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Japanese Capital Ignites European Deep Tech Boom

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 10, 2025

Japanese investors are increasingly directing their substantial capital toward Europe’s burgeoning deep tech ecosystem. As risk-averse Japanese corporates seek stable growth beyond their own maturing market, they are fueling a dramatic transformation within Europe’s venture capital landscape.

New Investment Horizons Beyond Silicon Valley

Historically overshadowed by Silicon Valley, Europe’s startup scene has emerged as an attractive destination for Japanese funds. Since the inception of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2019, Japanese-linked investors have actively participated in financing rounds totaling over 33 billion euros, compared to 5.3 billion euros in the preceding five years. This renewed focus underscores a strategic pivot away from traditional U.S. tech hubs, as investors such as Softbank and others leverage Europe’s mature entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Deep Tech And Industrial Expertise As Catalysts

Japanese capital has been particularly drawn to the deep tech sector, where companies pioneer innovations in science and engineering. In 2024, deep tech and artificial intelligence made up 70% of deals with Japanese participation. Prominent examples include the U.K.-based autonomous vehicle startup Wayve, British quantum computing firm Quantinuum, and Spanish quantum venture Multiverse Computing. These investments not only provide essential growth capital but also bring critical industrial experience to scale large manufacturing projects—a gap that Europe has long struggled to bridge.

A Strategic Blend Of Capital And Know‐How

Industry leaders such as Mitsubishi, Sanden, Yamato Holdings, and Toyota are directly backing European tech ventures. Their robust manufacturing expertise and longstanding industrial prowess are instrumental in complementing Europe’s innovative but under-scaled ecosystem. As noted by Tomosaku Sohara, co-founder and Managing Partner of Japan-Europe VC NordicNinja (NordicNinja), many European entrepreneurs come from large corporates and possess a blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial drive—a stark contrast to the younger, less experienced founders in Japan.

Bridging Cultures And Navigating Challenges

Despite these promising developments, cultural and linguistic differences remain a consideration. Japanese investors, known for their meticulous due diligence and consensus-driven decision-making, often approach partnerships with a measured pace. Sarah Fleischer, co-founder and CEO of Tozero (Tozero), emphasizes that the careful, homework-driven process of Japanese firms helps build robust, long-term industrial partnerships even as it may slow decision-making.

Future Prospects And Geopolitical Implications

Looking ahead, both Japanese and European stakeholders anticipate further collaboration. Projections indicate that Japanese-linked investment in European rounds will reach 3 billion euros in 2025, even as global investors eye regions like the Middle East. Japanese firms are also leveraging their well-established supply chains and manufacturing capabilities to secure a strategic foothold in burgeoning sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and defense. This cross-continental synergy not only positions both regions for economic growth but also reflects a broader geopolitical strategy to expand global influence.

In an era marked by rapid technological innovation and shifting global power dynamics, the infusion of Japanese capital into Europe’s tech landscape heralds a new chapter in international investment. As these historic financial flows continue, both regions stand to gain from shared expertise, diversified risk, and an invigorated commitment to growth and innovation.

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EU Mercosur Agreement Sparks Political Battle Over Cyprus Agriculture

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2026

A political battleground emerged in the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee’s latest session, as fierce debates broke out over the controversial trade deal between the European Union and Latin American nations under the Mercosur framework. Lawmakers voiced deep concerns regarding food safety and the prospects for local agriculture, particularly following the high-profile absence of the Minister of Trade.

Minister Absence And Parliamentary Integrity

Committee Chair Giannakis Gabriel expressed strong disapproval over the Minister’s no-show, noting that the extraordinary session was scheduled at midday at the Minister’s own request. “His absence undermines the authority of the parliament,” Mr. Gabriel declared. Given that the Minister is not abroad, it was expected that he would be present to clarify why Cyprus supported an agreement widely criticized as disadvantaging the agricultural sector.

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Trade Deal Under Scrutiny

In his address, A.C.E.L General Secretary Stefanos Stefanos described the pact as a “dangerous agreement” imposed under the pressure of multinational conglomerates. He especially critiqued the contrasting sanitary standards whereby, while the EU bans our farmers from using certain pesticides and antibiotics, the Mercosur deal appears to allow imports produced with these very substances. His remarks underscored the possibility of double standards in safety measures and the potential long-term impacts on Cypriot agriculture.

Economic And Safety Concerns

Legislators questioned the basis of government studies that justified backing the agreement, even as Cyprus’ agricultural sustainability is increasingly threatened by water scarcity and soaring production costs. Representatives from various political factions pointed to insufficient controls over import volumes and tariff structures. For example, Christos Orphanidis (DIKO) demanded precise data on imports from Latin America, citing honey as a case in point, and pressed for clear explanations regarding the tariff regime.

Legal And Health Implications

Questions about legal authority were raised by Elias Myriantounos (EDEK), who inquired whether parliament can reject or amend the agreement should economic studies forecast negative outcomes. Environmental advocates, like Haralambos Theopemptou of the Movement of Ecologists, emphasized the need to safeguard traditional products such as halloumi, highlighting concerns over how rigorous food safety controls will be maintained. Meanwhile, Linos Papagiannis (ELAM) cautioned against unfair competition, drawing parallels with challenges posed by lower-standard goods from occupied territories.

Protecting Local Interests

The overarching message from lawmakers was clear: the future of Cyprus’ farming community and the well-being of its citizens should not be sacrificed at the altar of commercial trade. Agricultural organizations have voiced alarm over the importation of goods potentially contaminated with banned substances, the risk of market distortion by low-quality products, and the lack of localized impact studies. They argue that the agreement is biased in favor of select corporate interests, ultimately undermining consumer safety and the livelihood of European farmers.

As this debate continues to unfold, the outcome of these deliberations will be pivotal in determining not only trade policy but also the long-term economic and food security landscape of Cyprus.