Top 50 Community Startup Investors in Japan in September 2025
A list of 50 angel investors and VC (Venture Capital) funds that invest in Community startups based in Japan. We rank investors based on the number of investments they made in Community companies from Japan. We update this investor list every month.Top 50 Community Startup Investors in Japan in September 2025
East Ventures is an early stage venture capital (VC) focused on Southeast Asia, Indonesia & Japan. Success cases include Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Mercari.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, E-Commerce
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, Indonesia, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- SIRCLO — SIRCLO is a leading omnichannel commerce enabler in Indonesia, driven by the mission to unlock the digital potential of people and businesses.
- CrestLab — CrestLab Inc. is a startup focused on developing and providing products for anime production, with a central offering called "ANICRA," which is an anime production support platform that leverages AI technology. This platform aims to aid in various aspects of anime production by integrating artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency andcreativity.
- Pintarnya — Situs penyedia lowongan kerja online untuk berbagai posisi, pendidikan dan pekerjaan dari lulusan SD hingga S1 Tersedia di seluruh indonesia.
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm focusing on life science, ICT, and high technology investments.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Health Care
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- LiLz — LiLz is an IT technology network for businesses looking to use AI and IoT to offer new services and value.
- Trustart — Trustart engages in real estate research business and real estate big data provision. The company offers real estate big data and big data subscriptions.
- FUNDiT — FUNDiT is an IT-focused M&A and business consolidation company that specializes in acquiring, managing, and scaling IT companies.
ANRI is a Japanese venture capital firm that mainly invests in seed and early-stage startups.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Health Care
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, United States, India
Portfolio highlights
- Chorakuchoju — Chorakuchoju is a healthcare organization that tries to avoid isolation by implementing AI technologies and medical services.
- Linea Innovations — Linea Innovations is an energy production company that develops commercial fusion reactors with advanced fuel technology.
- Strand Therapeutics — Strand Therapeutics is developing the first platform for creating programmable mRNA drugs to deliver precise, multi-functional, potentially curative treatments.
Venture United is a provider of venture capital for entrepreneurs, especially for internet-related businesses.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Travel, Content
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Zest — ZEST is an IT firm that offers consulting and management support services to its clients. It is based in Tokyo.
- FamiOne — FamiOne is creating a society that will support the future of couples who want to receive children.
- Meetcareer — Meetcareer provides online counseling services for career planning.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Health Care
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia
Portfolio highlights
- Nonat — Nonat is a company focused on supporting the future of women and children by driving innovation across generations. It is developing a foundational model specifically designed to address the needs of women and children.
- Miresso — Miresso is a startup firm that offers nuclear fusion power generation services through natural resources.
- MetaSensing — MetaSensing specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of advanced attachable Raman sensors, designed to provide precise, real-time chemical and molecular analysis across a wide range of applications, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Health Care
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- Trustart — Trustart engages in real estate research business and real estate big data provision. The company offers real estate big data and big data subscriptions.
- Visual Bank — Visual Bank operates a stock photo business and provides an AI data platform. It aims to create a society in which the value of Japanese creations is maximized and optimized.
- Metagen Therapeutics — Metagen Therapeutics is a Drug discovery and medical business company which utilizes microbiome science.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Artificial Intelligence
- Series A, Series B, Funding Round
- Japan, United States, United Kingdom
Portfolio highlights
- SAKANA Dream — Japanese fish and its cuisine are a treasure of Japan, On the other hand, the variety of fish consumed on a daily basis accounts for less than 1% of all fish living in Japanese waters. Although there are many underutilized fish that surpass the well-known fish, they are even discarded due to unstable catches and lack of name recognition. Aquaculture can provide a stable supply, however, it is not easy to keep fish in a small water cage and only a limited number of fish are delivered to the market. We, SAKANA Dream, select the most delicious fish from over 4,000 species in Japan, and make it possible to farm and produce them using the cutting edge technology. Our goal is to create the "world's most delicious fish" that no one has ever tasted before and deliver it to our customers.
- Cierpa & Company — Cierpa & Company develops environmental, social, and governance management software. They offer services for the cloud, share information between departments, optimise workflows, and analyse and improve scores.
- Counter Culture Company — Counter Culture Company is an online platform that offers K-pop dance classes ranging from beginner to professional levels.
