Top 50 Hospitality Startup Investors in Japan in January 2025
A list of 50 angel investors and VC (Venture Capital) funds that invest in Hospitality startups based in Japan. We rank investors based on the number of investments they made in Hospitality companies from Japan. We update this investor list every month.Top 50 Hospitality Startup Investors in Japan in January 2025
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
- Precal — Precal is an information technology company that develops applications that are common with pharmacies, pharmacists, and dispensing clerks.
- Any — any. develops and offers knowledge sharing tool Qast.
- Grand Central — Grand Central is a consulting company specializing in the sales field.
NEC Capital Solutions Limited provides financial services in Japan.
It's Main Business is Leasing for Information and Communication Equipment, Office Equipment, Industrial Equipment and Installment Sales, Business Loans, Factoring Services, Business Outsourcing and Sales of Used Equipment.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Manufacturing, Information Technology
- Funding Round, Series B, Series A
- Japan, United States, Tanzania
Portfolio highlights
- GITAI — GITAI is a robotics startup for space development. The company aims to replace astronauts with robots that can work for a long time while being remotely controlled from earth while in low earth orbit space stations to decrease the burden on astronauts, shorten the time it takes to perform work in space, and reduce costs.
- Luup — Luup is an Internet Company.
- S-Mat — Smartmat is an eco-friendly IoT purchase system for on-demand, no-hassle grocery with cost-effective shipping.
Monex Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Japan that finances seed and early stage investments in startup companies.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Financial Services, Information Technology
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, United States, China
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, Content
- Seed, Funding Round, Series A
- Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia
Portfolio highlights
- Taian — Taian, which specializes in bridal industry services and software. They also provide ''Concept Marry,'' which allows couples to design invites and seating charts that match their wedding theme, as well as display guest information on Oiwaii.
- Congrant — Congrant is a fundraising platform that collects donations and charity for NPOs, social enterprises, and voluntary organizations.
- Japan Career — Japan Career is a company that offers a job change and employment help platform tailored to international talent.
FUKUOKA BROADCASTING SYSTEM is a TV station that produces and broadcasts various programs.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Content, Tourism
- Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- EXest — EXest is aTokyo-based inbound travel promotion startup .The company provides the WOW U platform that connects inbound visitors to Japan with licensed interpreters and tour guides in addition to WOWU-media offering potential visitors to Japan with video clips introducing must-visit spots and popular local souvenirs on Facebook.
Chief Technology Officer at Money Forward.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Legal, FinTech
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan
Daishi Management Consulting is a subsidiary of Daishi Bank engages in venture capital and consulting services
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Content, Tourism
- Seed, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- EXest — EXest is aTokyo-based inbound travel promotion startup .The company provides the WOW U platform that connects inbound visitors to Japan with licensed interpreters and tour guides in addition to WOWU-media offering potential visitors to Japan with video clips introducing must-visit spots and popular local souvenirs on Facebook.
- Creative Coatings — Creative Coatings is a manufacturing company that develops a state-of-the-art coating process that has both liquid phase and gas phase coating technologies.
Evolable Asia operates a comparison site for travel products focused on domestic airline tickets (the largest in the transaction volume industry), as well as providing travel content and products on an OEM basis. It specializes in wholesale and business trip services for corporations, and it is the fifth-largest online travel agent in Japan.Furthermore, it is expanding its IT offshore development business, employing approximately 500 engineers in Vietnam and becoming the largest Japanese IT offshore development company in Southeast Asia. It specializes in lab-type offshore development, with dedicated teams for clients, and provides services to a variety of Japanese companies as a solution to Japan's engineer shortage and rising labor costs.
Show more
Investment focus
- Task Management, Marketing, Artificial Intelligence
- Funding Round, Corporate Round, Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- LS Japan — LS Co., Ltd. is a company that plans, operates and manages lifestyle hotels, cafes and bars by launching its own inbound brand using Japanese content .
- Ancar — Ancar is a company offering personal buying and selling services in Japan.
- Upsell Technologies — Upsell Technologies is Customer data analysis service platform.
One the most biggest company in Japan dealing with tourism.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Leisure, Sales
- Seed, Series A, Series B
- Japan, Denmark
Portfolio highlights
- Goodwings — Choose responsible travel options, track emissions, and offset them for free with Goodwings. Our sustainability-focused travel management system helps you travel responsibly while reducing your carbon footprint.
- byFood.com — Food tours, cooking classes, dining experiences & tastings in Japan. Enjoy a meal in Japan and help children around the world thr
- Tablecross — Tablecross is a Marketing consulting business for restaurants.
