Japan’s KDDI seems set to try to emulate its rival, Softbank, by setting up a fund to support start-ups and potentially make acquisitions. Though very unlikely to match the vast Vision Fund established by Softbank chairman Masayoshi Son, KDDI’s project could help to expand its influence and assets outside its advanced but saturated home market. Initially, KDDI is partnering with venture capital firm Global Brain to establish a new fund to support start-ups in order to enhance its own R&D and capabilities in 5G and other technologies. This would be similar to venture funds and incubators established by many MNOs in the run-up to 5G, some of them – including those at Orange, BT, Deutsche Telekom and SK Telecom – aligned…