Mizuho is the venture capital firm affiliated to Mizuho Bank, the second-largest Japanese bank in terms of assets. The firm has headquarters in Tokyo.The firm has ¥49.6 billion JPY under management, focusing on information technology and biotechnology investments. Over 600 Mizuho companies have gone public. According to Nikkei, Mizuho is thefifth-largest venture capital firm in Japan.Mizuho Capital was formed in 2002 by the merger of Fujigin Capital, Tokyo Venture Capital and IBJ Investment. Three firms were subsidiaries of Fuji Bank, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank and the Industrial Bank of Japan respectively.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Internet
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, China
Portfolio highlights
- Terass — TERASS is a High-end real estate information site.
- Helical Fusion — Helical Fusion is a startup company that aims to commercialize fusion energy using magnetic confinement of high-temperature plasmas.
- Metagen Therapeutics — Metagen Therapeutics is a Drug discovery and medical business company which utilizes microbiome science.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Artificial Intelligence
- Series A, Funding Round, Series B
- Japan, United States, Israel
Portfolio highlights
- LayerX — LayerX which promotes the digitization of business processes utilizing technologies such as blockchain technology.
- Commune — Commune is a developer of a platform that supports connections, community building, and customers between organizations and people.
- Metagen Therapeutics — Metagen Therapeutics is a Drug discovery and medical business company which utilizes microbiome science.
Nissay Capital is a venture capital Company specializing in seed, start-up, growth capital, middle stage, and later stage investment.
Show more
Investment focus
- Health Care, Internet, Information Technology
- Funding Round, Seed, Series A
- Japan, United States, Ethiopia
Portfolio highlights
- Japan AI — Japan AI specializes in R&D of artificial intelligence and consulting services.
- Blackbox — Blackbox is an entertainment firm that is involved in businesses, including VTuber production, media mix, and live music events.
- Linea Innovations — Linea Innovations is an energy production company that develops commercial fusion reactors with advanced fuel technology.
Yusuke Sato is the Co-Representative and Co-Founder of Pulit.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Internet, Food and Beverage
- Seed, Funding Round, Angel
- Japan, Indonesia, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Kaimak — Kaymak is a recruitment platform that focuses on creating a recruitment website, planning a recruitment strategy, and managing candidates.
- Meetscare — Meetscare provides correct information and supports the self-awareness of all people involved in care. The company provides a wealth of information to ensure optimal care and create a mechanism for the realization. Users can make a telephone consultation and web diagnosis and search for free information using the system.Meetscare was founded on2016 and is headquartered in Arakawa, Tokyo.
- Driver Technologies — Driver Technologies is a cloud logistics platform provider. It provides a solution for driver matching and cargo vehicle demands.
Monex Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Japan that finances seed and early stage investments in startup companies.
Show more
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.
After JTB Co., Ltd. and CYBIRD Co., Ltd. as an initial member of Glee Co., Ltd. is responsible for business development. Currently, he is mainly engaged in venture support in the Internet area, investing in venture and venture capital, and served as management advisor for dozens of companies. Hands-on business development, growth strategydevelopment, financing advice, HR organization design support, partner referral and Recruit Support. He is also engaged in business support for ventures in the healthcare and university venture fields. He served as Digital Health Meetup Advisor, NEDOTCP Mentor and Future 2016 Mentor.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Marketing, Internet
- Seed, Angel, Pre-Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Epicbase — Epicbase is an AI-based automatic voice transcription service based on voice recognition technology.
- Go Visions — Go Visions engages in the edutainment tech for children and human resources services.
- Ai-Dounyu.com — Ai-Dounyu.com is a platform that helps organizations looking to integrate AI choose their ideal AI implementation partner for free.
W Ventures is a Berlin based Venture Design and Venture Capital company that offers a complete framework for the acceleration of digital business ideas.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Content, Internet
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, Indonesia, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Anaguma — Anaguma handles business development based on the philosophy of helping people with a sustainable structure. The company's business objective is to eliminate concerns about purchases and reservations, and it delivers before-sales social networks. It also provides matching services exclusively for housekeepers' personal contracts. Thecompany also offers influencer marketing services with a focus on removing waste completely from advertising and realizing a world in which good products can be sold regardless of advertising costs.Anaguma was founded in January 2016 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
- Ness — Ness is a tech company that offers 3 service websites and analytic tools for NFT marketing tool, TikTok product and NFT holders.
- Visual Bank — Visual Bank operates a stock photo business and provides an AI data platform. It aims to create a society in which the value of Japanese creations is maximized and optimized.
Vector is a Japan-based PR agency that provides PR planning and implementation services for its clients. The agency also offers other services covering areas such as management, finance, accounting, human resources, administration, internal controls, and audits.
