KDDI Corporation

KDDI Corporation is a Japanese telecommunications operator created in 2000 through the merger of DDI, KDD and IDO. It provides a broad range of services, including fixed-line and mobile communications, Internet services, and web services, with its mobile and web activities branded as au. The company holds ownership stakes in J:COM and JCN, and operates as Japan's second-largest wireless operator and largest pay-TV operator, with a growing fiber-to-the-home footprint. It pursues growth through multi-service offerings and its Life Design business, which spans commerce, energy, and finance, and it reported over 46 million Internet of Things connections by mid-2024. The group employs more than 15,000 people.

Eiji Toyokawa

Head of Startup Relations

103 past transactions

RLWRLD

Seed Round in 2025
RLWRLD is a robotics company that develops "Physical AI" solutions. It creates robotics foundation models (RFMs) which enable robots to operate autonomously in real-world environments. These models combine large language models with traditional robotics software, allowing robots to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and manipulate objects, much like humans do.

Yuime

Series B in 2025
Yuime is an HR consulting firm that offers agricultural staffing, contract farming, and recruitment services.

Yuime

Series B in 2025
Yuime is an HR consulting firm that offers agricultural staffing, contract farming, and recruitment services.

Skydio

Series E in 2024
Skydio designs, manufactures, and supports AI-powered drones for consumers, enterprises, and government customers. Its drones use computer vision technology to recognize, avoid objects in real-time, and predict future movements, enabling autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance.

Lawson

Post in 2024
Lawson is a prominent convenience store operator in Japan, ranking as the third largest in the country with over 14,500 domestic locations and more than 3,400 stores internationally, predominantly in China. The company's primary revenue source comes from its convenience store operations, including franchise fees, which account for approximately 55% of its operating revenue and 75% of its profits. In addition to its core convenience store business, Lawson operates Seijo Ishii, an upscale food store chain with 163 locations in Japan. The company also has a presence in the entertainment sector, managing 43 cinema theaters, the HMV music store chain, and ticketing services under Lawson HMV. By identifying and addressing social issues and evolving consumer values, Lawson continually adapts its product and service offerings to meet the needs of its clientele.

DeCurret

Venture Round in 2024
DeCurret Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in digital currency transactions, settlement, and payment services for cryptocurrency exchange. The firm offers a platform designed to process a high volume of currency transactions quickly and reliably, ensuring optimal rates for its users. DeCurret aims to facilitate seamless digital currency exchanges, catering to the growing demand for efficient and stable cryptocurrency transactions in the market.

ATOMica

Series B in 2024
ATOMica Co. Ltd. is a company based in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in the planning, management, and expansion of co-working spaces and shared kitchen-cafe facilities. ATOMica provides versatile office space services that cater to various needs, including workspaces, conference rooms, event venues, and educational gatherings. By focusing on maximizing individual potential within collaborative environments, the company enables easy access to innovative spaces tailored to diverse requirements. Additionally, ATOMica offers event planning and management services to enhance the experience and functionality of its facilities.

Secret Double Octopus

Series C in 2024
Founded in 2015, Secret Double Octopus specializes in network-level security solutions. It offers scalable authentication systems that protect enterprises' cloud, mobile, and IoT communications, featuring Multi-Route Traffic Protection, Multi-Route Authentication, Domain Authentication, and other secure pairing solutions for edge devices and IoT cloud services.

Allganize

Series B in 2023
Allganize, Inc. is an enterprise workplace automation company that specializes in AI-driven knowledge management software. Founded in July 2017 and based in Pleasanton, California, Allganize provides a natural language understanding API and conversational AI solutions designed to enhance workflow automation for businesses. The company's platform employs advanced deep learning technology to facilitate cognitive search, sentiment analysis, and keyword extraction, allowing organizations to gain insights into team activities and overarching work patterns. By enabling medium and large enterprises to harness AI capabilities, Allganize helps optimize customer engagement and extract value from unstructured data, ultimately enhancing business operations and customer experiences.

BitStar

Venture Round in 2023
BitStar Inc. is an entertech company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on influencer marketing and support services for video and content creators. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Bizcast Inc., the company offers a range of promotional services tailored to various industries, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. BitStar's services encompass analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, merchandising, and specialized support such as VTuber and music production. Additionally, it operates an online fan club service called Costa, facilitating appearances in media outlets and overseas casting opportunities. By providing comprehensive support to content creators and media businesses, BitStar aims to enhance creativity and improve monetization strategies.

T2

Series A in 2023
T2 Co offers services like automatic driving of huge trucks to provide a trunk transportation service.

menu

Acquisition in 2023
Menu is a provider of food delivery and takeout services. With the introduction of menus, it is possible to generate entirely new sales by removing the sales upper limit that is linked to the seat, which is common sense in restaurants. They can expect a promotional effect for restaurants by strengthening cooperation measures with au Smart Pass Premium and retaining users based on the au membership base. With the store app, they can easily navigate from order receipt to notification of cooking completion on the tablet terminal.

Yogo Robot

Venture Round in 2023
Yogo Robot is a robotics company specializing in automated delivery solutions. It develops an extensive and versatile multi-robot ecosystem that includes smart delivery stations, robotic couriers, and Internet of Things devices. This innovative system enhances efficiency in last-mile delivery and aims to provide a seamless user experience. Yogo Robot focuses on advanced research and development of service robots equipped with features such as autonomous round trips, automatic obstacle avoidance, positioning, navigation, and target tracking. By integrating cutting-edge robotic technology, the company is reshaping the delivery industry and reimagining the coexistence of humans and robots in the future.

ELYZA

Acquisition in 2023
ELYZA is a Japanese company specializing in AI technology consulting. It offers a range of services, from defining AI requirements to operational support, using its proprietary large-scale language model, "ELIZA brain". This model, trained on billions of Japanese text patterns, leverages universal language models like BERT and has demonstrated super-human intelligence accuracy. ELYZA assists businesses in enhancing their AI capabilities, from initial consideration to practical application.