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.
- COUNTERWORKS — Counter works is an Information technology company.
- Hydro Powtech Japan — Nippon Hydropowtech uses proprietary technology and experience in hydrolysate production to investigate new food applications.
JOCH-DTV, branded as Chukyo TV, is the Chukyo metropolitan area flagship station of the Nippon News Network and Nippon Television Network System (NNS), owned by Nippon Television Holdings through the Chukyo TV. Broadcasting Co., Ltd. Its studios are located in Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Audio, Travel
- Series A, Seed, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- EXest — EXest is aTokyo-based inbound travel promotion startup .The company provides the WOW U platform that connects inbound visitors to Japan with licensed interpreters and tour guides in addition to WOWU-media offering potential visitors to Japan with video clips introducing must-visit spots and popular local souvenirs on Facebook.
- FIREBUG — FIREBUG enables comedians, actresses, models, artists, managers, and creators to develop their skills. They arrange production plans for numerous talents and create IP and advertising items based on the social networking sites of the talents. Additionally, they offer marketing solutions built around a range of talent-focused content. They offerbasic marketing assistance and advertising for businesses.
- Newrope — NEWROPE is a web service business and Media business platform.
Yusuke Sato is the Co-Representative and Co-Founder of Pulit.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Content, Food and Beverage
- Seed, Funding Round, Angel
- Japan, Indonesia, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Kaymak — Kaymak is a recruitment platform that focuses on creating a recruitment website, planning a recruitment strategy, and managing candidates.
- Paytner — yup is providing services to support freelance people's funding.The freelance population in Japan has been shown to continue to increase in many Chosa. While working styles are diversified, they are not able to respond to the development of the working environment, and they will develop their business to change the situation where problemssuch as funding, credit, sexual harassment, and power harassment are accumulated.
- 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.
Michimasa Naka is a member of the Board Of Directors of istyle.inc. He is an experienced Chairperson with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry.
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, Employment
- Seed, Angel
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- DOFA — Dofa aims to develop services that enrich the way of life and work of human resources that are active mainly in sales.
- 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.
Hokuyo Bank provides various products and services to support its customers' needs for raising funds necessary for their business activities. It supports the efficiency and rationalization of customers' financial and accounting operations by providing various solutions to meet a wide range of their needs.
Show more
Investment focus
- AgTech, Travel, Farming
- Seed, Series B, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Akan Adventure Tourism — Akan Adventure Tourism creates, promotes, and markets activities for tourists in the adventure-tourism segment, with the goal of attracting overnight visitors by using the world-class natural resources of the Lake Akan Hot Spring and its surrounding area.As a company providing guidance to this region with earning potential (that is, creating andmaintaining business models, increasing employment and the population, and creating resources for destination marketing organizations (DMO) who do not rely completely on the government). The company aims to maximize the value of the Lake Akan Hot Spring (by finding clients who highly value the magic of the Lake Akan Hot Spring, or, in other words, by creating activities that target adventure tourists seeking high-value-added adventures).
- Farmnote holdings Japan — Firm Note Holdings Co., Ltd., established in December 2016, is a pure holding company with SkyArc Co., Ltd., which operates the web integration business, and Farm Note Co., Ltd., which operates the agricultural IoT solution business.
- Japan Platform of Industrial Transformation — Japan Platform of Industrial Transformation is providing equity investment and business management services for affiliated group companies.
Kotaro Chiba is the founder of ChibaDojo Fund. Kotaro Chiba attended Keio University.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Travel, 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.
500 Startups is the most active seed VC in the world. 500 Startups Japan is a $35M regional fund focusing on Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Software, Human Resources
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Noin — Noin specializes in cosmetics and delivers content that accurately captures trends like videos that solve girls worries.
- Trustdock — Trustdock is a platform for identity confirmation API service in Japan. You can outsource KYC / identity confirmation via online API, complying with various laws including criminal profit transfer prevention law, antique sales law, cell phone fraud prevention use law etc. It can be used with any ID service regardless of business type, such asmatching to FinTech, shared eco, etc.
- Connected Robotics — Connected Robotics is an information technology company that designs and manufactures robotic arms for enterprises. The company's product, OctoChef, provides cooking services. It caters to individual restaurants, shopping malls, stations, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events. The company was founded in 2014 and is basedin Koganei-shi, Japan.
NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE offers real estate services.