Vector was founded in 1993.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Internet, E-Commerce
- Funding Round, Seed, Corporate Round
- Japan, Indonesia
Portfolio highlights
- Pick You — Pick You offers a marketplace that facilitates seamless purchase of items directly from popular Instagram users.
- Redcliff — Redcliff is a drone management company that organizes aerial shows and events for private and public organizations.
- CareLink — CareLink is an app that connects people looking for one-time part-time work in nursing and welfare.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, E-Commerce
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, United States, India
Portfolio highlights
- Visual Bank — Visual Bank operates a stock photo business and provides an AI data platform. It aims to create a society in which the value of Japanese creations is maximized and optimized.
- Nominal — Nominal empowers the next-generation economy.Nominal modernizes and automates accounting and financial management, providing robust reporting, multi-entity consolidation, workflow automation (including accruals and revenue), lease compliance (ASC 842/IFRS 16), period-end close collaboration, and much more.Nominal's generativesubledgers transform business logic into actions and insights using Generative AI - without the need for costly engineering or lengthy IT projects. Our shadow-ledger is implemented in days, not months, and seamlessly integrates with existing general ledgers and ERPs.
- Rocket Link Technology — Rocket Link Technology is a product development company that specializes in designing LTP rockets for space travel.
Money Forward Venture Partners operates HIRAC FUND, a seed fund specializing in seed and early-stage startups.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Artificial Intelligence
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, United States, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- AiCAN — AiCAN provides system planning and development, data analysis, IT, and consulting services related to child welfare.
- Trustart — Trustart engages in real estate research business and real estate big data provision. The company offers real estate big data and big data subscriptions.
- ARCS — ARCS specializes in developing assisted reproductive medical devices using robotics and artificial intelligence technology.
B Dash Ventures does seed to late stage tech investments in Japan, Asia Pacific, and the U.S. LPs include Japan's largest technology companies and financial institutions including NTT Docomo, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, GREE, NEC BIGLOBE, Fuji Television, and the Japanese government. B Dash Ventures also operates an incubation space inpartnership with Mori Building Co. and holds the invitation-based B Dash Camp conference.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Internet, Media and Entertainment
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, Taiwan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Newmo — newmo delivers sustainable local public transportation create a user experience (UX) that people may utilize with peace of mind and comfort.
- Yosemite — Yosemite is a wellness company that provides health and wellness products, supplements, skincare, and personal care items.
- Qlay — Qlay is an AI-automated global engineer hiring platform
Globis Capital Partners (GCP) is a venture capital firm in Japan. With its combination of local business presence through Globis Group and the experience of Western VC experience, GCP has set new VC standards in Japan, with hands-on, and in-depth industry expertise.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Internet
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, Israel
Portfolio highlights
- Henry — Henry develops and provides a cloud-based electronic medical record and receipt system for small and medium-sized hospitals.
- Logomix — Logomix Inc is a mammalian cellular genome architect startup. Logomix proprietary platform, Geno-Writing™, technology integrates large-scale (Mb) human genome-writing technologies and providing genetically architected versatile human cells and/or downsized cells and microbes for drug development and cell & gene therapy area.Majority ofthe cell engineering companies are currently focused on optimization of gene clusters by automatic high throughput system however, Logomix’s Geno-Writing™ provides the required tools for dealing with mammalian or complex genomes. Logomix works with partners by providing new biology-based solutions to co-create business and social values on Geno-Writing™ platform Current Focus Area includes: 1. Human Health & Therapeutics 2. Biomaterials & Chemicals 3. Agriculture & EnvironmentLogomix has 11 ongoing collaborative research partnerships. Currently Logomix is specifically looking for industry partners to address unmet needs in neurodegenerative disease areas.
- Kotoba Technologies — Kotoba Technologies develops and supports technology tailored to business fields and applications. It supports the implementation of language models into corporate applications by communicating closely with companies in Japanese to accurately understand the needs and actual situation of each company, and then provide optimal technical support.++
XTech Ventures aims to achieve dramatic growth for investee companies by supporting entrepreneurship, multifaceted management support, and IPO support for the excellent middle class who are enthusiastic about entrepreneurship.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Media and Entertainment
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, Italy, United Arab Emirates
Portfolio highlights
- Medigle — Medigle is a consulting firm that provides medical consulting and B2B services.
- Infobox — Infobox is a sales data platform that includes every detail from market research to creating a list of companies and contacting decision-makers.
