Top 50 Agriculture (agtech) Startup Investors in Japan in May 2025

Investor	Agriculture (agtech) Japan investments
UntroD Capital	9
Real Tech Japan	8
Real Tech Japan	8
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital	7
Incubate Fund	7
Incubate Fund	6
Global Brain Corporation	6
Genesia Ventures	4
Monex Ventures	4
Monex Ventures	4
ANOBAKA	4
Global Brain Corporation	4
ANOBAKA	4
Kemuri Ventures	4
MTG Ventures	4
MITSUI SUMITOMO INSURANCE Venture Capital (MSIVC)	4
MITSUI SUMITOMO INSURANCE Venture Capital (MSIVC)	4
Yamaguchi Capital	4
MTG Ventures	4
Spurcle	3
Future Venture Capital	3
Senshu Ikeda Capital	3
JAFCO	3
Yamaguchi Capital	3
Hiroshima Venture Capital	3
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital	3
Energy & Environment Investment	3
Lifetime Ventures	3
Future Venture Capital	3
DOGAN beta	2
Leave a Nest	2
Innovation Network Corporation of Japan	2
SMBC Venture Capital	2
The Seed Capital	2
Terrada Warehouse	2
Monozukuri Ventures	2
Shizuoka Capital	2
Future Food Fund	2
Chushin Venture Capital	2
Energy & Environment Investment	2
Kyogin Lease & Capital	2
Agribusiness Investment Development	2
Chiba Dojo	2
Suzuki Tatsuya	2
VOYAGE VENTURES	2
Monozukuri Ventures	2
Genesia Ventures	2
F-Prime Capital	2
Hiroshima Venture Capital	2
Universal Materials Incubator	2

UntroD Capital is an R&D-based innovative technology that specializes in social implementation.

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Robotics
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, Singapore, India

Portfolio highlights

Alternō — Alternō was founded with a vision to create Asia's first low-cost thermal energy storage solution for renewable energy, to be deployed widely across the region by 2050. Alternō received early stage funding from Antler VC in Jan 2023 to kick off the research & development.
Q5D Technology — Additive manufacturing with conductors. Eliminate traditional wiring, saving space and weight. Unique 5-axis robots add power and data functions to products. Simplify supply chains and manufacturing. Transform productivity with our hardware, software, and support.
Optieum Biotechnologies — Optieum Biotechnologies Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative scFv antibody-based therapies for the treatment of patients with cancers. Their proprietary platform technology, Eumbody System™, enables to develop and detect a scFv-based product candidates that specifically bind to, and modulate tooptimize the immune-cell function for oncology targets.We are committed to helping patients with severe diseases by bringing life-changing therapies to the patients in need.

Real Tech Japan is a venture capital firm that seeks to invest in innovative R&D technology companies. Realtech Fund is a joint venture between the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization). The firm was founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan.

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Medical
Funding Round, Series A, Seed
Japan, Singapore, Austria

Portfolio highlights

Ashirase — Ashirase is a developer of a walking navigation system for the visually challenged. The company assists visually impaired people in walking independently. This also allows the user to have more attention to spare for audible warnings in their environment. It includes voice input and guidance via a smartphone app. A vibration interface is attachedto their shoes.
Ken Robotec — Ken Robotec is a construction company that provides labor-saving solutions.
MaterialGate — MaterialGate focuses on single-molecule dielectrics, developing technologies for devices with better electronic characteristics.

Real Tech Japan is a venture capital firm that seeks to invest in innovative R&D technology companies. Realtech Fund is a joint venture between the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization). The firm was founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan.

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Medical
Funding Round, Series A, Seed
Japan, Singapore, Austria

Portfolio highlights

Ashirase — Ashirase is a developer of a walking navigation system for the visually challenged. The company assists visually impaired people in walking independently. This also allows the user to have more attention to spare for audible warnings in their environment. It includes voice input and guidance via a smartphone app. A vibration interface is attachedto their shoes.
Ken Robotec — Ken Robotec is a construction company that provides labor-saving solutions.
MaterialGate — MaterialGate focuses on single-molecule dielectrics, developing technologies for devices with better electronic characteristics.

Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm focusing on life science, ICT, and high technology investments.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Health Care
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan, United States, Singapore

Portfolio highlights

Manabie — Manabie is an Education Technology start-up company on a mission to provide a new style of online & offline merged learning around the world. We provide students with everything they need for efficient learning; high-quality learning materials, great learning environments, personal coaches and more! We believe that our new method of learning,integrating online and offline will dramatically innovate the way students learn.
M&A Cloud — M & A is a Match Platform for Small & Medium Venture Companies
NABLA Mobility — Solving the complexities involved in the "Operation of Fleets" of Mobility and support its evolution and decarbonization

Incubate Fund is an independent early-stage venture capital that specializes in providing capital to technology startups at the seed stage. The firm built a portfolio of over 300 companies in Asia, taking 12 companies to public and 20 companies to M&A exit since 2010.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, E-Commerce
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

Gatebox — It is a research laboratory beyond dimension" which is researching and developing to realize "a world where you can live with a character". Therefore, Gatebox Co., Ltd. refers to itself as "Gatebox Lab" and conducts research and development beyond dimension in the area of Akihabara day and night. Dreaming that day,coming to meet beyond dimension.
NABLA Mobility — Solving the complexities involved in the "Operation of Fleets" of Mobility and support its evolution and decarbonization
Mjolnir Spaceworks — Mjolnir Spaceworks desings and manufactures state-of-the-art novel space rockets with efficient engines as well as other space equipments.

Incubate Fund is an independent early-stage venture capital that specializes in providing capital to technology startups at the seed stage. The firm built a portfolio of over 300 companies in Asia, taking 12 companies to public and 20 companies to M&A exit since 2010.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, E-Commerce
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

Blankr — Blankr inc has developed an application called Raidli. Using the app, Vtubers can hold a virtual handshake event.
ZABoooN — ZABoooN is a shipping company that offers crew labor management, movement management, and ship management services.
Mycel — Mycel is a decentralized cross-chain asset management platform with an intent-based token transfer layer.

Global Brain Corporation is a venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed or early to pre-IPO startups. Global Brain has invested in 300+ startups from seed/early to pre-IPO startups and achieved 25 IPOs and 61 M&As as a result of providing hands-on support services and resources to its portfolio startups. Global Brain hasmanaged a pure investment fund as well as multiple corporate venture capital funds partnered together with tier 1 public companies of telecom, real estate development, financial service, beverages, agriculture food, logistics, and electronic devices.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Artificial Intelligence
Series A, Series B, Funding Round
Japan, United States, United Kingdom

Portfolio highlights

10x — 10x provides One-stop service from meal planning to grocery shopping.
Otetsutabi — Otetsutabi is a regional revitalization platform that offers the opportunity for participants to help at accommodations and breweries in rural areas that struggle with seasonal labor shortages. The locals offer transportation expenses and places to stay in return, so participants can travel to the areas with ease.
Japan Culture and Technology — Japan Culture and Technology assists artists and craftspeople in expanding their activities by providing IT support.

Genesia Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on seed/early stage startups in Japan and Southeast Asia. Since it's inception in Dec 2016, Genesia Ventures has invested in over 90 companies in Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and the US. Genesia Ventures invests in various sectors: SaaS, marketplace, Media, Finance, Insurance,RealEstate, Healthcare, Medical, Travel, Education, Manufacturing, Construction, HR, Agriculture, Sports, Retail, Entertainment, etc.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Content
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia

Portfolio highlights

Manabie — Manabie is an Education Technology start-up company on a mission to provide a new style of online & offline merged learning around the world. We provide students with everything they need for efficient learning; high-quality learning materials, great learning environments, personal coaches and more! We believe that our new method of learning,integrating online and offline will dramatically innovate the way students learn.
Mined — Mined is a marketplace that provides online lessons in various subjects for elementary school students. Mind develops and operation of education-related services.
Finovo — Finovo specializes in the research, development, operation, and maintenance of cutting-edge accounting and financial software solutions.

Monex Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Japan that finances seed and early stage investments in startup companies.

Investment focus

Financial Services, Software, Information Technology
Seed, Series A, Funding Round
Japan, United States, China

Portfolio highlights

Degas — Degas develops solutions to improve the productivity of small-scale farmers in Africa.
pickupon — Pickupon is a company that transcribes important parts of the call
Hakki Africa — HAKKI AFRICA provides microfinance services for SMEs.

Monex Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Japan that finances seed and early stage investments in startup companies.

Investment focus

Software, Financial Services, Information Technology
Seed, Series A, Funding Round
Japan, United States, China

Portfolio highlights

Degas — Degas develops solutions to improve the productivity of small-scale farmers in Africa.
pickupon — Pickupon is a company that transcribes important parts of the call
MoneyDuck — MoneyDuck - Making Smart Financial Decision

ANOBAKA is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm with rich group resources to add value to seed-stage startups. ANOBAKA actively invests in and supports startups aiming to be a global leader in the innovative Internet business and promising to greatly grow up in the future. ANOBAKA's investment focuses on fledgling seed-stage startups. Inaddition to investment financing, ANOBAKA provides founders with a variety of business support such as development consulting by our engineers, sales support, and international marketing support.

