Japan’s Kawaijuku backs Vietnam’s Do Ventures to expand education business
KJ Holdings, the parent company of Japanese education group Kawaijuku, has invested in Do Ventures Fund II, managed by Vietnamese venture-capital firm Do Ventures, as it explores opportunities to expand its education business in Vietnam.
The Tokyo-based company said on Monday that it made the investment commitment in September to gain greater exposure to Vietnam’s education and startup ecosystems. Kawaijuku also plans to establish relationships with businesses involved in education and talent development, with the aim of pursuing future partnerships, direct investments and new education services in the market.
Kawaijuku did not disclose the financial terms of the investment.
Do Ventures targets early-stage startups
Ho Chi Minh City-based Do Ventures was established in 2020 and invests in early-stage companies across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, from seed-stage businesses through Series A.
Its investment focus spans consumer and manufacturing technology, artificial intelligence, education, healthcare, financial services and climate technology.
The firm was founded by Nguyen Manh Dung and Le Hoang Uyen Vy. Its first fund, launched in 2020, had a target size of $50 million and attracted investors including NAVER, Sea and Vertex Holdings.
Kawaijuku looks to Vietnam for overseas growth
Kawaijuku, one of Japan’s major private education providers, is pursuing international opportunities as it seeks to apply its education expertise in new markets.
The company identified Vietnam as an important overseas market, citing the country’s economic expansion and growing middle class. Rising demand for education is also creating opportunities for the group to develop new businesses and services, Kawaijuku said.