Telexistence

Series A in 2021
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

WHYNOT Media

Venture Round in 2021
WHYNOT Media Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company established in 2016 that specializes in developing and operating a video content streaming platform. The company focuses on producing and offering a diverse range of entertainment content, including web series, short films, and web dramas. Notable titles produced by WHYNOT Media include "Secret Crushes," "Always a Boyfriend," "Never a Boyfriend," and "Office Watch." The company excels in creating content that resonates with various cultural backgrounds, often through branded content and transmedia storytelling. By emphasizing short-form drama and versatile content franchises, WHYNOT Media aims to provide easily accessible entertainment for its audience.

menu

Private Equity Round in 2021
Menu is a provider of food delivery and takeout services. With the introduction of menus, it is possible to generate entirely new sales by removing the sales upper limit that is linked to the seat, which is common sense in restaurants. They can expect a promotional effect for restaurants by strengthening cooperation measures with au Smart Pass Premium and retaining users based on the au membership base. With the store app, they can easily navigate from order receipt to notification of cooking completion on the tablet terminal.

DeCurret

Series A in 2021
DeCurret Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in digital currency transactions, settlement, and payment services for cryptocurrency exchange. The firm offers a platform designed to process a high volume of currency transactions quickly and reliably, ensuring optimal rates for its users. DeCurret aims to facilitate seamless digital currency exchanges, catering to the growing demand for efficient and stable cryptocurrency transactions in the market.

fermata

Venture Round in 2021
Fermata is a multifaceted platform established in 2019 that specializes in providing high-quality solutions in the women's health sector. The company offers market entry services, product distribution, localization support, and B2B consulting, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for women. With a strong emphasis on women's health, Fermata has built partnerships with international femtech hubs and developed a network of over 2,000 companies globally. The expertise of its diverse team spans public health, community development, and various industry fields, contributing to Fermata's growth and its reputation as a thought leader in the femtech industry in Asia.

Fuller

Venture Round in 2021
Fuller is a Japan-based software development company that builds mobile applications and provides data analytics and internet media services. Its offerings include App Ape Analytics, a mobile app analytics and market research platform, and App Ape Lab, which provides real-time market trends and insights for app developers. The company supports clients with planning mobile-focused business models, conducting competitor research, developing and operating apps, analyzing usage data, and delivering tailored reports. Founded in 2011, Fuller operates in the Japanese market.

Japan Platform of Industrial Transformation

Seed Round in 2020
Japan Platform for Industrial Transformation reinvests the cash flow generated by productivity improvements, which eventually leads to wage increases and the revitalization of the local economy through increased consumption. Equity investment and management of affiliated group companies with the goal of increasing long-term and sustainable corporate and business values.

Thirdverse

Series A in 2020
Founded in 2016, Thirdverse is a Japanese game studio specializing in multiplayer virtual reality (VR) games. It combines blockchain technology to create economic zones and immersive gaming experiences.

Secret Double Octopus

Series B in 2020
Founded in 2015, Secret Double Octopus specializes in network-level security solutions. It offers scalable authentication systems that protect enterprises' cloud, mobile, and IoT communications, featuring Multi-Route Traffic Protection, Multi-Route Authentication, Domain Authentication, and other secure pairing solutions for edge devices and IoT cloud services.

BizteX

Series C in 2020
BizteX, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in developing cloud-based robotic process automation (RPA) solutions. The company offers its flagship service, BizteX Cobit, which utilizes artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks, allowing businesses to streamline operations and improve efficiency. By providing a digital robot that can perform repetitive functions with minimal human intervention, BizteX aims to enhance productivity and creativity within organizations. The software is designed to be user-friendly, enabling automation through a web browser, thus allowing businesses to focus their resources on more strategic activities.

Mobility Technologies

Corporate Round in 2020
Mobility Technologies provides vehicle allocation systems for taxi operators. The company offers various IT services that update the Japanese mobility industry. It also provides a “quick ride” experience by linking taxi vehicles with real-time location information and advanced dispatch logic. Mobility Technologies was established in 1977 and is based Tokyo, Japan.

Repro

Series C in 2020
Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2014, Repro develops a mobile analytics solution that provides insights into app users' behavior through play-by-play videos. It offers application growth support consulting and in-app messaging services to improve conversion rates and enhance user engagement.

AXLBIT

Venture Round in 2020
AXLBIT delivers IT optimization solutions to accelerate business growth by shifting IT investments from ownership to use. It combines technology research and total delivery of design, construction, and operation to provide faster, safer, and more scalable IT environments, with a focus on cloud services that align with business growth and reduce waste. The company also provides a platform and services for automating cloud and SaaS operations in Japan, including cloud subscription management, license management, and reseller support, enabling streamlined distribution and operational processes for cloud services.

Deeping Source

Series A in 2020
Deeping Source Inc. is a South Korea-based company that specializes in data anonymization technology, focusing on the secure handling of data for artificial intelligence applications. The company develops an open data platform that removes personally identifiable information from various data types, including images and videos, while maintaining their usability for AI inference and training. Deeping Source holds worldwide patents for its core technology, which underpins two primary AI products: an AI video analytics solution that leverages existing CCTV footage to provide insights into customer behavior in retail and public spaces, and a data anonymization solution designed for autonomous driving applications. This technology allows companies to gather extensive datasets from real-world environments without breaching privacy laws, facilitating the development of accurate autonomous driving systems. Through its innovative approach, Deeping Source aims to enhance data collection and sharing practices while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Loyalty Marketing

Secondary Market in 2019
Loyalty Marketing, established in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in loyalty marketing services. It operates the Ponta coalition loyalty program, enabling customers to earn and redeem points across multiple corporate partners using a single card. The company offers marketing support, data, and promotions to both consumers and businesses, with the Ponta program boasting over 20 million members and 17 alliance partners.