Show more
Investment focus
- CRM, Career Planning, Management Consulting
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- iYell — iYell Mortgage Platform consists of three pillars, Media that can be used for marketing, Technology to make the procedure more efficient.
- SAGOJO — SAGOJO is a planning and operation of the amazing traveler recruiting site "SAGOJO" and production, direction, and editing of accompanying content.
- Arsaga Partners — Arsaga Partners, Inc., "develop with the fastest and highest quality" as concept, is a one-stop IT system development company.- All functions necessary for IT system development such as IT strategy consulting, UX/UI consulting, planning, engineering, designing, maintenance and operations are provided through our one-stop solution.- With engineers accounting for over 90% of our company structure we can work directly with our clients. - Our motto is to providing services at a reasonable cost without outsourcing and to bring our Japanese omotenashi spirit to our development services. - We think of Digital transformation (DX) Not as a trendy word, but as IT system development that truly contributes to our clients' business needs.Main Services - One-stop IT System Development Business, Start-up/New IT Business Consulting, Enterprise System/New Business Planning and Development(Digital Transformation/DX), Web System Planning and Development, Application Planning and DevelopmentKey Clients - Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Estate, ShionogiV-CUBE, Mizuho Securities, Sciseed inc.
Innoventure provides marketing services by purchasing and selling excess inventory and service surplus in order to maintain brand value.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, E-Commerce, Hospitality
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Cansell — Cansell is a web service that allows you to easily sell and buy accommodation reservations that incur cancellation fees.
an is a professional group that provides corporate investment and advice to revitalize the local economy.
Show more
Investment focus
- Medical, Health Care, Big Data
- Seed, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- AdipoSeeds — Making Platelets from Fat and Inventing New Blood Supply System.
- Green Card — Green Card s a company in Fukuoka that runs Junior Soccer NEWS and youth soccer cheering teams.
- KabuK Style — KabuK Style provides services that combines co -working spaces, accommodation facilities and cafes.Our service will be started from Nagasaki and We aim to expand the services all over the world.
DCM Ventures assists entrepreneurs in building companies that will change how institutions and people use and live with technology.DCM Ventures focuses on the size of its team, the money they raise, and the investments they make all so that it can focus on the business of helping portfolio companies succeed. Collectively, the DCM investingpartners have over a century of investing and operational experience and each DCM partner has experience building hyper-growth startups into billion-dollar businesses.DCM Ventures manages ten funds totaling $4.0 billion and has made investments in more than 400 technology companies across the United States and Asia. With offices in Silicon Valley, Beijing, and Tokyo, DCM provides hands-on operational guidance and a vast network of global business and financial resources to its portfolio companies.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Internet, E-Commerce
- Series A, Series B, Series C
- United States, China, Japan
Portfolio highlights
- UJET — At UJET we are redefining customer experience with our cloud contact center platform.
- Newmo — newmo delivers sustainable local public transportation create a user experience (UX) that people may utilize with peace of mind and comfort.
- Route-D — Route-D is an operation management app that improves operating income and expenditures and manages logistics operations.
Voyage Ventures is the venture capital arm of Voyage Group specializing in seed and early-stage investments. The firm seeks to make investments in the internet and mobile internet industry. It invests from JPY1 million ($.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.
Show more
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.
Change is offers AI and voice Internet, mobility, library of various algorithms such as IoT big data, cloud, security, etc. and training of services and IT human resources development utilizing basic technology.
Show more
Investment focus
- Hotel, Finance, Hospitality
- Series A, Funding Round, Corporate Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- LisB — LisB provides cloud service development, smartphone, tuplet, PC application development web system.
- Japan DX — Japan DX platform provides a comprehensive data-driven services to inbound tourists to Japan.
- AVA Intelligence — AVA Intelligence is a Internet service development company.
After graduating from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo, he joined Solomon Brothers, where he became the youngest managing director in Asia, where he was in charge of Asian investment. After that, he created one of the largest independent Asuka assets. He also launched Japan's first independent online life insurance company,LifeNet Life Insurance, and inspired Japan's first International.
Show more
Investment focus
- Apps, Content, FinTech
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, Singapore, Spain
Portfolio highlights
- Revorf — Revorf analyzes data and develops AI-related to infectious diseases and healthcare.
- abillion — Find tips for plant-based food & products near you. Join the community to share reviews of restaurants & brands. Raise funds & drive sustainability!
- RIMM Sustainability — RIMM Sustainability provides a SaaS platform that enables companies of all sizes to optimise their sustainability management effort. It builds tools for sustainability management, reporting and optimisation.