- Leading Mark — Leading Mark, a rising human resources startup in Japan. Leading Mark is branching out into mid-career and international hiring. It currently has a one-man team in China working to bring the top Japanese-speaking Chinese students to domestic companies. He also touts his startup’s focus on the average job seeker. “We want to make sure that the usersget the info that he or she needs the most,” he says. Large scale, legacy players can sometimes prioritize the needs of the hiring company, and their commission, over the needs of applicants themselves. This leads to frustration and short-circuited careers.
F Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Service Industry
- Seed, Funding Round, Pre-Seed
- Japan, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- Bgrass — bgrass is a consultation support platform for women working in the IT industry.
- Blankr — Blankr inc has developed an application called Raidli. Using the app, Vtubers can hold a virtual handshake event.
- Tripi — Tripi provides travel media and digital marketing services, as well as the accommodation gift service.
Archetype Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in B2B Tech seed and early stage venture investments.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Diggle — DIGGLE is a service that provides fundamental management accounting management on the cloud called fraud management. It is possible to reduce the mistakes and man-hours of the fraud management task and easily carry out the fraud management task even if it is not an expert in finance or accounting.DIGGLE covers budget creation work and budgetrecord comparison work, especially in the foreman management work. In the budget creation work, the KPI and the budget are automatically created by inputting the target numerical value to the preset parameters utilizing the budget generator function, while the forecast contrasting work is made up of the financial information, non-financial information It is easy to calculate by simply entering the numerical value, and it is possible to carry out calculation of the forecast contrast.
- FLUX — FLUX provide “FLUX Header Bidding Solution” that creates fair competition opportunities and significantly increases advertising revenue within the header bidding server, ad requests are sent to SSPs and ad exchanges all at once, so it is possible to have a pure price competition without prioritization, and to determine the highest bid amount andvalue of the advertising space. I can. Then, the price of the highest bid ad in the header bidding and the ad set in the ad server are competed, and the ad with the higher bid is delivered.
- Hubble — Cloud-based software specialized for contracts and other legal documents
ITOCHU Technology Ventures (ITV), based in Tokyo, is the venture capital arm of ITOCHU Corporation. ITOCHU is one of the world's largest corporations with offices in over 80 countries and operations that cover a broad spectrum of industries. ITV's mission is to invest and help build leading information technology companies by leveraging avast array of resources both domestically and internationally throughout ITOCHU and its group companies. The ITOCHU group has a long history of funding information technology companies with successes including Siebel Systems, NVIDIA, Openwave and Aruba Networks. Current portfolio includes, Box, Fab, Ooyala, WHILL, Tokyo Otaku Mode, etc.
Show more
Investment focus
- E-Commerce, Software, Information Technology
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, Belgium
Portfolio highlights
- Alumnote — The alumni association management software developed by Alumnote allows schools to manage their alumni associations online. The focus of the company is to undertake loyalty building and marketing for potential donors such as graduates and provides digital tools, and supports the execution of donation acquisition.
- SkyDrive — SkyDrive is a start-up for development,manufacturing,sales of the “Flying cars” established by CARTIVATOR members.
- NABLA Mobility — Solving the complexities involved in the "Operation of Fleets" of Mobility and support its evolution and decarbonization
Shizuoka Capital Company Limited operates as a venture capital firm. It engages in the acquisition, holding, and, sale of securities.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Terass — TERASS is a High-end real estate information site.
- Brainbuddy — Brainbuddy specializes in sales support, business growth, recruiting, consulting, and training services.
- FUNDiT — FUNDiT is an IT-focused M&A and business consolidation company that specializes in acquiring, managing, and scaling IT companies.
Daiwa Corporate Investment is a private investment firm of Daiwa Securities Group that has been engaged in overseas VC investments by taking advantage of an extensive business network in Japan and foreign countries, long experience and professional knowledge, and by supporting the growth of a number of overseas portfolio companies and their stockexchange listings.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Task Management, Internet
- Funding Round, Series A, Seed
- Japan, France, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- Tacoms — CAMEL is a service that allows you to easily manage orders from multiple food delivery / takeout services on a single tablet.
- Trustart — Trustart engages in real estate research business and real estate big data provision. The company offers real estate big data and big data subscriptions.
- Tech Doctor — Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service which provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.
UNITED, Inc. is developing the smart phone app and the advertising technology business.
Show more
Investment focus
- Media and Entertainment, Content, Information Technology
- Funding Round, Seed, Series A
- Japan, Nigeria, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Brainbuddy — Brainbuddy specializes in sales support, business growth, recruiting, consulting, and training services.
- FUNDiT — FUNDiT is an IT-focused M&A and business consolidation company that specializes in acquiring, managing, and scaling IT companies.
