Japan Airlines (JAL), operating from Tokyo Haneda Airport, has announced the creation of a new corporate venture capital fund, the JAL Innovation Fund II, with a target investment of USD 50 million. The initiative aims to support start-up companies and foster collaborations in aviation and related sectors.
The fund will be managed by Japan Airlines Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned investment entity based in Silicon Valley, and led by CEO Masato Kunesaki. It plans to make investments in areas such as mileage programs, environmental initiatives, next-generation mobility, and emerging technologies outside traditional aviation sectors.
JAL intends to formalize the fund, which will incorporate as JAL Innovation Fund II, L.P. by the end of March 2026. Building upon the first fund launched in January 2019, this new effort seeks to expand the airlinessets with global start-ups.
According to JAL, the fund will support new forms of innovation within the airline and broader aviation industry, positioning itself alongside similar initiatives by other global carriers like JetBlue Ventures, United Airlines Ventures, and IAG.
