# Top 40 Social Network Startup Investors in Japan in June 2026 ## Kensuke Furukawa - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 3 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Content, SNS, Software 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". ## B Dash Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Internet, Information Technology, Apps 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. ## Hironao Kunimitsu - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Content, Virtual Reality, Gaming Hironao Kunimitsu was born in Hyogo, Japan. After graduating from Okayama High School, he spent several years traveling around the world. He visited over 30 countries including the US, China, India, Canada, and others in Central and South America.In 1996 he entered Fudan University in China, and then later went on to study at Santa MonicaCollege in the US. In 2004 he entered Atmovie Inc. where he produced movies and televised dramas, and was appointed company director in the same year. In 2007 he founded gumi Inc., and it started listing on first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December, 2014. ## gumi Cryptos Capital (gCC) - Type: VC Fund - Location: San Francisco, California, United States - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed - Focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Financial Services gCC (gumi Cryptos Capital) is a blockchain and cryptographic asset fund that invests in the crypto native stack from L1 to the application layer, as well as in traditional businesses supporting the ecosystem. ## Deep30 - Type: VC Fund - Location: Kuramae, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Series B - Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Content Deep30 is specializing in AI technologies such as deep learning that consists of individuals connected to the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Lab, which is famous for AI research. ## D4V - Type: VC Fund - Location: Minato, Chiba, Japan - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Software, Financial Services, Apps D4V (Design for Ventures) is a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in disruptive, consumer and enterprise technology startups. ## East Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 2 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Software, Information Technology, Internet East Ventures is an early stage venture capital (VC) focused on Southeast Asia, Indonesia & Japan. Success cases include Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Mercari. ## Kazuhiko Ishikura - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel, Pre-Seed - Focus: Beauty, Content, Fashion Kazuhiko Ishikura is based out of Tokyo, Tokyo and is the Co-Founder and Director of SDF Capital. Kazuhiko previously worked at 3minute Inc. as a Director. Kazuhiko Ishikura attended Aoyama Gakuin University. ## AG Capital - Type: VC Fund - Location: Shiba, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Seed - Focus: Finance, Software, Internet 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. ## Kamata Tomihisa - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Fitness, Medical, Genetics Dr. Kamada earned his Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo. In 1984, he pursued his journey to establish his own business that focused on information appliances and mobile software, namely ACCESS Co., Ltd.. With great success, the company entered the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market in 2001. He left ACCESS Co., Ltd. in 2011, and founded TomyK Ltd.in 2012 where he supports startups possessing revolutionary business ideas that revitalize the Japanese economy. ## Otomi Tomohiro - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Health Care, Travel, Content Otomi Tomohiro - CEO @ Tyrus ## Toranomon Impact Capital - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed - Focus: Training, EdTech, Education Toranomon Impact Capital provides impact investment in health sector. ## Ryo Ishizuka - Type: Angel - Location: San Francisco, California, United States - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: SNS, AgTech, Beauty Ryo Ishizuka is the co-founder and CEO of Mercari, a hassle-free peer-to-peer mobile marketplace app. After founding the company in Japan and following its successful launch, Ryo leads Mercari's international expansion as the company grows globally. Prior to founding Mercari, Ryo was the Chief Architect at RockYou, a Silicon Valley startupbacked by Sequoia. At RockYou, he was responsible for developing the core infrastructures to support its rapidly growing traffic, serving more than 20 billion PVs per month. He later served as COO at RockYou Asia to lead its Asian expansion. Born in Japan and raised in the US, Ryo has spent his life constantly moving and building bridges between the two countries. ## Dentsu Digital Holdings - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series B, Series A - Focus: Internet, Software, Financial Services Dentsu Digital Holdings is a business management company that provides digital communication solutions and services.The company offers strategy solutions such as data capabilities in various industries, applications of cross-industry know-hows and experiences, and data analysis to identify strategic scenarios and KPI; planning solutions,including unified planning which combines mass media and real promotions, and digital creative agency services; and execution and operational solutions such as stable management framework, brand exposure management, and scenario revision based on a range of effectiveness measurement tools and databases.The company also provides internet advertising, advertising networks, and SEM services for agencies; marketing strategy planning, response management, support for direct businesses, and database marketing; marketing technology planning, development, and management; and digital and advertising agency, mobile marketing, online advertising, and interactive services.In addition, the company is engaged in the areas of digital marketing platforms and digital media, digital technology, social marketing, digital devices, and new business models using digital technology in Japan, East Asia, the United States, and Europe. It also manages venture capital funds, making strategic investments in the new IT-based communications domain.Dentsu Digital Holdings was founded in 2000 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates as a subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. ## Kentaro Ruichi - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed - Focus: Content, Video Games, Social Network Ruichi Kentaro is an Angel Investor. ## Incubate Fund - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Software, Information Technology, E-Commerce 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. ## Takeshi Aoki Yamato - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed - Focus: Social Media, Digital Media, Social Network Takeshi Aoki Yamato is the Representative Director of Capital Medica Ventures. ## Quantum Leaps Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed - Focus: Consulting, Health Care, Information Technology Quantum Leaps Ventures establish and invest in internet and technology companies. ## Genesia Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Information Technology, Software, Health Care 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. ## Globis Capital Partners - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Series B - Focus: Information Technology, Software, Internet 