Lawson

Post in 2019
Lawson is a prominent convenience store operator in Japan, ranking as the third largest in the country with over 14,500 domestic locations and more than 3,400 stores internationally, predominantly in China. The company's primary revenue source comes from its convenience store operations, including franchise fees, which account for approximately 55% of its operating revenue and 75% of its profits. In addition to its core convenience store business, Lawson operates Seijo Ishii, an upscale food store chain with 163 locations in Japan. The company also has a presence in the entertainment sector, managing 43 cinema theaters, the HMV music store chain, and ticketing services under Lawson HMV. By identifying and addressing social issues and evolving consumer values, Lawson continually adapts its product and service offerings to meet the needs of its clientele.

PlaceHolder

Series B in 2019
Placeholder, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a digital theme park utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to create engaging experiences for both children and adults. Founded in 2016, the company offers a range of interactive products, including sand party, spray painting, draw your world, paper rikishi, planet portal, little builders, world adventure, number splash, and ar quest. By merging digital technology with real-world environments, Placeholder aims to inspire and excite users through innovative and immersive experiences.

S.RIDE

Seed Round in 2019
S.RIDE is an online ride-hailing platform based in Japan that aims to enhance the commuting experience for users by providing a comfortable and reliable transportation option. The platform enables users to easily hail the nearest taxi from a variety of taxi operators through a simple swipe on their smartphones. By offering access to a convenient network of transportation at all times, S.RIDE caters to the needs of commuters, ensuring they can find quality travel solutions whenever required.

Minnano Taxi

Venture Round in 2019
Minnano Taxi is a platform for the dispatch of taxis for taxi operators.

Securitize

Series A in 2019
Securitize, Inc. operates a compliance platform designed for the issuance and management of digital securities. Founded in 2017 and based in Redwood City, California, the company facilitates various services for issuers, including digital security issuance, document handling, investor communications, and accreditation. For investors, Securitize offers features such as wallet management, an investor dashboard, and token distribution. The platform also includes support services like fiat and crypto escrow, along with custodial services. Securitize is distinguished as the only SEC Registered Transfer Agent integrated with multiple regulated U.S.-based marketplaces, enabling eligible investors to own, manage, and trade digital securities across sectors like equity, funds, fixed income, and real estate. The company's approach enhances transparency, liquidity, and efficiency in the tokenization process, while also providing KYC/AML and capital management services.

DeCurret

Venture Round in 2019
DeCurret Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in digital currency transactions, settlement, and payment services for cryptocurrency exchange. The firm offers a platform designed to process a high volume of currency transactions quickly and reliably, ensuring optimal rates for its users. DeCurret aims to facilitate seamless digital currency exchanges, catering to the growing demand for efficient and stable cryptocurrency transactions in the market.

Tier IV

Series A in 2019
Tier IV is an autonomous vehicle research and development organization that emerged from academic collaboration and has contributed to open-source self-driving software, notably Autoware. Founded in 2015, it leads efforts in intelligent vehicle technology and applies them to proof-of-concept last-mile driverless mobility and logistics. The group pursues the democratization of intelligent vehicles, encouraging participation from individuals and organizations to advance future transportation. Its autonomous drive solutions integrate an AI pilot, remote driving capabilities, HD mapping, lidar, and camera sensors to support safe, fully autonomous operation across mobility and logistics applications.

4DReplay

Series B in 2019
4DReplay Inc., established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, specializes in developing advanced video production systems. The company's core technology involves a set of 4K cameras and proprietary software, enabling the creation of highly detailed, four-dimensional time-slice videos. This innovative approach allows for dynamic expressions and multi-angle replays in sports, entertainment, and other events, providing users with unprecedented control over viewing angles via mobile devices.

CAMPFIRE

Series C in 2019
CAMPFIRE, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in planning, developing, and managing cloud funding platforms in Japan. It operates the largest crowdfunding platform in the country, known as CAMPFIRE, which supports individuals and creators in launching a variety of projects. In addition to its main platform, CAMPFIRE offers several specialized services, including GoodMorning for socially beneficial projects, CLOSS for fashion-related initiatives, and FAAVO for region-focused endeavors. The company also features polka, an application that facilitates fundraising for personal events among friends, and CAMPFIRE Bank, which provides financial services centered on loans. Another offering, Gojo, is a community wallet application designed for sharing funds among family and community members. Since its establishment in 2011, CAMPFIRE has catered to a diverse clientele that includes individuals, creators, companies, non-profit organizations, universities, and local governments, addressing a wide range of financial needs.

Synamon

Series A in 2019
Founded in Japan in 2016, Synamon specializes in developing virtual reality (VR) solutions. Its flagship product, NEUTRANS, enables users to create, share, and optimize VR spaces for collaborative work and design reviews.

Aspectiva

Venture Round in 2019
Aspectiva Ltd. is a technology company based in Jerusalem, Israel, founded in 2013. The company specializes in analyzing and visualizing user-generated content, specifically consumer reviews and opinions, to provide actionable insights for online shoppers. Its advanced artificial intelligence solution utilizes natural language processing to sift through vast amounts of product reviews, generating scores for various product aspects and creating an overview of crowd opinions. This technology enhances the shopping experience by helping consumers identify products that best match their individual needs, ultimately boosting engagement and confidence in purchasing decisions. Aspectiva operates as a subsidiary of Walmart Inc. as of February 2019.

Kabu.com Securities

Post in 2019
Kabu.com Securities is an online securities company based in Japan, specializing in a range of financial services. The company provides brokerage accounts, facilitating stock trading and investment activities for its clients. It offers additional services such as stock lending, automated trading, and automatic notifications to enhance the trading experience. Kabu.com also supports deposit and withdrawal transactions, stock book-entry, and investment trust transfers. Furthermore, it provides collateral services for investment trusts and automatic dividend receipt services. The company holds patents related to order placement and asset management, underscoring its innovative approach in the financial sector.