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
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
- NEL — NEL is a creative agency that offers a platform that connects brands and customers through purchases and SNS posts.
- Secai Marche — SECAI MARCHE is Farm-Fresh Platform to link farmers and enthusiasm chefs and consumer in all over the world.
- Okuma Diamond Device — Okuma Diamond Device supplies cutting-edge technologies that make diamond semiconductors vital.
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.
Nobuyuki Idei has served as our independent director since June 2007.Being an experienced director, Nobuyuki Idei currently also serves as director of Accenture, director of FreeBit Co, Ltd., director of Lenovo Group, and chairman of the National Conference on Fostering Beautiful Forests in Japan.Nobuyuki Idei is the founder and chief executiveofficer of Quantum Leaps Corporation, a specialist consultancy that advises private and public institutions on the changing role of technology in the 21st century.Nobuyuki Idei is also the founder and chairman of the board of Asia Innovators’ Initiative, a private non-profit organization that he established in 2011 to serve as a catalyst for social innovation in Asia by bringing together a diverse range of individuals and promoting knowledge sharing.Nobuyuki Idei was chairman and chief executive officer of Sony Corporation from 2000 to 2005, chief corporate advisor from 2005 to 2007, and chairman of the advisory board from 2007 to 2012.Prior to that, Nobuyuki Idei held a range of leadership positions at Sony including general manager of the audio division, senior general manager of the home video group, and president and representative director.Nobuyuki Idei has also served in a number of other advisory positions including as counselor to the Bank of Japan, member of Japan’s national IT Strategy Council, and vice-chairman of Nippon Keidanren.Nobuyuki Idei received a bachelor of science degree in economics and politics from Waseda University in Tokyo.
Show more
Investment focus
- Information Technology, Manufacturing, Internet
- Seed, Funding Round, Corporate Round
- Japan, France, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Pyrenee — Pyrenee is a hardware startup that creates devices that protect people's lives.
- Antescofo — Antescofo is the mariage of world-class R&D and Business endeavours. Their technology is the result of 7+ years of R&D in the world’s largest laboratory dedicated to Music and Technology, IRCAM in Paris, and public experience with the most important musicians and orchestras around the world. The principle? Through Intelligent MachineListening, they recognize how humans perform music in real-time and use that information to synchronize content and provide an immersive experience! Antescofo was incorporated in July 2016 and based in Paris, France.
- Stake Technologies — Stake Technologies is a technology company that provides blockchain solutions to enterprises.
Allied Architects vision comes from the combination of two key aspirations being the leading company in their industry and being entrepreneurial at the same time. They not only aspire to be the finest provider of high quality service and to contribute to society, but they are also hungry to continually take on challenges with entrepreneurial driveand spirit.This is because they believe in connecting individuals and businesses together through social media and technology, with a view to enriching their society.The rise of social media has given new power to individuals to express their own personality through dialogue, and by developing a network of contacts on the internet it has dramatically improved the ease communication. Furthermore, businesses can now connect with their existing and prospective customers more easily through official social media accounts. In previous generations, small shops and businesses dealt directly with their customers. This brought people together, with close and direct connection being necessary to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Even though it helped to build strong relationships in the community, it did not go any further.However, the advancement of technology and the emergence of social media has broken down boundaries and upended traditional hierarchies that previously may have constrained the flow of transactions between individuals and businesses around the world. Businesses can now achieve various objectives, such as reducing the time and cost and for disseminating information, having essential communications, pursuing research and development through consumer dialogue and preventing marketing mistakes. This can result in a much more successful and profitable organization and being profitable enables businesses to develop prospective products and services in harmony with consumer needs, and to provide services of high value for a lower price. It means that consumers can purchase good products and services for a low price, creating a win-win relationship between individuals and businesses.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Database, Internet
- Funding Round, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Omatsuri Japan — Omatsuri is Japan's first festival company specializing in Japan.We provide planning, management, promotion, and customer support for festival organizers from local governments to store associations.
- Pocket Concierge — Pocket Concierge is an online service for people to make online reservations at selected restaurants. The company's mission is to broadcast Japanese culinary culture worldwide and provide guests with exclusive dining experience.
- Conversion Technology Japan — Conversion Technology is a Data and Tachonology Based company
JR West Japan Group, they will utilize innovation based on external technologies and know-how to realize sustainable operation of the railway and expansion of business creation, contributing to the revitalization of areas including the West Japan area.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Internet, Product Design
- Funding Round, Seed, Series B
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- GiXo — GiXo provides analysis support services using big data and solving business problems. GiXo is a data-driven company founded by strategists and analytics experts. GiXo solves client companies' management issues by utilizing analytics and supporting all types of data-driven decisions.
