AI Startups Sakana, Turing Get Funds as Japan’s Attraction Grows

Two of Japan’s most promising tech firms together secured more than ¥35 billion ($230 million) of financing this week, underscoring growing investor interest in the country’s burgeoning AI scene.

Japanese self-driving tech startup Turing Inc. said Monday it raised about ¥15.3 billion from investors including Toyota Motor Corp. supplier Denso Corp. Separately, Sakana AI said it raised ¥20 billion at a valuation of about $2.6 billion. Sakana, which works closely with the financial industry, got new capital from existing backer Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. as well as new investors Factorial Funds, Macquarie Capital and Santander venture capital fund Mouro Capital.