LUXA

Acquisition in 2018
Luxa is a Japanese group coupon buying site. Luxa is similar to daily-deals site Groupon, but it positions itself towards the higher-income demographic by listing only premium items such as branded cosmetics and alcohol, and up-market restaurants. It says it has around 350,000 members in Japan. Swimmy Minami Profile PhotoIts headquarters is in Tokyo, and it just opened offices in Nagoya and Fukuoka, to add to its second office in Osaka, which it opened last year.

Cluster

Series B in 2018
Cluster, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that has developed a virtual reality application called Cluster. This platform allows users to host various events, including live music performances and conferences, in a virtual environment. By connecting thousands of participants simultaneously, Cluster facilitates large-scale virtual events that provide an engaging experience. Users can create customized rooms within the virtual space, enabling them to interact with others while enjoying live video content. The company, initially known as Fictbox Inc., rebranded to Cluster, Inc. in April 2016 and aims to expand its business through enhanced product development and marketing efforts.

Mad Street Den

Series A in 2018
Mad Street Den is a computer vision and artificial intelligence company that develops a cloud-based platform to build models of generalizable intelligence and deploy them in retail and other industries. Its Vue.ai retail AI stack provides end-to-end solutions across the retail value chain, enabling onsite experiences, marketing, social channels, and operations automation. The MADstack platform offers modules such as object recognition, gaze tracking, emotion-expression detection, head and facial gestures, and 3D facial reconstruction for customizable AI applications. The company serves clients in online fashion, mobile gaming, IoT and connected cars, robotics, photos and social analytics, among other engagements. Founded in 2013 by Anand Chandrasekaran, the company operates from offices in Fremont, California, and maintains additional offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, India, and Tokyo, Japan.

Finatext

Venture Round in 2018
Finatext is a fintech company that specializes in providing cloud infrastructure and data analysis solutions tailored for the financial services industry. Its diverse product portfolio includes Asukabu, a mobile platform for stock learning and trading; Karufx, which focuses on forex education; Fundect, a platform for mutual fund selection; Invesgate, a mobile trading application for stocks, forex, and funds; and Assetarrow, a comprehensive mutual fund database. By leveraging big data analysis and cloud-native technologies, Finatext supports wealth management and insurance providers in enhancing their services and developing innovative financial solutions.

Prodrone

Corporate Round in 2018
Prodrone Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sale of industrial and commercial drones for various applications such as aerial filming, photography, land surveying, and spot inspection. Founded in January 2015 by Kiyokazu Sugaki, Kazuo Ichihara, and Masakazu Kono, Prodrone is headquartered in Nagoya, with an additional office in Tokyo. The company offers a range of drone models, including four-rotor and six-rotor systems, as well as large frame drones capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances in diverse weather conditions. Prodrone also provides consulting services to assist drone service providers and manufacturers in enhancing their business operations. In addition, the company supports its customers with operational safety training, repair, and maintenance services.

Every

Corporate Round in 2018
Every, Inc., established in 2015 and based in Minato City, Japan, is a media company that specializes in producing and distributing online video content. It operates platforms such as Delish Kitchen, Kalos, Mammadays, and Timeline, offering a diverse range of videos including food recipes, makeup and fashion, family-oriented content, and entertainment. The company also provides advertising services on these platforms, serving various industries like gourmet, entertainment, news, sports, and music.

Tier IV

Seed Round in 2018
Tier IV is an autonomous vehicle research and development organization that emerged from academic collaboration and has contributed to open-source self-driving software, notably Autoware. Founded in 2015, it leads efforts in intelligent vehicle technology and applies them to proof-of-concept last-mile driverless mobility and logistics. The group pursues the democratization of intelligent vehicles, encouraging participation from individuals and organizations to advance future transportation. Its autonomous drive solutions integrate an AI pilot, remote driving capabilities, HD mapping, lidar, and camera sensors to support safe, fully autonomous operation across mobility and logistics applications.

Embrace Japan

Venture Round in 2018
Embrace Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the development of a medical caring station platform designed to enhance medical treatment and information sharing among hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and drugstores. Founded in 2003, the company aims to facilitate communication within an integrated community care system, allowing medical professionals to exchange real-time information. This capability supports the optimization of medical care, treatment, and prevention activities, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Embrace's approach combines expertise from various fields, including IT and pharmaceuticals, to address significant challenges in the medical care sector.

Ispace Technologies

Series A in 2017
Ispace Technologies is a Tokyo-based company specializing in space resource exploration, particularly focused on developing micro-robotic technology to facilitate the identification, extraction, and transportation of lunar resources, such as ice, essential for sustaining human life in space. Founded in 2013, Ispace is recognized for its innovative approach, utilizing 3D printing and commercially available products to create efficient and cost-effective solutions. The company is also involved in the Google Lunar XPRIZE Competition through its Team HAKUTO, which has gained recognition for its advancements in mobility and aims to land a privately funded robot on the Moon. Ispace’s micro-robots are designed to explore larger lunar areas quickly and economically, making significant strides towards establishing a sustainable presence in outer space.

Inagora

Series C in 2017
Inagora Inc. is a cross-border e-commerce company based in Minato, Japan, founded in 2014. It develops a platform that facilitates the sale of Japanese products, primarily to a Chinese customer base, through its mobile application Wando. The platform aids Japanese companies in connecting with overseas customers and simplifies cross-border transactions by addressing currency risks and providing logistics support. Inagora's online marketplace, Wandou, features approximately 40,000 products, emphasizing categories such as cosmetics, clothing, and food, and serves around 3 million users. The company is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of Japanese goods in international markets.

Aeon Corp.