- SPACER Japan — SPACER is a 24-hour handover IoT locker that can open and close doors with a smartphone.
- Infcurion — The Infucurion Group is a business development professional that is pushing the cashless era with the power of technology .
During his years at Waseda University, Shintaro worked at Japan’s biggest e-commerce mall, Rakuten, Inc. On August 1st 2001, Shintaro established “Unoh Inc.” after graduating university. At Unoh he was responsible for designing and developing several web services, one of which was the online magazine subscription . Services provided by Unohinclude planning, development and management of the film enthusiast community site “Movie Life” (acquired by PIA Corporation) as well as “Sugu.CC” , “NeoAd” (both acquired by GMOAP) and the photo sharing site “Photozou” (acquired by Digital Garage).In 2009 Unoh entered into social gaming, creating multiple successful social games. Among these games, “Machitsuku!” has been its biggest hit with over 5 million users. On August 3rd 2010, Unoh joined Zynga and Shintaro became General Manager of Zynga Japan. He resigned on January 2012. After traveling around the world, He established the new company “Mercari, Inc.” on February 2013 and released the resale shopping app “Mercari” on July 2013 in Japan.He is a true Internet geek, spending a lot of time on the Internet and boasts around 180,000 followers on Twitter.
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Finance, Information Technology
- Seed, Angel, Pre-Seed
- Japan, United States, Kenya
Portfolio highlights
- Autify — AI software testing company aimed at solving the challenges associated with automation testing. We are passionate about making software testing faster and easier, empowering companies to release faster and keep their applications stable.
- Peach Cars — Peach Cars building a solution for those looking to buy and sell vehicles whole information on vehicles and hassle-free transactions.
- AnotherBall — AnotherBall is a blockchain startup that combines entertainment and blockchain.
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, Marketing, Media and Entertainment
- Funding Round, Seed, Corporate Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Wewill — Wewill is a consulting company that provides accounting, SaaS, business development, and business consulting services.
- NEL — NEL is a creative agency that offers a platform that connects brands and customers through purchases and SNS posts.
- Aplaca.Lab — Aplaca.Lab is a driver substitution platform that provides an unprecedented new driving experience. They released a driving agency application for providing comfortable driving experiences. It enables driving agencies to optimize their resources and clients' safety, prevent accidents, and receive assistance in areas with limited transportationoptions.
Hiroshima Venture Capital provides venture capital investment services. The firm creates corporate value from a long-term perspective.
Show more
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.
Goshi Yamaguchi
Show more
Investment focus
- Food and Beverage, Digital Media, Apps
- Seed, Pre-Seed, Corporate Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- ReadHub — ReadHub is a Information technology , Planning, development and management of Internet media and applications company.
- Pan For You — Pan For You is a Food & Beverage Company. We deliver delicious bread from all over the world with our unique freezing technology and propose a lifestyle where you can enjoy freshly baked bread anytime.
- ZAZA — ZAZA is focus to make the world where people can respect each other even thought they have a different culture and belief.
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 Japan — 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.
FGN ABBA Lab is an investment fund that mainly supports pre-seed to series A early stage startups.
In this FGN ABBA Lab fund, they will support startups with the idea of creating “things and things” that make the world exciting without limiting the genre, investment, training, and social implementation.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Aerospace, Information Technology
- Seed, Pre-Seed, Funding Round
- Japan, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- neuet — neuet develops and operates a smartphone application that offers bike-sharing services.
- HMS — HMS develops AI smart camera that integrates image input and processing.
- Sorano Me — Sorano Me is a content creation and media company that provides space related content, space data and consulting services.
Sansei Capital provides portfolio management, corporate management support, and financing services.
Show more
Investment focus
- Content, Medical, Task Management
- Funding Round, Series A, Series B
- Japan, China, Belgium
Portfolio highlights
- RABO — RABO is a Cat-Tech Company that "watches cat life with technology.
- MICOLY — MICOLY is a operator of a website aimed at publishing and selling creative video lessons. The company hosts lectures that are presented by the creators of all categories who are keen on sharing their techniques and philosophies in areas of nail art, Japanese calligraphy, flower arrangement, knitting and many more, as well as interacting with theirpassionate fans, enabling users to take creative lessons and start a new hobby.