Investment focus

Software, Content, Food and Beverage
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

hicrea — hicrea is an AI-powered SaaS platform for fashion companies.
Blackbox — Blackbox is an entertainment firm that is involved in businesses, including VTuber production, media mix, and live music events.
Josh Collaboration — Josh Collaboration is a software company that provides mailing, fax transmission, and partner management services.

Global Brain Corporation is a venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed or early to pre-IPO startups. Global Brain has invested in 300+ startups from seed/early to pre-IPO startups and achieved 25 IPOs and 61 M&As as a result of providing hands-on support services and resources to its portfolio startups. Global Brain hasmanaged a pure investment fund as well as multiple corporate venture capital funds partnered together with tier 1 public companies of telecom, real estate development, financial service, beverages, agriculture food, logistics, and electronic devices.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence
Series A, Series B, Funding Round
Japan, United States, United Kingdom

Portfolio highlights

Symbiobe — Symbiobe develops and promotes a resource-recycling material production platform that effectively utilizes natural biomass resources and photosynthetic organisms, which have not been fully exploited in the past, and to update manufacturing around the world to a form that can be passed on to the next generation, thereby making sustainable society...
DoctorMate — DoctorMate is a service that allows you to consult with your doctor about problems at your nursing home.They will reduce the risks and burdens related to medical care from the field of nursing care, and support the creation of a system that allows nursing care providers to concentrate on daily care with peace of mind.
GC Therapeutics — Discover GC Therapeutics, a pioneer in scalable, cutting-edge cell therapies designed to revolutionize treatment across a broad range of therapeutic areas.

ANOBAKA is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm with rich group resources to add value to seed-stage startups. ANOBAKA actively invests in and supports startups aiming to be a global leader in the innovative Internet business and promising to greatly grow up in the future. ANOBAKA's investment focuses on fledgling seed-stage startups. Inaddition to investment financing, ANOBAKA provides founders with a variety of business support such as development consulting by our engineers, sales support, and international marketing support.

Investment focus

Software, Content, Food and Beverage
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

JOYCLE — JOYCLE is a waste management company that specializes in trash recycling, disposal, and environmental consulting services.
Livetoon — Livetoon creates intellectual property characters to access various content artificial intelligence.
Superworm — Superworm is a producer of environmentally friendly and long-term solutions to societal challenges. The company undertakes genome editing research and sells protein powders, biofuels, and organic fertilizers made from superworms, allowing customers to consume insect-derived proteins and biofuels.

Kemuri Ventures is a Japanese venture capital firm.

Investment focus

Food Processing, Food and Beverage, Agriculture
Series A, Seed, Funding Round
Japan

Portfolio highlights

AlgaleX — AlgaleX is a firm that utilizes discarded food waste to create ingredients such as plant-based proteins.
HarvestX — HarvestX manufactures fully automatic robots which contributes to the shortage of agricultural human resources and stable food production
Quantum Flowers & Foods — Quantum Flowers & Foods is a technology firm that develops and creates agricultural business models and technologies.

MTG Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of MTG that invests in beauty and wellness tech, food tech, and sports tech sectors.

Investment focus

Media and Entertainment, Marketing, Food and Beverage
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

knowuit — knowuit is a company that provides supply chain efficiency solutions to shippers. It develops and provides "Newit," a supply chain DX tool for shippers.
Robofull — Robofull is a manufacturing firm that specializes in the design and sale of automation equipment for factories to solve the labor shortage.
Auba — Auba is engaged in open innovation program, consulting specialized in Ol, and media outreach activities.

MSIVC is a venture capital firm that invests in Japanese and global startups scaling to IPO. It focuses on startups in verticals of Fintech, SaaS, Healthcare, AI, E-Commerce, Foodtech, and Environment etc.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, Food and Beverage
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

AssetHub — AssetHub is an AI-powered 3D modeling tool that enables game developers to create and edit 3D assets 100 times faster, enabling mass production of content and combining AI with manual work, enabling faster prototyping and editing.
Creatura — Creatura assists companies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating and distributing carbon credits and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Drone Show Japan — Drone Show Japan company specializes in drone shows for events, aerial photography, and workshops.