Acquisition in 2017
Aeon Corp. operates as a private educational institute in Japan, specializing in English language instruction. Founded in 1973 and based in Okayama, the organization provides a range of group and private classes aimed at Japanese students of all ages, focusing on enhancing their English conversational skills. The company has established itself as an innovator in English education by offering both traditional classroom experiences and internet-based learning opportunities. As of January 2018, Aeon Corp. functions as a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation.

Channel Talk

Series B in 2017
Channel Talk is an AI messenger that is focused on helping DTC companies provide VIP-level customer service. We raised $40 million USD in our Series C, and are one of the fastest-growing B2B SaaS startups, currently servicing more than 150,000 brands across the world. At Channel Talk, we believe that a good product nurtures growth in a business and that simple conversations with customers can become the driving force for success. We help you stand out by utilizing AI to resolve repetitive inquiries so you have time to build genuine relationships through our powerful CRM and provide excellent support to your customers.

SORACOM

Acquisition in 2017
SORACOM is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing an Internet of Things (IoT) platform designed to facilitate data communication for IoT and M2M (machine-to-machine) devices. The platform leverages scalable cloud technologies running on Amazon Web Services, enabling IoT solution developers to efficiently deploy and enhance their services while accommodating a variety of needs through flexible and customizable options. SORACOM enhances the security and reliability of data transfer across numerous devices and custom protocols, significantly reducing both time-to-market and costs associated with IoT services. Key offerings include SORACOM Air, which provides mobile data communication for IoT devices through its "Air SIM," allowing users to manage settings and monitor data traffic via a web console or API. Additionally, SORACOM Beam enables secure offloading of data from IoT devices to the cloud, ensuring high encryption and remote management capabilities without direct Internet exposure. Since its official launch in September 2015, SORACOM has positioned itself as a comprehensive provider of IoT solutions.

Telexistence

Seed Round in 2017
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

Prodrone

Series A in 2017
Prodrone Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sale of industrial and commercial drones for various applications such as aerial filming, photography, land surveying, and spot inspection. Founded in January 2015 by Kiyokazu Sugaki, Kazuo Ichihara, and Masakazu Kono, Prodrone is headquartered in Nagoya, with an additional office in Tokyo. The company offers a range of drone models, including four-rotor and six-rotor systems, as well as large frame drones capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances in diverse weather conditions. Prodrone also provides consulting services to assist drone service providers and manufacturers in enhancing their business operations. In addition, the company supports its customers with operational safety training, repair, and maintenance services.

Loco Partners

Acquisition in 2017
Loco Partners, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates an online marketplace for accommodations in Japan. Founded in 2011, Loco Partners offers Relux, a reservation service featuring a selection of prestigious hotels and traditional ryokans. The platform allows clients to search for and book rooms at high-quality inns while facilitating negotiations with accommodation facilities. In addition to its booking services, Loco Partners provides social media marketing, media content, and consulting services tailored specifically for the hospitality industry. Through its comprehensive offerings, the company aims to enhance the experience of finding and reserving accommodations in Japan.

Itandi

Corporate Round in 2017
ITANDI, Inc. is an IT company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in real estate management and consulting services. Founded in 2012, it operates an online platform that includes Heyazine, a portal designed to provide real-time information on rental property prices. Additionally, ITANDI offers REcS, a subscription-based software-as-a-service system that streamlines real estate management processes. The company focuses on digitalizing real estate distribution and provides services related to artificial intelligence and big data analysis, enhancing operational efficiency for its clients within the real estate sector. As of November 2018, ITANDI operates as a subsidiary of GA Technologies Co., Ltd.

ELEMENTS

Seed Round in 2016
ELEMENTS is a company focused on developing advanced data analysis infrastructure and image recognition technology. It offers a range of services designed to support the creation of flexible, scalable, and reliable applications. These applications encompass large-scale data processing, sophisticated machine learning, and enhanced security measures. In addition, ELEMENTS specializes in personal authentication solutions, including its LIQUID eKYC service, which employs biometrics, image analysis, and machine learning for online identity verification. The company also provides personal optimization solutions tailored to individual needs in areas such as clothing, food, and shelter.

Liquid

Corporate Round in 2016
Liquid, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in the manufacture and development of biometric identity verification and payment devices. The company focuses on fingerprint sensing technology, which enables users to register payment methods, such as point cards and credit cards, using their fingerprint information. This innovative approach allows customers to complete transactions simply by using their fingerprints. Liquid also develops related software that employs advanced authentication algorithms and image analysis technology to enhance security and convenience in payment processes.

Biglobe

Acquisition in 2016
BIGLOBE Inc. is a prominent Internet service provider based in Tokyo, Japan, known for delivering a wide range of networking services, content, and applications. Founded in 2006, the company operates as a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation and is recognized as one of the largest Internet service providers in the country. BIGLOBE specializes in offering high-speed Internet connection services, leveraging advanced fiber-optic technology to enhance user experience. In addition to its core services in Japan, the company engages in joint ventures to provide information technology infrastructure services, including data centers and networking solutions, to Internet service providers and content providers in ASEAN countries. Furthermore, BIGLOBE offers consulting services aimed at assisting Japanese companies in navigating the ASEAN market.

DeNA - Online Shopping Business

Acquisition in 2016
DeNA - Online Shopping Business develops and operates a broad range of mobile and online services.

Loco Partners

Series B in 2016
Loco Partners, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates an online marketplace for accommodations in Japan. Founded in 2011, Loco Partners offers Relux, a reservation service featuring a selection of prestigious hotels and traditional ryokans. The platform allows clients to search for and book rooms at high-quality inns while facilitating negotiations with accommodation facilities. In addition to its booking services, Loco Partners provides social media marketing, media content, and consulting services tailored specifically for the hospitality industry. Through its comprehensive offerings, the company aims to enhance the experience of finding and reserving accommodations in Japan.