- Ageless — Ageless is a staffing agency that provides human resources-related services primarily to middle-aged and senior citizens.
Japan Finance provides a diversified portfolio of financial services to the small and medium enterprise sector.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence
- Debt Financing, Funding Round, Seed
- Japan, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- bgrass — bgrass is a consultation support platform for women working in the IT industry.
- COUNTERWORKS — Counter works is an Information technology company.
- Dr.’s Prime — Doctor's Prime is a technology company that provides is a part-time job information service for optimizing the working style of doctors.
Jun Nishikawa - Co-founder, Executive Vice President, COO @ Eureka
Show more
Investment focus
- Food and Beverage, Media and Entertainment, Mobile
- Seed, Series A, Angel
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- FamiOne — FamiOne is creating a society that will support the future of couples who want to receive children.
- Misaky Tokyo — Marine plant-based, handmade Japanese sweets. These crystal treats are individually handcrafted, the perfect gift idea! Vegan, gluten-free, and additive-free confectionery, with stunning flavors such as Yuzu, Matcha, and Rose. Supporting artisans in their craft. Japanese luxury sweets with a surprise inside.
- Reiwa Travel — Reiwa Trave is a digital travel agency intended that optimizes overseas travel. The company's platform uses online travel booking tools that provide digitalized contracts along with trip management, thereby enabling its customers' vacation and leisure experiences.
Kotaro Chiba is the founder of ChibaDojo Fund. Kotaro Chiba attended Keio University.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Content, Internet
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- MI-6 — MI-6 is a research, development, consulting, and project management for material development using IT. We will promote materials informatics in the field of material development with our technological capabilities and a wealth of project knowledge that challenge the world's most advanced technologies .
- ELESTYLE — ELESTYLE are promoting mobile payments and providing high value-added services for users to realize a cashless society.
- Luup — Luup is an Internet Company.
2011 At university, participated in the founding period as a director of Atcole Co., Ltd., and started the web service experience.2012 Founded Peroli Co., Ltd.,
which operates a curation platform for women "MERY" .2014 Founded Peroli
Co., Ltd. Sold to DeNA
2015 Jointly established Tokyo Founders Fund as an angel investor and startedinvesting in startups in Japan and overseas
2019 Appointed outside director of FIREBUG Co., Ltd.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Software, Content
- Seed, Angel, Funding Round
- Japan, Hong Kong, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Mepple — Mepple is planning, developing, and operating internet services.
- For you — For you is a comprehensive Advertising agency business specializing in SNS.
- SPORTS CROWN — SPORTS CROWN engages in the development and operation of fantasy sports.
TLM is a venture capital that invests basically in seed rounds, including some Series A startups.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Content, SNS
- Seed, Angel, Series B
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Morght — Morght is an information technology service company.
- Nanameue — Nanameue creating a new future that makes people smile and has a fun experience. Create your own place by connecting people to people in “nanameue” way.
- Hogetic Lab — Hogetic Lab specialize in DCaaS, AI development, and Data human resources training.
iSGS Investment Works is Japan-based venture capital firm.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, E-Commerce, Information Technology
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, United States, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- SOUNDRAW — Your personal AI music generator.
- Inter — Inter delivers solutions for global difficulties using vacuum technology, which uses a particular check valve to maintain a 99.5% vacuum rate.
- Better Place — Better place vision is to create a world in which kind people can continue to be kind, as well as a society in which people can work in their own way without worrying about money.
OPT Ventures is an investment and incubation firm that offers startups with venture capital, investments, IPO advice, management information services, and more. The company was established on February 27, 2015, and operates as an investment subsidiary of Opt Holding Corporation, an e-marketing company based in Tokyo, Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, E-Commerce, Task Management
- Funding Round, Series A, Seed
- Japan, United States, India
Portfolio highlights
- CirclePe — Backed by India's Top Investors, connect us with your new Landlord & get a Zero Deposit move-in for the 1st time ever.
- Receptionist — Delighted develops an application for reception services. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.
- Zeelab Pharmacy — Zeelab Pharmacy brings to you a high quality affordable generic medicines delivered to your doorstep with ecommerce & network of over 200+ stores in India.
Lifetime Ventures is a VC firm that specializes in pre-seed and seed investments.
Show more
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.
Kotaro Chiba is the founder of ChibaDojo Fund. Kotaro Chiba attended Keio University.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Drones, Software
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- MI-6 — MI-6 is a research, development, consulting, and project management for material development using IT. We will promote materials informatics in the field of material development with our technological capabilities and a wealth of project knowledge that challenge the world's most advanced technologies .