MSIVC is a venture capital firm that invests in Japanese and global startups scaling to IPO. It focuses on startups in verticals of Fintech, SaaS, Healthcare, AI, E-Commerce, Foodtech, and Environment etc.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, Health Care
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, United States, India

Portfolio highlights

Gatebox — It is a research laboratory beyond dimension" which is researching and developing to realize "a world where you can live with a character". Therefore, Gatebox Co., Ltd. refers to itself as "Gatebox Lab" and conducts research and development beyond dimension in the area of Akihabara day and night. Dreaming that day,coming to meet beyond dimension.
Tech Doctor — Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service which provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.
Gaudi Clinical — Gaudi Clinical is a health care firm that engages in regenerative medicine outsourcing and cell processing contract establishments.

Yamaguchi Capital Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm. Yamaguchi Capital Co., Ltd. was established in 1996 and is based in Yamaguchi-ken, Japan.

Investment focus

Apps, Manufacturing, Software
Funding Round, Series B, Seed
Japan, India

Portfolio highlights

Pocket Sign — Pocket Sign develops digital platforms that store e-signatures and other authentication details for it's users privacy and security.
Tech Doctor — Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service which provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.
NABLA Mobility — Solving the complexities involved in the "Operation of Fleets" of Mobility and support its evolution and decarbonization

MTG Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of MTG that invests in beauty and wellness tech, food tech, and sports tech sectors.

Investment focus

Media and Entertainment, Marketing, Food and Beverage
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

knowuit — knowuit is a company that provides supply chain efficiency solutions to shippers. It develops and provides "Newit," a supply chain DX tool for shippers.
Robofull — Robofull is a manufacturing firm that specializes in the design and sale of automation equipment for factories to solve the labor shortage.
EF Polymer — EF Polymer Private Limited providing 100% Organic and fully Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer cum Fertilizer to reduce Water and Fertilizer requirement for your plant. Let's grow organically.

Spurcle is a venture capital firm.

Investment focus

Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture
Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Gab — Gab is a company that works to solve social problems as well as develops and markets ethical products.
ForestFolks — ForestFolks Provider of forest management and conservation services aimed at protecting forestry and the environment.The company exploits and successfully employs the forest's CO2 absorption potential and conserves and recovers forest resources and biodiversity, allowing for regulatory compliance and supporting environmental protection.
Zip Infrastructure — Inquiry : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDmxd1TpPP331TY4VoRsvn0yWX3Ca5Jd-bfBiuPwvpD2SKtA/viewform

Future Venture Capital Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm specializing in early stage investment. The firm invests in diversified investment in a broad range of industrial sectors. It seeks to invest in Japan. The firm prefers to be the lead investor in its portfolio companies. Future Venture Capital Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998 and is based inKyoto, Japan with offices in Tokyo, Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata, Kanazawa, Mie, Sakai, Kobe, and Ehime.

Investment focus

Health Care, Information Technology, Manufacturing
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, United States, Myanmar

Portfolio highlights

Soxai — Soxai manufactures rings for healthcare purposes using IoT.
Flucle — Flucle provides company rule building and risk mitigation, cloud advisor, human resource development, training & labor management services.
Dioseve — Dioseve is providing novel possibilities for all life.

Senshu Ikeda Capital offers financial consultancy services.

Investment focus

Software, Internet, Information Technology
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

HOLO BIO — HOLO BIO is a research and technology firm that employs biological breeding techniques to address the food challenges faced by humanity.
Rege Nephro — Rege Nephro is a biotech company that specialized in R&D, production and marketing of renal disease therapeutics.
Good News — Good News is a staffing agency that provides recruitment, public relations, and human resource management services.

Since its founding in 1973, JAFCO has always worked with leading-edge entrepreneurs. The total capital commitments of its investment funds in Japan and overseas have exceeded 1 trillion yen and the number of portfolio IPOs to date has reached over 1,000. In addition to venture investment, JAFCO also carries out buyout investment and commit to thecreations of innovative technologies and services worldwide. As entrepreneurs’ closest partner in bringing their visions to life, JAFCO provides support in areas of HR, marketing/ sales, and back-office operations, in addition to providing financing.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Artificial Intelligence
Series A, Funding Round, Series B
Japan, United States, Israel

Portfolio highlights

Sanu — SANU is a subscription service that offers a home in nature.
Pocket Sign — Pocket Sign develops digital platforms that store e-signatures and other authentication details for it's users privacy and security.
Tech Doctor — Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service which provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.

Yamaguchi Capital Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm. Yamaguchi Capital Co., Ltd. was established in 1996 and is based in Yamaguchi-ken, Japan.