AppBroadCast

Acquisition in 2016
AppBroadCast Co., Ltd. specializes in the marketing and promotion of smartphone game applications. The company provides a comprehensive game media service for smartphone users, delivering content that includes the latest game information, strategy guides, and featured reviews. Additionally, AppBroadCast offers free in-game items for top-rated games, enhancing the gaming experience for users and helping to drive engagement with various game titles. Through its targeted services, the company aims to connect gamers with the most relevant and popular mobile games in the market.

Logly

Corporate Round in 2015
Logly, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on media technology, advertising technology, and data marketing. Founded in 2006, Logly operates several key products, including Logly Lift, an advertising service platform that enhances corporate content delivery through media and brand recognition. Additionally, the company offers Loyalfarm, a tool designed to analyze user engagement and repeat visits from site visitors, and Zenback, a widget that aggregates information about articles from various online sources. Logly primarily serves advertisers and distributors, providing them with innovative solutions to enhance their marketing efforts.

Jibo

Series A in 2015
Jibo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of social robots designed to enhance human interaction. Known for its flagship product, Jibo, the company aims to create a companion that can engage with users through natural language understanding, speech recognition, and facial recognition. Jibo is designed to assist users in their daily tasks, learn their preferences, and remind them of important events. The robot can communicate and express emotions, fostering a sense of connection with its users. Jibo, Inc. offers its solutions across various demographics, including adults, seniors, and children, and operates in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and South America. The company was founded in 2012 and officially launched its product to the public in 2017 after extensive development.

Soft Gear

Venture Round in 2015
Soft Gear is a Japanese company specializing in online game development services. It offers contract-based game development, debugging services, and expertise in high-speed network functions crucial for online gaming.

August Home

Series B in 2015
August Home Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing smart home access products, primarily through its flagship offering, the August Smart Lock. Founded in 2012 by designer Yves Behar and technology expert Jason Johnson, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. August Home's products utilize encrypted locking technology, allowing users to replace traditional keys with smartphones. This innovation enables homeowners to create virtual keys for various individuals such as house cleaners, dog walkers, and guests, and to manage access durations remotely via smartphones and computers. The company also features August Pro, a division focused on supporting professional smart home installers. August Home operates as a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY AB, further enhancing its capabilities in the smart home market.

Monohm

Seed Round in 2015
Monohm Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company focused on designing and developing heirloom electronics that foster a more civilized relationship with digital life. The company’s flagship product, Runcible, serves as a personal electronic device tailored for the post-smartphone era. Additionally, Monohm offers Positron, an HTML framework that enables the creation of view-based web applications, and Sensible, a standards-based approach for implementing command and control interfaces across various devices. Through its innovative products, Monohm aims to create a series of essential devices that seamlessly integrate form, function, and technology.

Mist Technologies

Venture Round in 2015
Mist Technologies, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2013. It specializes in developing content delivery platforms that utilize peer-to-peer data delivery technology. This innovative approach allows browsers in close geographical proximity to share content with one another, enhancing the speed and efficiency of content streaming. The company's product offerings include the Mist Inline Player for video playback on mobile devices, the 360° Sphere Video Player for immersive video experiences, Video Thumbnailer for creating lightweight video thumbnails, MistCDN for browser-based content distribution, and Webdrop for file exchanges between browsers on the same local area network. Mist Technologies operates as a subsidiary of Adways Inc.

Lancers

Venture Round in 2014
Lancers, Inc., established in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in connecting businesses with freelance professionals through its online platform. The company's primary service, Lancers, is one of Japan's largest crowdsourcing platforms, facilitating outsourcing of tasks to experts across diverse fields. Additionally, Lancers offers Lancers Agent, a service that introduces resident freelancers to businesses, and POD, a matchmaking service for freelance consultants. With a team of 73 employees, Lancers is dedicated to fostering efficient and effective collaborations between businesses and freelancers.

VASILY

Corporate Round in 2014
VASILY, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2008 that operates an online fashion coordination community known as iQON. The platform allows users to create collages of clothing and accessories, enabling them to coordinate complete outfits digitally. VASILY fosters a collaborative environment where fashion enthusiasts can share their style ideas and inspirations.

Jorte

Venture Round in 2014
Jorte is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that develops a calendar and organizer application for smartphones and tablets. Founded in 2000, Jorte's application allows users to efficiently manage their schedules while offering customizable features such as wallpapers, icons, menus, and event calendars. By combining the simplicity of a traditional paper organizer with the convenience of digital technology, Jorte enables users to create diary entries with pictures, task lists, and various personalization options, enhancing both security and functionality. The application aims to meet the needs of users seeking an organized and visually appealing way to manage their time and tasks.

Bitcellar

Acquisition in 2014
BitCellar is dedicated to enhancing the user experience with images by developing innovative solutions for photo management. With the rise of smartphone photography, the company focuses on creating the FxCamera application, which aims to keep users' photos organized and easily accessible. BitCellar is committed to evolving its services to meet the needs of modern users, ensuring that the FxCamera app remains intelligent and user-friendly. Through its storage service, BitCellar continues to prioritize the relationship between users and their images, making it simpler to manage and enjoy photography in everyday life.

Nanapi

Acquisition in 2014
Nanapi Inc. owns and operates website nanapi which let users to introduce and share how-to in categories such as love, work, and hobby. The company, formerly known as Rocketstart Inc., is based in Japan.

Supership

Acquisition in 2014
Supership continuously develops optimized ad platform products and provides them to advertisers and publishers because they demand only the best advertising solutions. The most important thing for advertisers is a platform that can analyze data and achieve results through optimized promotions. Our platform offers a number of demand side solutions, such as, 「AppVador's Video Ad Network」 and 「ScaleOut DSP」 that targets users with precision based on advertiser goals, a DMP that contains a wealth of data which makes data-driven marketing a reality, a SSP(「Ad Generation」) that is highly valued for generating revenue, especially in the app business. The combination of these products provides our customers with a total advertising solution that can meet a wide range of digital marketing needs.

