Top 25 Impact Angel Investors in Japan in January 2025
A list of 25 angel investors that invest in Impact startups based in Japan. We rank investors based on the number of investments they made in Impact companies from Japan. We update this investor list every month.Top 25 Impact Angel Investors in Japan in January 2025
Investor | Impact Japan investments |
---|---|
Daisaku Harada | 2 |
Shintaro Yamada | 2 |
Naruhisa Nakagawa | 2 |
Yuzuru Honda | 2 |
Shintaro Tabata | 2 |
Osamu Ogasawara | 2 |
Shoji Kodama | 1 |
Takuma Iwasa | 1 |
Yu Akasaka | 1 |
Taizo Son | 1 |
Sotaro Karasawa | 1 |
Aso Kaname | 1 |
Kotaro Chiba | 1 |
Yoshitsune Ido | 1 |
Naoki Aoyagi | 1 |
Mamoru Taniya | 1 |
Cheng Tao | 1 |
Yoshinori Fukushima | 1 |
Kotaro Chiba | 1 |
Seio Nagami | 1 |
Matsuoka Tsuyoshi | 1 |
Taiga Matsuyama | 1 |
Hiromi Watase | 1 |
Tomoya Hirota | 1 |
Suzuki Tatsuya | 1 |
Daisaku Harada is the Director of Management Strategy at Mercari. Daisaku attended Chuo University.
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Investment focus
- Finance, Tourism, Automotive
- Seed, Pre-Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Carstay — Carstay Comfortable Overnight in car or tentdo itCar tripWith guests who want to enjoy.
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.
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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.
Naruhisa Nakagawa is a Founder & Chief Investment Officer at Caygan Capital.
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Investment focus
- Manufacturing, Beauty, Environmental Consulting
- Seed, Series A
- Japan, United States, United Kingdom
Portfolio highlights
- Zeigo — Zeigo by Schneider Electric provides sustainability software for efficient carbon reduction and supply chain decarbonization, aiming for a carbon-free future.
- Ecolectro — Ecolectro is solving the biggest challenges in making Green Hydrogen. Our alkaline ion-exchange membranes and polymers make clean fuel and decarbonize industry.
- Sniffer Robotics — Comprehensive methane emissions detection and quantification, advanced imagery and analytics; Sniffer Robotics provides advanced solutions that benefit the environment.
Yuzuru Honda is a Founder & Global CEO of FreakOut.
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Investment focus
- SNS, Internet, Software
- Seed, Funding Round, Angel
- Japan, Nigeria, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- NodeFlair — NodeFlair aims to help tech talents make better career decisions through jobs, salaries, reviews, company insights, and more
- AGRI SMILE — AGRI SMILE is a platform that focuses on sharing agricultural technology.
- Tyms — Tyms online accounting software for your business connects you to your bank, accountant, bookkeeper, and other business apps. Start a free trial today. Also available in Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius and South Africa.
Shintaro Tabata - Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Sales @ Line
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Investment focus
- Sharing Economy, Audio, Content
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Voicy — Voicy is a mobile platform that recruits both media personalities and news organizations; the entertainers read the news so users can get the latest info from their favorite voices.
- Carstay — Carstay Comfortable Overnight in car or tentdo itCar tripWith guests who want to enjoy.
- Telework — Telework is a multi-location workspace that utilizes vacant seats and rooms.
Osamu Ogasahara is the founder, CEO, and president of FGN ABBA Lab.
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Investment focus
- SNS, Content, Fashion
- Angel, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- CAMPFIRE — Campfire engages in the planning, development, and operation of a crowd funding platform.They operate the largest cloud funding platform in Japan [CAMPFIRE (campfire)], which supports "whoever wants to start something."The fee is 5% of the domestic level, and about 15,000 projects have collected about $70million in total from over700,000 people.
Shoji Kodama - President @ Laxus Technologies
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Investment focus
- Real Estate, Internet, Construction
- Seed, Angel, Series B
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Mepple — Mepple is planning, developing, and operating internet services.
- Parame — Parame provides human resources, staffing and recruiting services.
- FABRIC TOKYO — FABRIC TOKYO is a Japanese startup provides a direct-to-consumer custom-made apparel brand. (former-company name Lifestyle Design Co., Ltd.). It enables customers to save their sizes, idea fabrics, and favorite designs, allowing them to make their original clothing later.FABRIC TOKYO was founded in 2012 by Yuichiro Mori and is based in Tokyo,Japan.
