MPower Partners Fund, Japan’s first ESG-focused global venture capital fund, has recently extended its investment portfolio by funding Teamshares, an innovative employee ownership platform targeting small businesses.
This investment marks another significant step in Teamshares’ financial journey, following earlier investments from MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP) in February and Nomura in March.
Teamshares announced it successfully raised growth equity from MPower Partners. This strategic move supports Teamshares’ expansion plans, particularly its recent extension into the Japanese market, which anticipates inaugurating its first employee-owned business in Japan this year.
At its core, Teamshares aims to revolutionise small business ownership. Founded in 2019, the company is dedicated to fostering a network of 10,000 employee-owned companies, aiming to create $10 billion in stock wealth for employees. By purchasing businesses from retiring owners, Teamshares transitions them to 80% employee ownership within 20 years, ensuring these companies remain financially durable and permanently employee-owned.
The company has already acquired over 90 U.S. small businesses, spanning 31 states and 42 industries, integrating more than 2,600 new employee owners into its model.
MPower Partners Fund’s investment aligns with its commitment to integrate ESG principles into its investment strategy, supporting businesses that positively impact small business owners, their employees, and broader communities. This partnership embodies the ‘Sanpo Yoshi’ philosophy — beneficial for all parties involved.
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