Ossia

Series C in 2014
Ossia develops wireless charging technology, Cota, which safely delivers remote power to devices at a distance. Its patented smart antenna technology enables multiple devices to be charged simultaneously without user intervention, creating an efficient and wire-free environment.

KKBOX

Venture Round in 2014
KKBOX TAIWAN CO., LTD. is a leading online music streaming service based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 2004. The platform offers an extensive library of over 20 million legal tracks, with a particular focus on Asia-Pop music. Available in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, KKBOX serves over 10 million users. In addition to music streaming, it provides exclusive video content, artist interviews, live concert reports, and entertainment news through its monthly magazine, "Let’s music!" The service includes interactive features like "Listen with," allowing users to enjoy music simultaneously with friends and artists. KKBOX also hosts the yearly KKBOX Music Awards and offers services such as KKTIX for online ticketing and KKBOX Live for concert streaming. The company has received significant investments from various entities, including KDDI Group and HTC, enhancing its technological capabilities and facilitating international market expansion.

Edmodo

Series D in 2014
Edmodo, Inc. is an online education platform founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Mateo, California. The platform serves as a global education network, enabling educators to connect and collaborate with students, parents, and fellow teachers. With over 77 million users across approximately 550,000 schools worldwide, Edmodo prioritizes the privacy and security of its users while providing a dynamic environment for resource sharing and communication. It offers various tools that support school leaders in analyzing educational data, facilitating professional development, and enhancing learning outcomes through formative assessments. Additionally, Edmodo features capabilities for posting classroom materials, sharing multimedia resources, and accessing academic information such as homework and grades, thereby fostering a collaborative learning community. As of May 2018, Edmodo operates as a subsidiary of Best Assistant Education Online Limited.

VASILY

Venture Round in 2014
VASILY, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2008 that operates an online fashion coordination community known as iQON. The platform allows users to create collages of clothing and accessories, enabling them to coordinate complete outfits digitally. VASILY fosters a collaborative environment where fashion enthusiasts can share their style ideas and inspirations.

Issuu

Series B in 2014
Issuu, Inc. is a digital publishing and discovery platform founded in 2006, with headquarters in Palo Alto, California, and additional offices in Berlin and Copenhagen. The company offers a comprehensive suite of tools for digital publishing, allowing users to create and share a variety of content, including magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and portfolios. With a focus on enhancing the reader experience, Issuu supports over 17 million publications and serves more than 80 million active readers each month. The platform enables publishers, both large and small, to easily upload and distribute their work while maintaining the visual appeal associated with print media. Moreover, Issuu provides various features, such as custom viewer themes, API integrations, and monetization solutions, which facilitate seamless publication management and audience engagement across devices and social networks.

VentureBeat

Venture Round in 2014
VentureBeat, Inc. is an online technology news platform that provides comprehensive coverage of technology innovation through its blog. Established in 2006 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform delivers news, analysis, and insights on a wide range of technology trends, including social media, mobile, health tech, cloud computing, and gaming. VentureBeat features research insights, long-form articles, interviews, and videos, all aimed at equipping executives, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts with the context needed to make informed decisions. Additionally, the company hosts marketing events, mobile events, and webinars focused on innovative products and discussions, creating an engaging environment for advertisers to reach their target audience of tech leaders and business professionals.

PogoSeat

Seed Round in 2014
Founded in 2012, PogoSeat is a technology company based in Los Angeles that develops mobile applications for fans to upgrade their seats during live events. It offers AI-driven personalization and seamless buying processes, creating new revenue streams and data collection opportunities for partners such as sports teams, concert venues, ticket brokers, and promoters.

Gunosy

Venture Round in 2014
Gunosy is a news curation application that offers a wide range of news topics, from entertainment to politics. The platform gathers news from various web sources and presents them based on their relevance. Users can customize their news feed by selecting categories of interest and creating their personalized magazine. Gunosy provides instant access to diverse news content and sends push notifications to keep users updated on the latest news developments.

Gunosy

Venture Round in 2014
Gunosy is a news curation application that offers a wide range of news topics, from entertainment to politics. The platform gathers news from various web sources and presents them based on their relevance. Users can customize their news feed by selecting categories of interest and creating their personalized magazine. Gunosy provides instant access to diverse news content and sends push notifications to keep users updated on the latest news developments.

Corporation building block

Venture Round in 2014
TSUMIKI provider of social film review services. The company provides Filmarks, a social movie review service for movie fans where users can post their reviews, tag movie clips matching their interests and read reviews by friends and other users.

au Commerce & Life

Venture Round in 2013
au Commerce & Life is an e-commerce company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on delivering unique experiences to customers through diverse commerce offerings. The company operates multiple platforms, including a comprehensive online shopping mall, a premium time sale platform, and a membership reservation service for high-end restaurants. By emphasizing both tangible products and experiential services, au Commerce & Life aims to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, providing a broad range of options that cater to various consumer needs.

au Commerce & Life

Venture Round in 2013
au Commerce & Life is an e-commerce company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on delivering unique experiences to customers through diverse commerce offerings. The company operates multiple platforms, including a comprehensive online shopping mall, a premium time sale platform, and a membership reservation service for high-end restaurants. By emphasizing both tangible products and experiential services, au Commerce & Life aims to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, providing a broad range of options that cater to various consumer needs.

iRidge

Venture Round in 2013
iRidge is a company focused on developing and managing internet services, particularly in the realm of online-to-offline (O2O) solutions. One of its key offerings is popinfo, a platform-as-a-service designed to deliver information to users of smart devices. This platform leverages location data obtained through GPS or Wi-Fi to provide tailored, location-based information to users near specific shops. Additionally, iRidge is involved in creating O2O applications, analyzing big data, and developing marketing strategies centered on position information. The company aims to enhance consumer engagement and streamline the connection between online interactions and physical retail experiences through innovative technology.

