A JPY130 million fund built by ISAK alumni and founders to invest in alumni-led startups taking bold action on real-world problems.
The Alumni Action Fund (AAF) is an investment fund created to support startups led by UWC ISAK Japan alumni. It was launched in 2025 through a collaboration between ISAK alumni and several of the school’s founding members.
The Fund is not managed by the school itself, but it reflects the same values that shape everything at UWC ISAK Japan: identifying what is most needed, and taking action on it.
Its goal is to back 10 to 20 alumni-led companies by 2030. A part of the returns will be reinvested into UWC ISAK’s strategic initiatives, creating a cycle of impact that supports future generations of students.
Fund size
Companies by 2030
What sets the AAF apart from conventional investment is its foundation in trust. This is capital from people who understand where ISAK alumni come from and what they are capable of, paired with mentorship, network access, and long-term belief in the founders they back.
The alumni community coming together at the Fund launch.
The Fund was initiated and designed by ISAK alumni who wanted to formalise something that had always been part of the community: the commitment to support each other in building something meaningful.
The founding alumni include B (Vietnam, Class of 2017), Dylan (Philippines, Class of 2017), Shin-ji (Malaysia, Class of 2017), Shota (Japan, Class of 2020), So (Japan, Class of 2020), and Viktor (Slovakia, Class of 2018), working alongside several of the school’s founding members and experienced investment advisors.
Founders or co-founders of early-stage startups who are UWC ISAK Japan alumni.
Ventures that address real-world problems, with founding teams who have the drive and judgement to act on what’s needed, regardless of sector or scale.
Investment capital, mentorship from experienced investors and advisors, and access to the broader ISAK alumni and founder network.
For UWC ISAK Japan alumni only. Visit the Alumni page* to access ISAK Connector, view eligibility details and apply.
*The Alumni page is password-protected and intended for UWC ISAK Japan alumni only.
The Fund’s first investment went to Spark+, an AI innovation studio co-founded by Junpei and three fellow entrepreneurs.
Spark+ develops tailored AI solutions, including large language models and computer vision systems, for traditional industries, particularly manufacturing. It helps companies streamline operations and adapt to an increasingly automated world.
Since launching in 2024, the team has grown from four to 40 members and has worked with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toyota Industries, and TOPPAN Inc. The company has also been selected for Microsoft for Startups, AWS Activate, and the Matsuo Lab Startups programme.
With support from the Alumni Action Fund, Junpei and his team have been able to accelerate product development and refine their strategy with guidance from experienced mentors.
Watch Junpei’s story · Spark+
Junpei · Co-founder, Spark+
The Alumni Action Fund was made possible through the commitment of founding investors who believe that supporting ISAK alumni does not end when students graduate.
Toru Shimada
Ryo Ohira
Matt Cheng
Tomonori Ito
Riku Sugie
Mamoru Taniya
Shusaku Minoda
Gen Miyazawa
Masahiro Koshiba
Lin Kobayashi
Ryuichi Tomimura
Ichiro Miyake
Yojiro Koizumi
Applications are open through ISAK Connector. Visit the Alumni page* for access.
*The Alumni page is password-protected and intended for UWC ISAK Japan alumni only.
Interested in contributing to the Fund? Get in touch to learn more.
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