Gobi Partners Announces Strategic Collaboration with NTT

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 13 July 2026 – Less than a year after expanding into Japan, Gobi Partners has taken another step in its long-term strategy of connecting Japan's industrial and technological strengths with Southeast Asia's fast-growing startup ecosystem through a strategic collaboration with NTT.

The collaboration brings together Gobi's regional venture capital platform and startup network with NTT's enterprise capabilities and technology expertise to explore opportunities in startup matching, business validation, proof-of-concept initiatives and cross-border commercial engagement. Together, both organisations aim to strengthen connections between startups, enterprises and innovation partners across Japan and Southeast Asia.

As one of the world's leading technology and telecommunications companies, NTT brings decades of experience in digital infrastructure, enterprise technology and commercial innovation. Combined with Gobi's regional investment platform and extensive startup network, the collaboration creates new opportunities to help emerging technologies move from innovation to enterprise adoption.

"When we expanded into Japan, our ambition was never simply to establish a presence. It was to build stronger relationships between Japan's industrial and technological strengths and Southeast Asia's entrepreneurial momentum," said Thomas G. Tsao, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Gobi Partners. "At Gobi, we've always believed that venture capital is about more than investing. It is about connecting entrepreneurs with the partners, markets and opportunities that help innovation grow. Our collaboration with NTT reflects that belief and represents another important step in building stronger connections across Asia."

The collaboration builds on Gobi's growing presence in Japan and its long-standing relationships across the country's innovation landscape. In 2025, Gobi expanded into Japan through its Global Network Partnership with East Japan Railway Company's TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH), reinforcing its commitment to connecting Japan's innovation ecosystem with Southeast Asia's growth markets. The firm has also collaborated with organisations including the Tokyo Stock Exchange, JETRO and Cross Capital to strengthen cross-border investment and innovation between the two regions.

Building on these relationships, Gobi Partners and NTT will explore opportunities to connect startups from Gobi's network with relevant NTT Group companies for business matching, technology validation and potential commercial applications. The collaboration will also facilitate knowledge exchange, curated introductions and selected initiatives involving startups, corporates, investors, universities and public institutions across Japan and Malaysia.

"Japan and Southeast Asia bring highly complementary strengths to innovation," said Kengo Suzuki, Venture Partner, Japan, at Gobi Partners. "Japan offers deep industrial expertise and global technology leadership, while Southeast Asia continues to produce ambitious entrepreneurs building solutions for regional and global markets. By bringing these communities closer together, we can create more opportunities for founders to work with enterprise partners, validate new technologies and build lasting commercial relationships."

Ken Katsuyama, SVP, Head of Global Business  at NTT said, "Innovation creates the greatest impact when startups and established enterprises work together to solve real business challenges. Through our collaboration with Gobi Partners, we look forward to exploring opportunities that connect emerging technologies with enterprise needs while strengthening ties between Japan and Southeast Asia."

The collaboration is non-exclusive and non-binding, reflecting the shared intention of Gobi Partners and NTT to explore practical opportunities that strengthen cross-border innovation and create long-term value for startups, enterprises and the broader innovation community.

ENDS

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About NTT

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data centre and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.

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