Moxo

Series A in 2013
Moxo is a client engagement platform that delivers digital automation and omnichannel collaboration capabilities for professional services and other sectors. The platform enables client account management, workflow automation, and secure online interactions through mobile and web apps. It provides cloud-based project binders for managing, presenting, and sharing files, photos, and videos, with private group sharing, voice notes, annotations, and real-time meetings to support remote teams and client communication. By combining automation with integrated collaboration, Moxo aims to streamline tasks and improve productivity across consulting, accounting, logistics, healthcare, financial services, and legal workflows.

Monoco

Venture Round in 2013
Monoco is a Tokyo-based e-commerce platform that operates as a cross-border social marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers through narrative-driven product discovery and transactions supported by a secure international payment and logistics system. Founded in 2010 as FlutterScape, the company focuses on fashion and daily necessities, offering clothing, shoes, bags, gadgets, home decor and jewelry from multiple brands for men and women, with an initial emphasis on products from Japan. The platform aims to go beyond traditional marketplaces by enabling sellers to share real narratives of their product discoveries and encouraging buyers to engage in a collaborative shopping experience. It also provides brand and marketing support to sellers, including branding, public relations, sales strategy and promotion planning to help list and promote items on the platform.

Plumzi

Seed Round in 2013
Plumzi, Inc. is a developer of a story-driven entertainment technology platform designed for tablets and smartphones, offering an interactive experience for children. The platform enables users to engage with characters and influence the narrative through touch, voice, and tilt interactions. This innovative approach allows studios and creators to author and stream "appisodes," a unique format of entertainment suited for tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and virtual reality headsets. Established in 2012, Plumzi is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Origami

Series A in 2013
Origami is a mobile platform that specializes in cashless payments, aiming to transform the future of money, payment, and commerce. Established in 2012, Origami enables users to make transactions seamlessly by connecting to the internet, bridging the gap between online and offline shopping experiences. The platform has been adopted nationwide, facilitating payments at convenience stores, fast food chains, taxis, department stores, and various retail shops. By providing a unique marketplace, Origami allows consumers to discover and purchase products from leading international brands, enhancing the overall shopping experience through mobile technology.

Life is Tech

Seed Round in 2013
Life is Tech is an educational platform focused on enhancing the coding and IT skills of elementary and junior high school students. The company organizes coding and information technology camps in collaboration with local governments and implements various initiatives such as Tech for Local, Be Startup, Code Girls, and Tech for Teachers. These programs aim to foster creativity and technological proficiency among students, providing them with valuable skills for the future. By engaging young learners through interactive experiences, Life is Tech seeks to broaden educational opportunities and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Hailo Network

Series B in 2012
Hailo Network, established in 1947, is a global manufacturer and supplier of ladder systems, steps, and waste bins, renowned for its innovative products and safety standards. The company, headquartered in Germany, operates in over 60 countries worldwide, distributing its products through a network of retailers and distributors.

Jimoty

Venture Round in 2012
Jimoty Inc operates a classified advertisement platform that serves approximately 9 million users monthly. The site allows individuals to post a variety of advertisements, including buying and selling second-hand goods, event announcements, recruitment opportunities, and real estate listings. By offering a free bulletin board format, Jimoty facilitates the exchange of information across different categories, making it a versatile tool for users seeking to connect over various needs and interests. The company's focus is on planning, development, and the effective management of this classified site, ensuring that it remains user-friendly and accessible.

KnowledgeSuite

Venture Round in 2011
KnowledgeSuite is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the development of SaaS business applications in Japan. Established in 2006, KnowledgeSuite is a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation.

Microfinance International

Venture Round in 2010
Microfinance International Corporation provides financial services to unbanked Hispanic immigrants. It offers a mix of transactional services, such as money transfer and check cashing with value added products, such as micro lending, small business loans, and mortgages. The company also offers ARIAS, a remittance settlement platform that allows financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and money transmitters to offer money transfer service under their own brand with control over prices and customers. Microfinance International Corporation has a strategic partnership with Union Andina. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia with additional offices in San Salvador and El Salvador. It has branches in Hyattsville, Maryland; Arlington, Alexandria, and Manassas, Virginia; Milford, Delaware; and Washington, District of Columbia.

Tonchidot

Series B in 2010
Social Augmented Reality Mobile Location-based Service "Sekai Camera" (World Camera) Their client-side software and web service enable camera-equipped mobile devices (such as iPhones, Android "Google Phones", and other smart-phones) to access informational and entertainment services by creating a "Clickable World" via the use of Augmented Reality (AR) hyper-tags. These user-clickable tags, which they call "AirTags", are location-based and mapped in the real world. These AirTags can be seen and accessed through the camera view of mobile devices with Sekai Camera software. Sekai Camera is realized though a combination of technologies, including client-side software deployed on iPhone, Android and other OS platforms, and also highly scalable web computing systems. In addition, Sekai Camera integrates with services provided by mobile carriers, existing data/service providers, and location technology companies, which combined, enable this dynamic location-based information retrieval service.

Fuhu

Series C in 2010
Fuhu, Inc. is a company that specializes in designing and selling consumer products for children, primarily focusing on technology that enhances learning and engagement. Founded in 2008 and based in El Segundo, California, Fuhu's flagship product is the nabi tablet, an Android-based learning device tailored for kids, offering a blend of hardware, software services, and accessories. Additionally, the company provides cloud-served software applications, such as urDrive and Fooz Kids, which create safe and interactive digital experiences for children while ensuring parental control. Fuhu's products are distributed through various retailers across the United States, and the company has established a global presence with offices in cities including Denver, Hong Kong, San Jose, and locations in China, Taipei, and Japan. As of January 2016, Fuhu operates as a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc.
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