MOL PLUS CO., Ltd, the corporate venture capital arm of Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), is expanding its global reach by establishing an India desk. This marks its third such office after the United Kingdom and Singapore, reflecting the growing importance of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. With India’s startup scene ranked among the top 10 globally across multiple sectors, MOL PLUS is keen on tapping into innovations in logistics, deep tech, and environmental sustainability to accelerate its global business operations.
The new India desk will be spearheaded by Captain Shantanu Singh and Ryosuke Miyanishi, who have been appointed as growth managers. The MOL PLUS India Desk’s key focus areas will include digital transformation (DX) in logistics and supply chain management, cutting-edge deep tech solutions, and renewable energy projects aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of shipping operations. India’s startup ecosystem, which ranks just behind the U.S., U.K., and China, has emerged as a hub for innovation, particularly in sectors like technology and sustainability. Major cities such as Bangalore, New Delhi, and Mumbai are becoming hotbeds for world-class ventures, and MOL PLUS intends to tap into this energy. By setting up a local office, MOL PLUS aims to create faster, more effective collaborations between startups and the MOL Group, which operates one of the largest shipping fleets in the world.
The move to establish a desk in India aligns with MOL PLUS’s broader mission to create synergies by combining startup innovation with the global resources of the MOL Group. Through investment and partnerships, the company seeks to develop new businesses and add fresh value to the ocean shipping industry, contributing to the global economy while prioritizing sustainability. Takuya Sakamoto, CEO of MOL PLUS, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in the shipping sector. He noted, “One of the strengths of the shipping industry is that it is inherently global. We have a unique opportunity to collaborate with startups across oceans, and the energy of the Indian market is driving us to move full speed ahead from Day One.” With this strategic expansion, MOL PLUS is not only looking to innovate in the shipping industry but also to contribute to India’s growing reputation as a global innovation leader. As the country’s startup ecosystem matures, this move could pave the way for stronger international partnerships and a significant shift in how the shipping industry approaches digital transformation and sustainability.