- Asoview — ASOVIEW Inc. is an online booking website that provides booking services for weekend leisure activities like skydiving and rafting. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Shibuya, Kanagawa.
Kakaku.com, Inc. is mainly engaged in the operation of electronic commerce (EC) businesses. The Company has two business segments. The Internet Media segment is engaged in the provision of prices comparison services, gourmet food rankings and reviews services, discount hotels and last minute hotels reservation, newly built condominiums and rentalproperties searching services, as well as reviews of travel through the operation of Websites. The segment also generated revenue from the sale of advertising spaces.
Show more
Investment focus
- Hospitality, Web Development, Travel
- Series B, Seed, Series A
- Japan, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- AGE technologies — AGE technologies is a website production company which provides Operation of web services related to inheritance procedures.
- TabSquare — Look to the future of the F&B industry - Tabsquare's POS integrated online restaurant system increases hospitality profitability through AI Technology.
- LivingStyle — Living Style is a service provider that provides IT services for the interior industry.
TeNY is a broadcasting and media production company that produces documentary programs and local TV shows.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Content, Tourism
- Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- EXest — EXest is aTokyo-based inbound travel promotion startup .The company provides the WOW U platform that connects inbound visitors to Japan with licensed interpreters and tour guides in addition to WOWU-media offering potential visitors to Japan with video clips introducing must-visit spots and popular local souvenirs on Facebook.
Concord Executive Group is a career design firm that strives to create a prosperous society through career support for “leaders who create the future”.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Content, Tourism
- Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- EXest — EXest is aTokyo-based inbound travel promotion startup .The company provides the WOW U platform that connects inbound visitors to Japan with licensed interpreters and tour guides in addition to WOWU-media offering potential visitors to Japan with video clips introducing must-visit spots and popular local souvenirs on Facebook.
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld® alliance, the airline now reaches 405 airports in 66 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of 234 aircraft. Awarded as one of the most punctual major international airlines and a certified5-Star Airline by Skytrax, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of flight safety and quality in every aspect of its service, and aims to become one of the most preferred and valued airlines in the world.
Show more
Investment focus
- Transportation, Robotics, Aerospace
- Series B, Series A, Corporate Round
- Japan, United States, India
Portfolio highlights
- Upsider — - Vue - Nuxt.js - TypeScript - SCSS
- Heirloom — Heirloom is restoring balance to our atmosphere by removing 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide by 2035. We use natural processes to engineer the world's most cost-effective Direct Air Capture solution.
- Matter — Redefining the present, Reimagining the future.
Hokkaido Bank is offers banking and financial services.
Show more
Investment focus
- Travel, Tourism, Hospitality
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Akan Adventure Tourism — Akan Adventure Tourism creates, promotes, and markets activities for tourists in the adventure-tourism segment, with the goal of attracting overnight visitors by using the world-class natural resources of the Lake Akan Hot Spring and its surrounding area.As a company providing guidance to this region with earning potential (that is, creating andmaintaining business models, increasing employment and the population, and creating resources for destination marketing organizations (DMO) who do not rely completely on the government). The company aims to maximize the value of the Lake Akan Hot Spring (by finding clients who highly value the magic of the Lake Akan Hot Spring, or, in other words, by creating activities that target adventure tourists seeking high-value-added adventures).
During Hosei University student, and intern at Hakuhodo C & D. After joining the Image-net, I do media monetization of EC site as a media planner. Then, new business, engaged in Alliance. Launched a crowdsourcing site "MILLION DESIGNS" of design in the individual, sold to Ransazu Corporation. Established the Eureka Co., Ltd., wasappointed Representative Director CEO.
Show more
Investment focus
- Food and Beverage, Content, Internet
- Seed, Angel, Funding Round
- Japan, Australia, Hong Kong
Portfolio highlights
- Now Do — Now Do provides online growth revolution platform.
- RE — RE specializes in smartphone application design and development.
- Vitalogue Health — Vitalogue Health offers Canvas, a home-based hormone testing service for women.
iMercury Capital is an investment subsidiary established to expand Mixi's business portfolio and realize discontinuous growth beyond the SNS "Mixi" business. iMercury Capital plans to invest 5 billion yen together with Mixi, aiming to generate profits through long-term holdings. It also covers everything from start-ups to latestages, as well as both online and offline businesses.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Internet, Mobile
- Series B, Funding Round, Series C
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- WELMO — WELMO has currently been working on R&D to launch Japan's largest welfare AI service platform called "CPA(Care Plan Assistant)" which supports care coordinator (caregiver), who helps a daily activities of the elderly people, to create a care plan for them, with using ICT and advanced technology, especially NLP(Natural LanguageProcessing), in terms of knowledge support. It has mainly two fundamental technologies; data warehouse includes all fast date and big date about care, explainable AI that describes a reason why the care is provided for the users. It also reduces time and cost to create the care plan, which enables anyone to be able to use easily and get enough information that the users want to know and use.