- ELESTYLE — ELESTYLE are promoting mobile payments and providing high value-added services for users to realize a cashless society.
- Luup — Luup is an Internet Company.
Hiroshima Venture Capital provides venture capital investment services. The firm creates corporate value from a long-term perspective.
Show more
Investment focus
- Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, E-Commerce
- Funding Round, Series B, Seed
- Japan
STRIVE focuses on investing in early-stage (Seed to Series A) internet and mobile companies. It seeks out companies in Japan, Southeast Asia, and India with top-notch management teams and strong market potential. It is not tied to strategic investments for GREE Inc. and leverages its pan-Asia expertise for guiding its portfolio in an engaged,hands-on role.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Internet, E-Commerce
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, India, Indonesia
Portfolio highlights
- Asuene — Asuene involves in clean power retail business, retail SaaS business, etc.
- YOUTRUST — YOUTRUST is a startup to operate YOUTRUST a referral recruitment platform for side-job change.
- Testsigma — Powerful cloud-based test automation platform that lets you automate tests for web, mobile, desktop apps, and APIs in minutes. Sign up now!
Kensuke Furukawa was born in June 2, 1981. He graduated Waseda University majoring Political Science and Economics, and in 2000, he launched "Milkcafe", a student community, which has grown to a site with 10 million PV per month. In 2004, he became the CEO of Media Clip, which operates a rental bulletin board service "ShitarabaBBS". After that year, he had transfer "Shitaraba BBS" to Livedoor, and took charge of starting up the Consumer Generated Media sector. In 2006, he joined Recruit, and took charge of starting up a new business at Business development sector. In June of 2009, he left Recruit, and became the CEO of nanapi (formerly Rocket Start), which operates the How-to Site "nanapi".
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Social Media, Media and Entertainment
- Seed, Funding Round, Angel
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- iiba — Iiba is a geospatial platform that specializes in providing location information related to child-rearing.
- Tohakusha — Tohakusha is a creative agency that offers design, production and sale of digital content and EC websites, and content creation services.
- Neighbor — Neighbor is a metaverse game developer that specializes in Fortnite.
One Capital is a China-based private equity investment firm.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Manufacturing, Virtual Reality
- Series A, Seed, Angel
- China, Japan, Nigeria
Portfolio highlights
- oVice — oVice is a virtual spatial platform that allows people to gather in one place, move, talk, and collaborate freely as avatars. With the mission of “maximizing effective online communication”, oVice develops and provides lifelike features that offer users a close-to-reality interactive online experience. Featuring customization, you can change thelayout to match the theme of your usage, build lockable rooms, place down static objects, and more!Use it as a remote office, an event venue, an academic conference hall, and even a space for parties!
- Beatrust — Tags connect and drive collaboration, expanding your team's potential
- SmarterEye — SmarterEye is a technology company dedicated to the R&D and manufacture of autonomous driving systems and related products.
Delight Ventures is a venture capital firm that thoroughly reduces the hurdles of entrepreneurship in Japan and supports entrepreneurs in the world. Entrepreneurship is taken as a natural career path, and we aim to be a society where both successful and unsuccessful people can continue to take on challenges.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology
- Seed, Series A, Series B
- Japan, United States, South Korea
Portfolio highlights
- KAUCHE — KAUCHE is a social commerce app. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. Their customers' inquiries are addressed through phone, email, and online applications.
- OSHIAI — OSHIAI is an AI chat software that lets you communicate with your favorite idol's "Ai" avatar, which represents their hobbies, preferences, and speaking style.
- NaLaLys — NaLaLys is a business consulting firm that provides management, distribution, research, and consulting services.
Hideto Fujino - President, Cheif Investment Officer @ Rheos
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, Real Estate
- Funding Round, Seed, Series A
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- HOMMA — Inspired Modern Living. Homes to elevate healthy urban lifestyles. Design. Build. Technology.
- Address — ADDress is a provider of co-living spaces in both urban and rural areas, enabling people to live in a range of luxurious residences at fixed prices.
- Unito — Unito offers people a friction-free lifestyle by pursuing optimization of living.
Recruit Strategic Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative startups from all around the world. It is a corporate venture capital arm of Recruit Holdings that seeks to invest in education and financial technology, digital healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.
