Singapore firm eyes hub in Japan for startup talent in Asia

TOKYO - A Singaporean venture capital firm is planning to launch an academy in northeastern Japan in partnership with a local Japanese government to develop startup talent in and around Asia, according to people familiar with the project.

Insignia Ventures Partners and the Iwate prefectural government are crafting a plan to create a startup hub in Iwate Prefecture by drawing international talent into the broader Tohoku region -- a development the two sides hope will lead to increased investment in Japan by fast-growing Southeast Asian economies.