Takuma Iwasa is a Founder & CEO at Cerevo.
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Investment focus
- Water, Beauty, IT Management
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- RABO — RABO is a Cat-Tech Company that "watches cat life with technology.
- nanoFreaks — nanoFreaks builds a rescue system on the sea, creating an environment where everyone can live with peace of mind.
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.
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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.
Taizo Son is the Co-Founder of VIVITA. Taizo Son attended the University of Tokyo.
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Investment focus
- Financial Services, Information Technology, Water
- Seed, Series A, Funding Round
- Japan, United States, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- LIFT99 — LIFT99 is a coworking hub and network of startup founders in Tallinn, Estonia, and Kyiv, Ukraine. In 2018, we launched our Skillsharing Platform for founders around the world.
- Smartround — Smartround is a specialized finance management platform for startups and their investors. For start-ups, for entrepreneurs who are not familiar with finance, simply enter the necessary information according to the guide, prepare appropriate financing round, and prepare a function that can simulate and execute a capital increase. Support informationsharing and communication with shareholders even after the capital increase.
- AnotherBall — AnotherBall is a blockchain startup that combines entertainment and blockchain.
Sotaro Karasawa - Chief Technology Officer @ STAR FESTIVAL
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Investment focus
- Software, Blockchain, Art
- Seed, Pre-Seed, Series B
- Japan
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.
- Atmoph — A smart digital window that opens to beautiful scenery from around the world. By simply putting it on your desk or hanging it on the wall, Atmoph Window will open up a whole new world before you.
- Cloudbase — Cloudbase is an information technology company that specializes in the fields of cloud services and management.
Aso Kaname
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Investment focus
- Organic, Residential, Waste Management
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- AlgaleX — AlgaleX is a firm that utilizes discarded food waste to create ingredients such as plant-based proteins.
Kotaro Chiba is the founder of ChibaDojo Fund. Kotaro Chiba attended Keio University.
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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.
Yoshitsune Ido
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Investment focus
- Information Technology, Robotics, Software
- Seed, Pre-Seed, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Morght — Morght is an information technology service company.
- BionicM — BionicM develops high-performance robot prostheses that enhance mobility for people with disabilities.BionicM has been conducting research on innovative technologies since 2015 at the University of Tokyo's Information Systems Engineering Laboratory (JSK) under the guidance of Professor Inaba and utilizing the world's most advancedrobotics research. In 2016, we were adopted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency as part of "Program for Creating STart-ups from Advanced Research and Technology" (START), and in 2018, the company was established as a joint-stock company.
- Dots for — Dots for is a technology that aims to improve the lives of rural residents by providing them with digital services.
Naoki Aoyagi is a Senior Vice President at GREE, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of GREE International, Inc. He joined GREE, Inc. in March 2006 from Deutsche Bank, where he had specialized in tech and media sector IPOs and M&A advisory work. At GREE, Aoyagi oversaw the Company's partnership with KDDI and its IPO before leading thedevelopment of GREE’s global operations, a role he continues today. Aoyagi earned a bachelor's degree in policy management from Keio University in 2002.
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Investment focus
- Internet, Fashion, Software
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Enechain — enechain provides liquidity in Japan’s energy market by brokering OTC transactions of energy.
- Parallel — Parallel is the hangout app where you can enjoy games, videos, music, and more with friends.
- Holmes — Holmesis a cloud contract system to consistently carry out the creation, conclusion and management of contracts in the cloud.
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.
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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.
Tao Cheng currently works as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of popIn.
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Investment focus
- Telecommunications, Content, Internet
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Tokyo — Tokyo provides consistently-designed signage and projector installation, as well as maintenance company support. All customers need is “product selection” considering installation. This is a service that does not take time and effort!
- Aidemy — Aidemy is a web service where you can learn AI programming online.
- Girasol Energy — Girasol Energy is an IoT Platform provides innovative PLC technologies that enable wiser PV Plants.
Completed the Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo. He developed the service of “Gunosy” while he was in graduate school. Established Gnosy in 2012 and appointed CEO. In 2013, he was appointed President and CEO. 2012 IPA Unexplored Super Creator. He also served as President of LayerX.
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Investment focus
- Internet, Marketing, Media and Entertainment
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- Now Do — Now Do provides online growth revolution platform.
