting reached consensus on multiple cooperation areas, including AI, defense technology, startup investment, and accelerator programs. a16z plans to strengthen collaborations with Japanese companies, the Ministry of Defense, and local startup teams, and will introduce its primarily US-based startup accelerator "Speedrun" into the Japanese market.

Ben Horowitz mentioned during the meeting that Japan’s recent acceleration in startup policies and defense industry development was a key reason for a16z’s decision to expand into Tokyo. The Takaichi government also hopes to leverage US large-scale venture capital and AI technology to accelerate upgrades in Japan’s tech industry and national security systems.

AI Drones and Defense Tech as Key Areas of Cooperation
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One of the most closely watched focuses in the market is the AI autonomous flying drone companies within a16z’s portfolio, which may collaborate with Japan’s Ministry of Defense and local enterprises in the future. Industry insiders note that these AI drone technologies are typical dual-use military and civilian industries, applicable not only to defense but also to disaster relief, logistics, and infrastructure inspection.



Image source: Japanese Prime Minister’s Office. Recently, Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the official residence.

In recent years, major countries worldwide have continued to increase investments in AI and defense technology. Japan has also begun to reinforce its supply chain and technological security capabilities. Especially amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Japanese government is actively engaging US tech companies and venture capital to enhance its domestic AI, semiconductor, and defense technology competitiveness.

a16z has long invested in AI, cryptocurrencies, defense tech, and space industries, with investments in major tech companies like Coinbase, GitHub, and Airbnb. Co-founder Marc Andreessen has also publicly supported the Trump administration in the past and maintains close ties with the US Republican tech circle.

Japan Accelerates Blockchain and Digital Finance Reforms
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The announcement of a16z’s expansion into Japan coincides with Japan’s accelerated push for digital financial reforms. In recent years, Japan has continued to advance regulations on blockchain and crypto assets, including stablecoin oversight, crypto financial productization, and tokenization of government bonds.

In April this year, major Japanese financial institutions including Mizuho Financial Group, Nomura Holdings, and Japan Securities Settlement Corporation jointly tested the transfer of Japanese government bonds using blockchain. The test was conducted via Canton Network, aiming to improve transaction efficiency and market liquidity for global investors.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Financial Services Agency recently officially included $JPYC stablecoins under the funds transfer regulations and promoted reclassification of crypto assets as financial products, introducing insider trading restrictions, disclosure requirements, and stricter investor protections.

Market analysts believe Japan is currently trying to establish a new system that balances financial innovation with transparent regulation, aiming to reaffirm its position as a financial and tech hub in Asia.

a16z Continues Expansion in Asia
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Before announcing the Tokyo office, a16z’s crypto division had just completed fundraising for its fifth crypto fund, reaching $2.2 billion, with investment focuses including stablecoins, prediction markets, asset tokenization, perpetual contracts, and AI agents.

Although smaller than the previous fund of $4.5 billion in 2022, market observers see a16z gradually shifting from highly speculative crypto investments toward long-term infrastructure and AI applications.

* Related news: a16z raises $2.2 billion for new crypto fund! Believes fundamentals are at historic highs, pushing the industry toward practicality

In addition to Tokyo, last year a16z also established an Asian office in Seoul to strengthen its influence in Asian tech and crypto markets. Choosing Japan as its first full overseas office reflects a broader trend of major global venture capital reassessing Japan’s tech potential.

Especially as AI, semiconductors, defense tech, and digital finance increasingly intersect, collaborations between Japan’s government and Silicon Valley capital could further reshape the competitive landscape of Asian tech and crypto markets in the future.