Keisuke Honda (pictured) and actor Will Smith plan to invest in U.S. startups through the Dreamers Fund.GETTY IMAGES
Actor Will Smith is partnering with Japanese football int'l Keisuke Honda to launch an investment fund this month, with the aim of raising $100M "and investing in U.S. startups," according to Gavin J. Blair of THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Smith, who performed the World Cup song, "Live It Up," at the tournament final on Sunday, "sang Honda's praises." Smith said, "You know who else I like? Keisuke Honda. We have a little bit of a relationship. Keisuke is the truth. I like his heart. He is a really authentic, good dude." The two reportedly "got to know each other through the Japanese player's management company," Honda Estilo, which lists both Smith and his son Jaden as talent on its website. Honda and Smith will "use their personal connections to look for unicorns" (unlisted companies worth $1B or more) in which to invest, while Japanese financial services company Nomura "will help with raising funds." Investments will not be restricted to the sports and entertainment sectors, with Honda and Smith "expected to personally interview some potential investees" (THR, 7/17). VARIETY's Mark Schilling reported the L.A.-based Dreamers Fund "will focus on social issues of concern to its two founders," though a statement made by management firm KSK Group "did not go into specifics" (VARIETY, 7/18).
