Mizuho Bank to Purchase AI-Centered Finance Company
Mizuho Financial Group, a leading Japanese financial institution, has announced its acquisition of Upsider Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based financial venture known for its AI-driven credit model and fintech expertise. The acquisition, set to close by September 2025 pending regulatory approvals, will see Mizuho take a 70% stake in Upsider for approximately 46 billion yen.
The joint business strategy between Mizuho Financial Group and Upsider focuses on strengthening financial services for small businesses and startups in Japan. This strategic move aims to address the labor shortages faced by small and midsize companies, improve fundraising capabilities and access to capital for startups, and expand Mizuho’s presence in the rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem.
Upsider will continue to operate independently but will benefit from Mizuho’s backing to enhance services like corporate credit cards and invoice payment products used by over 80,000 companies in Japan. The acquisition also marks a continuation of a prior initiative where both companies established a startup debt fund in November 2023, providing a total of about 13 billion yen in loans to startups.
However, it's important to note that this debt fund is a separate financial endeavor from the acquisition of Upsider Holdings Inc. by Mizuho Bank. The debt fund provides an additional financial resource for startups, in addition to the services provided by Upsider Holdings Inc. for corporate clients.
Mizuho Financial Group President Masahiro Kihara stated that the acquisition aims to address the labor shortage faced by small and midsize companies supporting the Japanese economy and improve their fundraising capabilities.
In addition to the debt fund, the joint business strategy also includes utilizing AI and technology-based financial services to enhance credit assessments and financial products. The strategy also aims to expand Mizuho’s presence and offerings in the fintech ecosystem, building on Upsider’s fintech innovation and Mizuho’s financial infrastructure.
A specific joint business plan is expected to be announced in autumn 2025. The acquisition is being made by Mizuho Bank, a core subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group Inc. Upsider Holdings Inc. uses artificial intelligence for credit card and accounting efficiency services for corporate clients.
This strategic move by Mizuho Financial Group and Upsider Holdings is set to revolutionize the financial landscape for small businesses and startups in Japan, providing more efficient, technology-driven financial support tailored to their needs.
[1] Nikkei Asia. (2023, November 17). Mizuho Financial, Upsider to establish debt fund for startups. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Mizuho-Financial-Upsider-to-establish-debt-fund-for-startups
[2] Reuters. (2025, March 15). Mizuho Financial to buy 70% stake in Upsider Holdings for 460 billion yen. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/mizuho-financial-to-buy-70-stake-in-upsider-holdings-for-460-billion-yen-2025-03-15/
[4] The Financial Times. (2025, March 16). Mizuho Financial to buy Upsider Holdings to boost fintech offerings. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/d623a23e-695a-45b8-8e6f-e80e8b4e892b
- The joint business strategy between Mizuho Financial Group and Upsider Holdings, driven by AI and technology, aims to revolutionize the financial landscape, offering more efficient, technology-driven financial support tailored to small businesses and startups in Japan.
- The acquisition of Upsider Holdings Inc. by Mizuho Bank will not only enhance services like corporate credit cards and invoice payment products but also aim to address the labor shortages faced by small and midsize companies, contributing to the Japanese economy.
- In addition to the debt fund established in November 2023, providing loans to startups, the strategic collaboration between Mizuho Financial Group and Upsider Holdings will utilize AI and technology-based financial services to improve credit assessments and financial products, expanding Mizuho’s presence and offerings in the fintech industry.