- Creema — Creema operates an online marketplace for handmade products. It provides its clients with social commerce, art events, and related services. The company is based in Shibuya, Kanagawa.
- Meleap — HADO is a new sport utilizing the leading AR technology with players wearing a head mounted display and an armband sensor to compete against each other by using the ‘energy ball’ or ‘shield’ and earn points in a three-on-three, eighty-minutes game between two teams.
Former executive director of Gulliver International (currently IDOM), one of the few hyper-growth companies in Japan that made public public public in four years and achieved 10 billion sales in 10 years. He held a role in charge of FC business, management strategy, marketing, human resources, education, IT and finance.
Show more
Investment focus
- Hospitality, Reservations, Media and Entertainment
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Fun — Fun is a sightseeing entertainment company that makes the world even more of a fun place.
Based in Tokyo, Adways is a mobile marketing solution provider mostly known for its Asia’s largest mobile CPI adnetwork “AppDriver” and mobile app measurement & tracking tool “PartyTrack” used by great number of major app developers around the world. Since 2004 when it opened the first overseas office in China, Adways has been aggressivelyexpanding its mobile app distribution network in Asian markets. Now with 1,000 employees in 11 countries (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and the USA), Adways supports app developers worldwide to maximize their user acquisition and monetization and furthermore thrives to provide new value to the market. Haruhisa Okamura is Founder and CEO of Adways who has grown Adways from a small startup to an international corporation with over a thousand employees around the world. In 2006, Adways went public and Okamura was one of the youngest entrepreneurs to list a company in Japan at that time.You can read his story here: "How a high school dropout became a multi-millionaire entrepreneur" http://www.techinasia.com/high-school-dropout-multimillionaire-entrepreneur/
Show more
Investment focus
- Internet, Media and Entertainment, Software
- Funding Round, Seed, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Brhino — Brhino provides planning, development, and management of web services. The company's product, Monokabu, is a site where people can buy and sell sneakers and things like stock. Brhino is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
- MICOLY — MICOLY is a operator of a website aimed at publishing and selling creative video lessons. The company hosts lectures that are presented by the creators of all categories who are keen on sharing their techniques and philosophies in areas of nail art, Japanese calligraphy, flower arrangement, knitting and many more, as well as interacting with theirpassionate fans, enabling users to take creative lessons and start a new hobby.
- MiddleField — MiddleField is a team to make cars the best entertainment and to make the lives of everyone involved in cars into entertainment. They creates a society where a lot of people are involved as a middle point of all people's dreams. MiddleField owns and operates an e-commerce platform offering cars.
DBJ Capital Co., Ltd. was founded in June 2010 through the integration of two venture capital firms of the DBJ Group, New Business Investment Co., Ltd. and Intellectual Properties Development & Investment, Inc. We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Development Bank of Japan Inc.At DBJ Capital, we focus on venture firms which use newtechnologies and business models to grow and compete on the global market, regardless of their industry or scale. To meet the particular needs of each client, we mobilize the entire DBJ Group to arrange the best investment solutions, ranging from growth-spurring equity investment to financing schemes drawing on DBJ's vast networks.We also assist in venture start-ups. Our value enhancement team provides the kind of comprehensive, hands-on support needed to commercialize outstanding intellectual property and technologies developed by firms, research labs, and universities, and to carve out a place for them in the market.DBJ Capital will continue to play in a part in Japan's economic revival - by helping the firms we invest in to grow, and by encouraging the creation of new industries in Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Software, Health Care, Internet
- Funding Round, Series A, Seed
- Japan, United States, Australia
Portfolio highlights
- Reject — Reject is an esports firm that focuses on management of its team REJECT, players, apparel business, and event management services.
- Precal — Precal is an information technology company that develops applications that are common with pharmacies, pharmacists, and dispensing clerks.
- Tradom — Tradom is a company that offers the "Tradam Foreign Exchange Solution," an AI solution for managing foreign exchange risk.