It was established in 2008 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- E-Commerce, Software, Financial Services
- Series A, Seed, Series B
- United States, Japan, India
Portfolio highlights
- Blacklane — Blacklane is the global chauffeur service that offers safety, sustainability, and stress-free travel. Since 2017, the company has been carbon-neutral, combining a five-star guest experience with care for the planet. The customers can book their travels using Blacklane’s mobile app or website.Blacklane was co-founded by Jens Wohltorf and FrankSteuer and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
- Steady — Home Page Steady Your Income Home Page Steady Your Income Home Page Steady Your Income
- ZenBusiness — Start a new business today for $0 or grow your existing business with the ZenBusiness platform. Get to your first dollar faster without the stress.
Mr. Sugashita joined Polaris as Advisor in May 2011. He is Director and CEO of Sugashita Partners, Ltd since 1998 and provides consulting services to financial institutions and ventures in and outside of Japan. Prior to that position, he was CEO of Lazard Japan Asset Management from 1991 to 1998. His business career also includes positions at DaiwaSecurities and Merrill Lynch Securities, Tokyo Branch. On the academic front, Mr. Sugashita received a BA in Economics from Ritsumeikan University and since 2009 is Special Advisor for the Dean of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
Show more
Investment focus
- Marketing, Travel, Media and Entertainment
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan
Paul Kuo - Director - Board of Directors @ Tamecco
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, SaaS
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Fun — Fun is a sightseeing entertainment company that makes the world even more of a fun place.
- Tabinaka — Tabinaka is a Japanese booking & reservation platform for overseas tours and travel activities.
- Fun Group — Hello! We are Fun Group (formally Tabinaka) and we are Japan's first Travel and Leisure startup offering unique tours and experiences. We currently offer experiences in 7 different locations globally.
SOURCENEXT is principally engaged in the planning, development and sale of software.
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, Software
- Seed, Angel, Series B
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Owl Labs — Owl Labs is a collaborative tech company revolutionizing how the world communicates through inclusive and immersive video experiences. Built for modern organizations, we’re dedicated to empowering hybrid and remote teams with our award-winning collaborative technology and product suite.
- Tabinaka — Tabinaka is a Japanese booking & reservation platform for overseas tours and travel activities.
- Fun Group — Hello! We are Fun Group (formally Tabinaka) and we are Japan's first Travel and Leisure startup offering unique tours and experiences. We currently offer experiences in 7 different locations globally.
AG Capital is an investment firm that provides investment and property management solutions for middle-size businesses. The company was founded on December 12, 1985 and its headquarters are located in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Show more
Investment focus
- Finance, Software, Internet
- Series A, Seed, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Mento — UGOKU is a provider of management of personal coaching service.
- KAUCHE — KAUCHE is a social commerce app. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. Their customers' inquiries are addressed through phone, email, and online applications.
- Unito — Unito offers people a friction-free lifestyle by pursuing optimization of living.
Z Venture Capital is the venture capital arm of Z Holdings that invests in companies that focuses on the insurance and finance industry.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Software, Content
- Seed, Series A, Series B
- Japan, South Korea, United States
Portfolio highlights
- mahocast — Mahocast operates a comprehensive business platform that supports every stage of an artist’s journey—from initial planning and content production to ongoing management and promotion.
- Commune — Commune is a developer of a platform that supports connections, community building, and customers between organizations and people.
- Aim Intelligence — Leading AI Security & Safety Solutions Provider - Specializing in AI Risk Detection, Mitigation, and Elimination through Advanced Red Teaming and Defensive Systems | Leading provider of AI Security, Safety, and Compliance solutions
Ken Takayama - External Audit & Supervisory @ Media Do
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, Apps
- Seed, Angel, Funding Round
- Japan
We are engineers investing in engineers. With experienced mentors, MIRAISE supports you hands-if basis, for business model, financial planning and presentation. All founders of our potfolio automatically join MIRAISE online community that gives you the peer-learning opportunities with other founders. Join us updating the normal!
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Consulting
- Seed, Funding Round, Pre-Seed
- Japan, United States, Estonia
Portfolio highlights
- XDeli — XDeli is a digital application that offers food delivery and meal subsidy service for corporate employees.
- CareLink — CareLink is an app that connects people looking for one-time part-time work in nursing and welfare.
- SUSHI TOP MARKETING — SUSHI TOP MARKETING is an IT company that offers marketing, NFT utilization, and consulting services.
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.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Information Technology, Health Care
- Funding Round, Seed, Series A
- Japan, United States, India
Portfolio highlights
- Ichirou — Ichirou provides digital senior care support services to connect elderly people with caretakers. It offers caretaker services for different types of support, including housework, hospital care, nursing, hospital and doctor visits, and shopping assistance.