- Manabie — Manabie is an Education Technology start-up company on a mission to provide a new style of online & offline merged learning around the world. We provide students with everything they need for efficient learning; high-quality learning materials, great learning environments, personal coaches and more! We believe that our new method of learning,integrating online and offline will dramatically innovate the way students learn.
- Luup — Luup is an Internet Company.
Kotaro Chiba is the founder of ChibaDojo Fund. Kotaro Chiba attended Keio University.
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Investment focus
- Travel, Internet, 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.
Seio Nagami
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Investment focus
- Task Management, SaaS, Information Technology
- Seed, Series A, Angel
- Japan
Matsuoka Tsuyoshi - Executive Officer @ Goodpatch
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Investment focus
- Water, Banking, Analytics
- Seed, Funding Round
- Japan, Singapore
Portfolio highlights
- Umitron — Umitron is a data company for aquaculture. We support fish farmers to increase productivity through data analytics. One of the biggest challenges in aquaculture is increasing feeding cost. We optimize feed amount and timing by using fish behavior analytics and water quality data. Our goal is to "install Sustainable Aquaculture on Earth".
- nanoFreaks — nanoFreaks builds a rescue system on the sea, creating an environment where everyone can live with peace of mind.
- Bankers Holding — Bankers Holding controls the bankers group companies that provide financial services via internet.
Taiga Matsuyama graduated form Waseda University, Matsuyama has been engaged in venture company support for more than ten years in Tokyo, after experience as a consultant at Accenture.Matsuyama became one of the board member of NetAge, Inc (IPO 2006), start-up incubator known by having invested in MIXI – Japanese top SNS and support severalstart-up companies.He also has contributed to the activity for create the start-up eco-system in Tokyo through the NPO Organization BVA (Bit Valley Association). Currently he has established Kronos Fund with angel investors, venture capital fund for investment in emerging early-stage companies.Kronos Fund has invested in more than 20 companies.
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Investment focus
- Software, Artificial Intelligence, Telecommunications
- Seed, Angel, Series A
- Japan, United States
Portfolio highlights
- Shippo — Shippo is the best multi-carrier shipping software for e-commerce businesses. Find the best shipping rates, integrate with e-commerce platforms, print shipping labels, track package delivery, and verify addresses with either our shipping API or web app.
- CAMPFIRE — Campfire engages in the planning, development, and operation of a crowd funding platform.They operate the largest cloud funding platform in Japan [CAMPFIRE (campfire)], which supports "whoever wants to start something."The fee is 5% of the domestic level, and about 15,000 projects have collected about $70million in total from over700,000 people.
- Spectra Japan — Spectra is a Provision of services for artists and fans company.
Hiromi Watase
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Investment focus
- Apps, Rental, E-Commerce
- Seed, Funding Round
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Ecbo cloak — Ecbo cloak is a sharing service that connects "persons who want to store luggage with shops with space to store luggage. Instead of coin lockers, you can pre-order places online online and store your luggage in the open space of stores of various types of business.
- TASKAJI — TASKAJI is an online housekeeping service that matches people looking for someone to do their housekeeping with those who want to work as housekeepers.The companies motto is of “from the nuclear family to the extended family” and it aims to provide people with more leisure time through its concept of “housekeeping sharing.
Tomoya Hirota - Director @ CLASS, Inc.
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Investment focus
- Apps, Rental, Sharing Economy
- Seed
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Ecbo cloak — Ecbo cloak is a sharing service that connects "persons who want to store luggage with shops with space to store luggage. Instead of coin lockers, you can pre-order places online online and store your luggage in the open space of stores of various types of business.
1985. Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Hitotsubashi University. In 2008, he engaged in new business support and venture support for large companies at Inspire Co., Ltd. In 2011, he was appointed director of UXConsulting company wacul. In 2012, he was appointed director of giftee.
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Investment focus
- Internet, Agriculture, Information Technology
- Seed, Funding Round, Angel
- Japan
Portfolio highlights
- Synflux — Synflux is a fashion lab comprising of fashion designers, software engineers & architects focused on fashion industry.
- AGRI SMILE — AGRI SMILE is a platform that focuses on sharing agricultural technology.
- Another works — Another works is a internet platform & the industry's first service that allows you to directly approach the talent you are interested in from a database of a variety of ready-to-work and multi-tasking personnel. You can also use the performance fee for free.
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Angel Investors in Japan by industry
Restaurants
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Wine And Spirits
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Impact