North Pacific Bank provides various banking products and services for individuals and corporations in Japan. It offers deposits, and negotiable certificates of deposit, as well as loans. North Pacific Bank also offers ATM, foreign exchange, and investment trust services. It operates 171 branches and 3 overseas representative offices. HokuyoSogo Bank that began operation in 1917 became North Pacific Bank in 1989. It has its headquarters in 1917, with its headquarters in Sapporo in Japan.
Show more
Investment focus
- Manufacturing, Financial Services, Human Resources
- Seed, Funding Round, Corporate Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Marugoto — Marugoto is a human resource company that engages in offering recruitment support and back office services.
- Mechano Cross — Mechano Cross is a mechanical company that offers mechanochemical organic synthesis technology for solution reactions.
- Interstellar Technologies — Interstellar Technologies is a rocket development, manufacturing and launch service.
Ken Takayama - External Audit & Supervisory @ Media Do
Show more
Investment focus
- Reservations, Travel, Apps
- Seed, Angel, Funding Round
- Japan
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.
Midland Incubators is an investment firm.
Show more
Investment focus
- Hospitality, Food and Beverage
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- ZAZA — ZAZA is focus to make the world where people can respect each other even thought they have a different culture and belief.
Investors by industry
Consumer
Hardware
Climate
Proptech
Gaming
Google
Marketplace
Biotech
Impact
Community
Energy
FinTech
Artificial intelligence
Health Care
EdTech
Sustainability
Venture Capital
Real Estate
Retail
Clean Energy
Food and Beverage
B2B
Video Games
Web3
Photography
Education
Big Data
Finance
Financial Services
Payments
Beauty
Publishing
Infrastructure
Organic Food
Social Network
Social Media
Digital Media
Art
Medical
Android
Franchise
Mobile
Local
Music
Legal
Enterprise Software
eSports
Construction
Sports
Internet
Wellness
Email
Manufacturing
Recruiting
Mobile Advertising
Travel
Hospitality
Cannabis
Fitness
Biotechnology
Platforms
Wine And Spirits
Automotive
Social
Medical Device
Crowdfunding
CleanTech
Transportation
Mobile Apps
InsurTech
Enterprise
LGBT
Fashion
Oil and Gas
Life Science
Film
Theatre
Non Profit
Renewable Energy
SaaS
Sporting Goods
Restaurants
Social Impact
Software
Celebrity
Cryptocurrency
Agriculture (agtech)
Media (entertainment)
Facebook
Blockchain
Investors by country
Germany
United Kingdom
Canada
United States
New Zealand
South Korea
Ireland
India
Australia
Africa
Sri Lanka
Europe
Middle East
China
Qatar
Vietnam
Armenia
Oceania
Brazil
Indonesia
Asia
South Africa
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Japan
Singapore
LATAM
Estonia
Bermuda
Gibraltar
Belarus
Croatia
Ethiopia
Belize
Egypt
Georgia
France
Denmark
Costa Rica
Greece
Czech Republic
Liechtenstein
Mauritius
Lithuania
Italy
Philippines
Hungary
Mali
Liberia
Jersey
Malaysia
Israel
Malta
Lebanon
Ecuador
Norway
Myanmar
Morocco
Peru
Nicaragua
Faroe Islands
Chile
Mexico
Panama
Kuwait
Senegal
Uruguay
Puerto Rico
Sweden
El Salvador
Sierra Leone
Uganda
Ghana
Slovenia
Taiwan
Togo
Seychelles
Zambia
Venezuela
Tajikistan
Zimbabwe
Russian Federation
Finland
Turkey
Tunisia
Uzbekistan
Thailand
Rwanda
San Marino
Serbia
Tanzania
Bahrain
Ukraine
Algeria
Portugal
Poland
Hong Kong
Dominican Republic
Belgium
Bahamas
Iceland
Bulgaria
Namibia
Nigeria
Azerbaijan
Iraq
Barbados
Jamaica
United Arab Emirates
Honduras
Luxembourg
Isle of Man
Bolivia
Albania
Jordan
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Argentina
Romania
Grenada
Kenya
Kazakhstan
Cayman Islands
Cambodia
Marshall Islands
Cyprus
Latvia
Oman
Cameroon
Austria
Switzerland
Colombia
Guatemala
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
Software
Legal
Local
Venture Capital
Construction
Social Network
Enterprise Software
Sports
Fitness
eSports
Hospitality
Automotive
Travel
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
Photography
Education
Renewable Energy
Community
Mobile Apps
Retail
Web3
Clean Energy
Social Impact
Impact
Artificial intelligence
Internet
Infrastructure
Agriculture (agtech)
Media (entertainment)
Oil and Gas