- Visual Bank — Visual Bank operates a stock photo business and provides an AI data platform. It aims to create a society in which the value of Japanese creations is maximized and optimized.
- Rocket Link Technology — Rocket Link Technology is a product development company that specializes in designing LTP rockets for space travel.
Investors by industry
Google
Marketplace
Hardware
Energy
Proptech
Health Care
Biotech
Artificial intelligence
Climate
Consumer
Community
Impact
Gaming
FinTech
EdTech
Sustainability
Venture Capital
Big Data
Web3
B2B
Financial Services
Finance
Infrastructure
Education
Photography
Payments
Food and Beverage
Video Games
Organic Food
Retail
Beauty
Publishing
Clean Energy
Real Estate
Manufacturing
Art
Music
Android
Internet
Enterprise Software
eSports
Franchise
Sports
Construction
Digital Media
Email
Medical
Social Network
Wellness
Social Media
Mobile
Legal
Local
Recruiting
Cannabis
Platforms
Fitness
Travel
Mobile Advertising
Biotechnology
Hospitality
Social
Automotive
Crowdfunding
Wine And Spirits
Medical Device
CleanTech
Transportation
Mobile Apps
InsurTech
Enterprise
LGBT
Fashion
Oil and Gas
Life Science
Theatre
Film
Non Profit
Renewable Energy
SaaS
Sporting Goods
Restaurants
Social Impact
Software
Celebrity
Cryptocurrency
Machine Learning
Agriculture (agtech)
Media (entertainment)
Facebook
Blockchain
Investors by country
United Kingdom
Canada
South Korea
Ireland
United States
New Zealand
India
Germany
Australia
Armenia
South Africa
Spain
Japan
Africa
China
Sri Lanka
Singapore
Qatar
Asia
Indonesia
Vietnam
Oceania
LATAM
Middle East
Europe
Saudi Arabia
Brazil
Bulgaria
Belize
Bahrain
Croatia
Georgia
Belarus
Hungary
France
Ghana
Ethiopia
Gibraltar
Liechtenstein
Liberia
Lebanon
Mauritius
Peru
Norway
Israel
Chile
Malaysia
Mexico
Nicaragua
Jersey
Panama
Morocco
Mali
Lithuania
Italy
Philippines
Kuwait
Malta
Myanmar
Sierra Leone
El Salvador
Uganda
Venezuela
Sweden
Slovenia
Poland
Uruguay
Ukraine
Tajikistan
Puerto Rico
Portugal
Tunisia
Taiwan
Tanzania
Turkey
San Marino
Senegal
Togo
Uzbekistan
Serbia
Russian Federation
Zambia
Rwanda
Zimbabwe
Thailand
Dominican Republic
Azerbaijan
Iceland
Nigeria
Bahamas
Namibia
Iraq
United Arab Emirates
Jamaica
Egypt
Honduras
Finland
Isle of Man
Bolivia
Luxembourg
Costa Rica
Pakistan
Albania
Greece
Barbados
Belgium
Estonia
Bermuda
Czech Republic
Grenada
Jordan
Romania
Bangladesh
Argentina
Denmark
Algeria
Hong Kong
Ecuador
Faroe Islands
Kenya
Kazakhstan
Cayman Islands
Cambodia
Austria
Oman
Latvia
Cyprus
Switzerland
Cameroon
Colombia
Guatemala
Seychelles
Marshall Islands
Investors in Japan by industry
Restaurants
Real Estate
Financial Services
CleanTech
Transportation
Big Data
Payments
Finance
Food and Beverage
Wine And Spirits
Video Games
Medical
Cryptocurrency
Medical Device
Wellness
Social Media
Digital Media
Manufacturing
Platforms
Art
Music
Mobile
Android
Blockchain
Legal
Software
Local
Venture Capital
Construction
Social Network
Enterprise Software
Sports
eSports
Fitness
Hospitality
Automotive
InsurTech
FinTech
Recruiting
Biotechnology
Enterprise
Consumer
Health Care
Biotech
Energy
EdTech
Climate
Sustainability
Proptech
Crowdfunding
SaaS
Marketplace
Hardware
Gaming
Social
Fashion
Beauty
B2B
Life Science
Sporting Goods
Publishing
Education
Renewable Energy
Community
Retail
Mobile Apps
Web3
Clean Energy
Social Impact
Organic Food
Impact
Artificial intelligence
Internet
Infrastructure
Travel
Photography
Agriculture (agtech)
Media (entertainment)
Machine Learning
Oil and Gas