Investment focus

Apps, Manufacturing, Task Management
Funding Round, Seed, Series B
Japan, India

Portfolio highlights

Loglass — Loglass offers corporate intelligence to enhance business management.
ZABoooN — ZABoooN is a shipping company that offers crew labor management, movement management, and ship management services.
MUSE — MUSE is a robotics company that provides robotic solutions for retail stores to support in-store operations.

Hiroshima Venture Capital provides venture capital investment services. The firm creates corporate value from a long-term perspective.

Investment focus

Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, E-Commerce
Funding Round, Series B, Seed
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Ababa — Ababa provides recruitment and employment solutions.
AgeWell Japan — Age Well Japan is a conference and festival aimed at understanding Japan's super-aged society and defining new values for the future. The purpose of the gathering is to bring together young people and the elderly to exchange ideas.
Pick You — Pick You offers a marketplace that facilitates seamless purchase of items directly from popular Instagram users.

Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm focusing on life science, ICT, and high technology investments.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Health Care
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan, United States, China

Portfolio highlights

Flucle — Flucle provides company rule building and risk mitigation, cloud advisor, human resource development, training & labor management services.
Triorb — Triorb is a technology company that specializes in robot mobility development with the help of software and hardware solutions.
Symbiobe — Symbiobe develops and promotes a resource-recycling material production platform that effectively utilizes natural biomass resources and photosynthetic organisms, which have not been fully exploited in the past, and to update manufacturing around the world to a form that can be passed on to the next generation, thereby making sustainable society...

Energy & Environment Investment, Inc. (EEI) is Japan’s first venture capital specialized in the clean technology sector. With core members who have rich hands on experience in founding and managing venture companies, we aim to provide risk money and various strategic values to promising venture companies and businesses.

Investment focus

Software, Energy, Internet of Things
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan, United States, Germany

Portfolio highlights

Asusola — Asusola engaged in the renewable energy power generation business
Aeterlink — Aeterlink is a wireless device maker and developer. They applied their technology to fields such as FA, robots, smart houses, and medicine and developed practical level technologies such as elemental technology that can wirelessly supply power.
NABLA Mobility — Solving the complexities involved in the "Operation of Fleets" of Mobility and support its evolution and decarbonization

Lifetime Ventures is a VC firm that specializes in pre-seed and seed investments.

Investment focus

Health Care, Software, Medical
Seed, Funding Round, Pre-Seed
Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom

Portfolio highlights

Kinish — Kinish is a company leading a revolution in dairy products. To achieve environmentally friendly and delicious dairy products, we are developing a special rice variety that produces milk proteins.
Kwahuu Ocean — Kwahuu Ocean develops sustainable squid farming systems.
Spine Chronicle — Spine chronicle is a medical device manufacturing firm that specializes in developing orthopedic medical equipment.

Future Venture Capital Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm specializing in early stage investment. The firm invests in diversified investment in a broad range of industrial sectors. It seeks to invest in Japan. The firm prefers to be the lead investor in its portfolio companies. Future Venture Capital Co., Ltd. was founded in 1998 and is based inKyoto, Japan with offices in Tokyo, Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata, Kanazawa, Mie, Sakai, Kobe, and Ehime.

Investment focus

Health Care, Information Technology, Manufacturing
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, United States, Myanmar

Portfolio highlights

Nagaku — Nagaku is a web magazine that publishes about culture along with web development, PR, marketing, and consulting services.
Perkup — Perkup is a coworking company that conducts off-site meetings and training camps for organizations.
Tech Doctor — Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service which provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.

They believe that the fundamental challenge facing the local economy is the lack of employment diversity. Although it is a simple example, it is easier to understand if you compare the Tokyo metropolitan area with Kyushu and list the companies that can achieve annual income of 10 million yen at the age of 30 (probably with a head office in KyushuMost companies with the highest annual income will be infrastructure company

Investment focus

Internet, Task Management, Artificial Intelligence
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Wewill — Wewill is a consulting company that provides accounting, SaaS, business development, and business consulting services.
Digireha — Digireha is an IT company that provides a tool for rehabilitation by combining digital art and sensors.
Find — Find is a software company that provides cloud development and operation services.

Leave a Nest thrives to achieve global happiness by enhancing everyday life through science and education for future generation.

Investment focus

Health Care, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology
Seed, Corporate Round, Funding Round
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia

Portfolio highlights

ARK — ARK is a manufacturer of special wards that designs and delivers a sustainable aquaculture solution.
Robopreneur — Robopreneur brings the future by empowering robotics capabilities for use in human's environment to become human's partner and enhance sustainable lifestyles.
Crown Digital — Crown Digital harnesses the future-ready power of robotics and Artificial Intelligence to open doors with cutting-edge solutions for the not-so-distant future.

Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is a public-private partnership aimed at promoting innovation and enhancing value.Leveraging the rich history of Japanese technological prowess, INCJ aims to provide financial, technological and management support in order to promote the creation of next-generation businesses through “openinnovation,” or the flow of technology and expertise beyond the boundaries of existing organizational structures.INCJ will draw on funding as well as management and technological expertise from the public and private sectors. INCJ is actively reviewing various investment opportunities in areas of green energy, electronics, IT and biotechnology to infrastructure-related sectors such as water supply. Each investment will be thoroughly vetted to ensure it meets the exacting standards of INCJ's Innovation Network Committee, which will make the final investment decisions.INCJ is capitalized at 280 billion yen, with the Japanese government injecting 266 billion yen and 26 private corporations (refer to details in Appendix below) providing a further 14 billion yen. The government will also provide guarantees up to a total of 1,800 billion yen for INCJ investments, giving it an investment capability of approximately 2,000 billion yen. INCJ will be established for a period of 15 years.

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Software, Robotics
Funding Round, Series B, Series A
Japan, United States, United Kingdom

Portfolio highlights

Cloudian — Cloudian provides exabyte-scale storage for your capacity-intensive workloads: S3-compatible storage for on-prem, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud.
Seajacks — Cadeler is a global leader in offshore wind farm construction, maintenance, and decommissioning.
Vehicle Energy Japan — Vehicle Energy Japan specializes in development, manufacturing and sales of automotive lithium-ion batteries.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and its group companies offer a broad range of financial services centered on banking. They are also engaged in the leasing, securities, credit card, investment, mortgage securitization, venture capital and other credit related businesses. The following lists the activities of SMBC, its subsidiaries andaffiliates in the various business segments.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Health Care, Software
Funding Round, Series B, Series A
Japan, United States, Singapore

Portfolio highlights

Ababa — Ababa provides recruitment and employment solutions.
DelizMart — Deliz Mart is a digital-driven platform that helps to solve food distribution challenges and reduce cost transactions in the food industry.
Penetrator — Penetrator transforms the real estate market with space technology, tackling transaction issues and forming landslide observation systems.

The Seed Capital is a Japan-based venture capital firm.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Audio, Video Games
Seed, Series A, Angel
Japan, Singapore

Portfolio highlights

Trifa — Trifa is a telecommunications service provider that provides eSIM internet access when traveling internationally.
FLASH — FLASH is an entertainment and technology startup.
Resta — Resta manages an IT-based business that specializes in assisting people with impairments.

Terrada Warehouse is a storage and warehousing services company that provides real estate management and agent services.

Investment focus

Art, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence
Seed, Corporate Round, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

JOYCLE — JOYCLE is a waste management company that specializes in trash recycling, disposal, and environmental consulting services.
AND OWNERS — AND OWNERS is a membership platform that enables its users to share artworks. Its services include business platform management, PR, branding, planning, and management. The company was founded in 2018.
Creator's X — Creator's X is an anime production firm that focuses on developing animation production assistance tools using AI.

Startup First. A global VC focused on IoT small lot manufacturing and startup investment. Support to hardware growth from business model to supply chain

Investment focus

Software, Hardware, Internet of Things
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
United States, Japan

Portfolio highlights

REVORN — REVORN is a fragrance AI and DX research and development company. They develop products such as odor sensors that can respond to odor issues and needs. They provide consultation at a range of levels, from identifying issues to developing solutions.
ImaCreate — ImaCreate provides planning, development and operation of VR / AR / MR system.
Edgecortix — At Edgecortix, we automate the design of AI accelerators for on-device deep learning. Our Dynamic Neural Accelerator IP, and performance optimized AI Software & Hardware Co-exploration framework, reduces time to market and brings massive cost savings across multiple industry verticals.

Shizuoka Capital Company Limited operates as a venture capital firm. It engages in the acquisition, holding, and, sale of securities.

Investment focus

Software, Information Technology, Content
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan

Portfolio highlights

JIZAIE — JIZAIE is an artificial intelligence firm that wants to combine VR, robots, and wearable computing to create solution.
Utaite — Utaite is an operator of an entertainment platform that focuses on planning, production, and development of entertainment content.
GROWTH VERSE — GROWTH VERSE is a developer of Aimstar an all-in-one tool that offers data integration, analysis, and policy implementation services.

Future Food Fund is a corporate venture capital company that specializes in the field of food.

