SBI Holdings has announced a capital and business alliance agreement with Ridge-i Inc., a technology company specializing in AI-driven solutions and digital marketing services. Under the agreement, SBI will acquire Ridge-i shares through a third-party allotment and purchase a portion of shares held by Mr. Takashi Yanagihara, Ridge-i’s largest shareholder and CEO.

Following these transactions, Ridge-i is expected to become an equity-method affiliate of SBI Holdings. Ridge-i and its subsidiary, Star Music Entertainment Inc., provide practical AI and deep learning solutions across industries, ranging from on-site consultation to development, implementation, and operational support.

SBI Holdings Forms Strategic AI Alliance with Ridge-i

The alliance aims to leverage Ridge-i’s AI expertise to enhance SBI’s financial and non-financial operations. Initial initiatives will focus on applying AI technologies to data managed by SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd., and supporting digital transformation for SBI’s partner regional banks. Collaborative efforts will also extend to SBI NEO MEDIA HOLDINGS Co., Ltd., targeting social networking services, digital marketing, and Web3 ventures.

Through this partnership, SBI and Ridge-i plan to move beyond a traditional outsourcing relationship, combining their respective resources to drive innovation, develop new solutions, and create new business opportunities. The alliance emphasizes utilizing AI across the SBI Group to strengthen operational efficiency and generate strategic value.

SBI intends to acquire 390,000 shares of Ridge-i’s common stock through the third-party allotment. Additionally, SBI SECURITIES will acquire 584,000 shares held by Mr. Yanagihara via an over-the-counter transaction on September 30, 2025, with the shares subsequently transferred to SBI.

Both companies aim to revitalize regional economies by introducing AI and digital transformation to regional banks while leveraging the broader SBI Group network. The alliance will also focus on developing innovative digital marketing and Web3 services, combining the strengths of both SBI and Ridge-i.

This strategic partnership positions SBI and Ridge-i to jointly accelerate AI-driven innovation, expand digital transformation efforts, and create next-generation solutions that benefit businesses, financial institutions, and communities across Japan.

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