Ex-Ripple VP Who Built Japan’s XRP Strategy Launches $100M Fund With SBI

Former Ripple VP Emi Yoshikawa launches a $100M fund with SBI Holdings to connect Japanese firms with Silicon Valley startups in blockchain and AI.

In a significant move for the cryptocurrency landscape, Emi Yoshikawa, the former Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Ripple, has launched a $100 million fund with the backing of SBI Holdings. This initiative, known as Across Ventures Fund I, aims to bridge Japanese corporations with innovative Silicon Valley startups specializing in blockchain, AI, deep tech, and more. What Does This New Fund Mean for Japan's Crypto Landscape? April 2026 has already been a monumental month for XRP adoption in Japan. With the launch of XRP payments for 44 million Rakuten users and proven efficiencies showing that XRP settles 60% cheaper than traditional SWIFT transactions, the landscape is rapidly evolving. This fund is not just another venture but a strategic step in furthering Japan's relationship with blockchain technology. Who is Emi Yoshikawa and What Will the Fund Focus On? Emi Yoshikawa is no stranger to the crypto scene. During her eight years at Ripple, she led key strategies that propelled the company into Japan’s burgeoning blockchain market, including corporate strategy, joint ventures, and the launch of Ripple’s ecosystem fund. Yoshikawa sat on the board of SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture that played a crucial role in establishing XRP’s institutional presence in Japan. SBI Holdings expressed their strong faith in Yoshikawa, emphasizing the established relationship built on mutual trust over the years at Ripple. Their commitment is clear: “We have built a strong relationship with Ms. Yoshikawa based on mutual trust since her time at Ripple,” said the company's official statement. How Will the $100 Million Fund Operate? Across Ventures will function as a fund-of-funds, primarily investing in specialized micro VCs focused on blockchain, fintech, AI, climate tech, and deep tech. The goal is to provide Japanese corporations with systematic access to early-stage innovations from Silicon Valley that have traditionally been outside their reach. SBI’s role isn’t merely