Investment focus

Food and Beverage, Agriculture, Food Processing
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan, United States

Portfolio highlights

Oxxx — Oxxx is an e-commerce management agency that provides EC site management, planning, and sales of frozen home delivery infant food mogumo.
Greenase — greenase is a manufacturer and seller of processed agricultural products.
EF Polymer — EF Polymer Private Limited providing 100% Organic and fully Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer cum Fertilizer to reduce Water and Fertilizer requirement for your plant. Let's grow organically.

Chushin Venture Capital is a venture capital fund established by Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank.

Investment focus

Retail, Travel, Home Decor
Series A, Series B
Japan

Portfolio highlights

HOLO BIO — HOLO BIO is a research and technology firm that employs biological breeding techniques to address the food challenges faced by humanity.
RadioNano Therapeutics — RadioNano Therapeutics is developing innovative drugs for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a type of radiation therapy that utilizes the nuclear reaction between thermal neutrons and boron-10 (¹⁰B) to destroy cancer cells by releasing alpha particles and lithium nuclei.
DeepForest Technologies — DeepForest Technologies is an IT firm that offers drone photography, forest information analysis, DF Scanner, and data processing services.

Energy & Environment Investment, Inc. (EEI) is Japan’s first venture capital specialized in the clean technology sector. With core members who have rich hands on experience in founding and managing venture companies, we aim to provide risk money and various strategic values to promising venture companies and businesses.

Investment focus

Software, Energy, Internet of Things
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan, United States, Germany

Portfolio highlights

Beff — Beff is a company that focuses on Global AI and battery development. It intends to reduce material waste and CO2 emissions during battery production and secure resources in a sustainable manner.
TwinSense — TwinSense uses neuromorphic sensing and processing to give creative solutions to social concerns.
elleThermo — elleThermo aims to implement Semiconductor-Sensitised Thermal Cells (STCs), an energy conversion technology that can generate electricity from unused waste heat above room temperature.

Kyogin Lease & Capital is an investment firm that specializes in the leasing, stock and bond investment and public offering consulting.

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Task Management, Medical
Funding Round, Series A, Series B
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Thinca — Thinca is an IT system planning, development, and operations company that provides a cloud-based CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) hospitality & communication solution for corporate offices.
Rege Nephro — Rege Nephro is a biotech company that specialized in R&D, production and marketing of renal disease therapeutics.
Towing — Towing is an agricultural company that provides farming, manufacturing, and recycling services.

Agribusiness Investment Development is a venture capital firm that offers agriculture investment for agricultural corporations. It was established in 2002 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Investment focus

Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, Agriculture
Series A, Series B, Seed
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Ukka — Ukka is a Creating the ideal form of food and agriculture.
KAICO — KAICO is a pharmaceuticals, diagnostic drugs production company.
Shinmirai — Shinmirai's mission is to create sustainable forests and connect them to the next generation.

Chiba Dojo is an entrepreneurial community that supports startup companies in various stages from seed to pre-IPO.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Content, E-Commerce
Seed, Series A, Funding Round
Japan, Singapore, United States

Portfolio highlights

Manabie — Manabie is an Education Technology start-up company on a mission to provide a new style of online & offline merged learning around the world. We provide students with everything they need for efficient learning; high-quality learning materials, great learning environments, personal coaches and more! We believe that our new method of learning,integrating online and offline will dramatically innovate the way students learn.
Zaimo.ai — Zaimo's AI-driven SaaS budget planning and management software sounds like AI integration can bring significant advantages in automating tasks like tracking expenses, forecasting future spending patterns, and offering personalized budgeting suggestions.
MOSH Japan — MOSH is a web page creation services for individual business owners.

1985. Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Hitotsubashi University. In 2008, he engaged in new business support and venture support for large companies at Inspire Co., Ltd. In 2011, he was appointed director of UXConsulting company wacul. In 2012, he was appointed director of giftee.

Investment focus

Internet, Agriculture, Information Technology
Seed, Funding Round, Angel
Japan

Portfolio highlights

Pleap — Pleap is a medical engineering company specializing in the development of AI and IoT-based technology solutions tailored for medical institutions. The company's product offerings include "medimo" which is an AI tool that automatically creates medical record manuscripts from medical audio.
AGRI SMILE — AGRI SMILE is a platform that focuses on sharing agricultural technology.
Conoris Technologies — Conoris Technologies is a staffing agency that offers security check support services for companies.

