Japanese mobile carrier NTT DoCoMo has started a $100 million US-based venture capital fund. Through DoCoMo Capital, NTT DoCoMo intends to shorten development time, lower its research and development costs and expand its opportunities for developing mobile services and technologies.

While a Japanese firm, NTT DoCoMo is no stranger to the US market. The company held a large stake in AT&T Wireless.

DoCoMo Capital is scheduled to begin operation in June and will be based in San Jose, Ca.