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. ## Masao Ito - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Angel - Focus: Content, Social Media, Information Technology Masao Ito is a Founder & CEO at User Local. ## Yuto Nagatomo - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: SNS, Video, Beauty Yuto Nagatomo - President, CEO, and Founder @ Cuore Co., Ltd. ## Kazuma Ieiri - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Content, Fashion, FinTech Born in 1978 and raised in Fukuoka prefecture, Kazuma founded paperboy&co. inc. (currently GMO Pepabo) and went on to become the youngest CEO ever (at the time) to take a company public in Japan by taking paperboy&co. public on the JASDAQ Japanese stock exchange. After leaving paperboy&co, he continued his startup trail by foundingBASE, CAMPFIRE, and XIMERA. Kazuma also dabbled in the food services industry via the founding of On The Corner (a cafe) and is active in the startup investment scene. He also started the Liverty-house project which attempts to create shared housing for young people in need. ## Yusuke Sato - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Content, Internet, Food and Beverage Yusuke Sato is the Co-Representative and Co-Founder of Pulit. ## Yuma Umeda - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel, Series A - Focus: Gift, Internet, Software Yuma Umeda ## Seiichiro Wada - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B - Focus: Legal, Content, Agriculture Seiichiro Wada started his career as employee No.5 at a technology startup. He then joined Dwango, the fast-growing startup that operates Japanese Youtube "Niko Niko Douga", incubating new businesses for the company and then helped the company go public. After that, he joined Monex Group, the leading online brokerage group in Japan, andled new businesses there as well. He also helped establish Monex Ventures as the CVC of Monex Group first and then raised funds from external LPs for an independent early-stage venture capital. He has invested in more than 100 early stage startups, including Money Forward (IPO), Uzabase (IPO), Mentalhealth Technologies (IPO), MFS (IPO), Folio, Emerada, Gracia, and orb. ## Startia - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Corporate Round - Focus: Software, Social Network, Events Startia provides web, network, and business solutions in Japan and internationally. It sells e-book production software, and CMS, and other web applications, as well as offers web-related outsourced production and development, web traffic consulting, and other services. The company also provides server rental and maintenance services, which areessential to have Web access and for e-mail, sell network equipment and other information communication equipment, act as intermediary with Internet service providers, and offer other services. In addition, it sells, installs, and repairs business phones and multi-function printers; designs office layouts with an emphasis on the communications environment; and provides network consulting services, including fiber optics and OTOKU line services. ## Beenos Partners - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B - Focus: E-Commerce, Internet, Mobile Beenos is a platform for startups. Our in-house team of entrepreneurs-in-residence and specialists help you get your ideas off the ground. We’re (the) experts in engineering, design, data science, and business management. We know how to launch a company in this ever changing IT industry, and we’d like to help establish and expand your present andfuture business.The company was founded in 1999 as NetPrice.com, a provider of eCommerce services. NetPrice.com established Beenos as an incubation program before ## SMBC Venture Capital - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Series B - Focus: Information Technology, Health Care, Software 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. ## ITOCHU Technology Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Series B - Focus: Software, E-Commerce, Information Technology 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. ## KDDI - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Series B - Focus: Mobile, Software, Internet KDDI Corporation is a Japanese telecommunications operator. It was created in 2000 through a merger of DDI, KDD and IDO and now employs over 15,000 people.The company provides a broad range of services, including fixed-line phone communication, mobile phone and web services, and Internet services. It also has a ownership stake in two Japanesecable television companies, Jupiter Telecommunications (J:COM) and Japan Cablenet (JCN). KDDI's mobile phone and web arm is branded as "au". The company is the current No. 2 in Japan's mobile communications market, trailing NTT DoCoMo and ahead of SoftBank. ## W ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Shibuya, Kanagawa, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Information Technology, Content, Internet W Ventures is a Berlin based Venture Design and Venture Capital company that offers a complete framework for the acceleration of digital business ideas. ## Hiroaki Kitano - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel, Debt Financing - Focus: Health Care, Fitness, Medical Hiroaki Kitano is the SVP at Softbank Mobile. He attended Waseda University. ## Archetype Ventures - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Series A - Focus: Software, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence Archetype Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in B2B Tech seed and early stage venture investments. ## Ayataro Nakagawa - Type: Angel - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Internet, Software, Content 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. ## Regional Revitalization Solution - Type: VC Fund - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Corporate Round, Series A - Focus: Travel, Reservations, Location Based Services Regional Revitalization Solution is a tourism industry fund. ## Kazuhiro Ishikura - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel - Focus: Beauty, Content, Fashion Kazuhiro Ishikura served as the head of the Akatsuki Business Management Department in 2013 and as a corporate auditor of Akatsuki in 2014, contributing to the company's listing on the TSE Mothers and TSE 1st sections. Appointed 3minute CFO in 2015, engaged in business start-up and organizational design, and succeeded in large-scale M & Adeal with Glee. After leaving the company, he became a WARC director in November 2018. Certified public accountant. ## DIMENSION - Type: VC Fund - Location: Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series A, Series B - Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Content, Manufacturing DIMENSION is an investment fund management company. ## Yasuyuki Kin - Type: Angel - Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Seed, Angel, Pre-Seed - Focus: Media and Entertainment, Recruiting, Career Planning Yasuyuki Kin ## SBI Investment - Type: VC Fund - Location: Minato, Chiba, Japan - Relevant deals: 1 - Stages: Series B, Series A - Focus: Information Technology, Software, Financial Services SBI Investment supports the business development and growth of private venture companies through fund investment. It manages and manages venture capital funds under the management philosophy of becoming a leading company responsible for the creation and development of core industries in the 21st century as a "new industry creator".SBIInvestment has invested in a total of 986 companies in the past, of which 169 (17.1% of investment companies) have exited through IPO or M & A.