Voyage Ventures is the venture capital arm of Voyage Group specializing in seed and early-stage investments. The firm seeks to make investments in the internet and mobile internet industry. It invests from JPY1 million ($.01million) to JPY to 10 million ($.12 million) in its portfolio companies. The firm typically invests in Japan, China, and othergrowing Asian markets. Voyage Ventures, Inc., formerly known as EC Navi Ventures Company, was founded on March 25, 2011, and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Investment focus

Software, Internet, Content
Funding Round, Seed, Series A
Japan, China, Germany

Portfolio highlights

pickupon — Pickupon is a company that transcribes important parts of the call
bravesoft — bravesoft is a software company that operates events and in-house product for contract development and events. The company offering services such as UI / UX design, application consignment development service, appvisor push, and technical research service.
ventus Japan — ventus is an Media and Entertainment based company.ventus aiming to be an entertainment company that provides technology that all fans can enjoy.

Startup First. A global VC focused on IoT small lot manufacturing and startup investment. Support to hardware growth from business model to supply chain

Investment focus

Software, Hardware, Internet of Things
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
United States, Japan

Portfolio highlights

REVORN — REVORN is a fragrance AI and DX research and development company. They develop products such as odor sensors that can respond to odor issues and needs. They provide consultation at a range of levels, from identifying issues to developing solutions.
ImaCreate — ImaCreate provides planning, development and operation of VR / AR / MR system.
Edgecortix — At Edgecortix, we automate the design of AI accelerators for on-device deep learning. Our Dynamic Neural Accelerator IP, and performance optimized AI Software & Hardware Co-exploration framework, reduces time to market and brings massive cost savings across multiple industry verticals.

Genesia Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on seed/early stage startups in Japan and Southeast Asia. Since it's inception in Dec 2016, Genesia Ventures has invested in over 90 companies in Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and the US. Genesia Ventures invests in various sectors: SaaS, marketplace, Media, Finance, Insurance,RealEstate, Healthcare, Medical, Travel, Education, Manufacturing, Construction, HR, Agriculture, Sports, Retail, Entertainment, etc.

Investment focus

Information Technology, Software, Content
Seed, Funding Round, Series A
Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia

Portfolio highlights

Flucle — Flucle provides company rule building and risk mitigation, cloud advisor, human resource development, training & labor management services.
Haul — Haul is a human resources company that provides recruitment consulting and marketing SaaS development services.
THE PHAGE — The phage is a medical device company that focuses on developing AI technology to predict postprandial blood glucose levels.

F-Prime Capital is a global venture capital firm investing in healthcare and technology, with a heritage that spans four decades.

Investment focus

Biotechnology, Health Care, Medical
Series A, Series B, Series C
United States, United Kingdom, China

Portfolio highlights

Dinari — Discover Equity Boundless - Simplify everything from equity management and options grant to payroll so that you no longer have to worry about compliance, taxes, or vesting schedules no matter where your employees are.
Toku — Toku helps companies to automate collections and facilitate payment processes. Toku enables companies to optimize the collection of recurring payments.
Galatea Bio — Galatea Bio, a US-based biotechnology company was founder by Carlos Bustamante, Nicholas Katsanis and Alexander Ioannidis. Our mission is to drive groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare by pairing genetic diversity with cutting-edge data analytics. Our passion is fueled by a focus on populations historically underrepresented in genetics research.We achieve this by leveraging our world-class clinical network and biobank, cutting-edge algorithms, and innovative analyses to discover and validate new tests, treatments, and cures that will improve the lives of all.

Hiroshima Venture Capital provides venture capital investment services. The firm creates corporate value from a long-term perspective.

Investment focus

Task Management, Manufacturing, Software
Funding Round, Series B, Series A
Japan

Portfolio highlights

ZABoooN — ZABoooN is a shipping company that offers crew labor management, movement management, and ship management services.
MaterialGate — MaterialGate focuses on single-molecule dielectrics, developing technologies for devices with better electronic characteristics.
Industrial-X — INDUSTRIAL-X provides business consulting, structure transformation support, DX human resource development, solution procurement support, and BPO solutions. Their customers inquiries are addressed through online applications.

Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. is venture capital firm specializing in materials and chemical industry investments. The firm was established on October, 2015 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan

Investment focus

Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Chemical
Funding Round, Series A, Seed
Japan, United States, New Zealand

Portfolio highlights

Scimplify — Scimplify delivers innovative specialty chemical solutions as a trusted manufacturer and global supplier to industries including pharma, food, and cosmetics
EF Polymer — EF Polymer Private Limited providing 100% Organic and fully Biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer cum Fertilizer to reduce Water and Fertilizer requirement for your plant. Let's grow organically.
iMicrobes — We are a synthetic biology company on the mission to work with the world's largest companies to use new raw materials and recycle waste for chemical production, polymers, agriculture, and space exploration.