SPARX Group Company

SPARX Group Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based holding company established in 1989 by founder Shuhei Abe, recognized as one of the pioneers of independent asset management in Japan. Initially focused on Japanese equities, it has since expanded into a diversified asset management firm serving the Asia-Pacific region. SPARX Group engages in various investment strategies, including clean technology, renewable energy, and venture capital, notably through the Mirai Creation Fund, created in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation and SMBC. The company provides investment management and advisory services to a range of clients, including corporate pension funds, government entities, and private banks. It offers mutual funds that are accessible directly or through various intermediaries, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Shuhei Abe

President, CEO

Past deals in Japan

Provigate

Venture Round in 2024
Provigate is a company based in Japan that specializes in bio-transistor sensor technologies. It develops advanced diagnostic instruments capable of measuring blood sugar levels, utilizing perception-broadening sensors. These innovative technologies allow individuals, particularly those with diabetes, to monitor their glucose levels regularly, facilitating better management of their health and lifestyle habits. By providing accurate and dynamic measurements, Provigate aims to empower users to make informed decisions about their health.

ThinkCyte

Series B in 2021
ThinkCyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-enabled, image-free visual cell sorting system, which sorts cells based on their morphology. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in San Carlos, California, ThinkCyte utilizes advanced optics and machine learning to create its ghost cytometry technology. This innovative approach allows for ultra-high throughput and content-rich analysis of single cells, facilitating research, diagnostics, and therapeutics across various medical disciplines such as drug discovery and cell therapy. The company's cell sorting technology enables researchers to identify and isolate specific cells, including rare ones, in real-time, advancing the capabilities of single-cell analysis.

Latona

Series A in 2021
Latona, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in microfinance and innovative technologies that enhance front-end user experiences. It integrates three key technological domains: AI model container runtimes, sensor-controlling software, and real-time applications using FPGA/RTOS hardware. Latona's platform facilitates development in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of resources to optimize user experience and application architecture. The company offers a range of services including visual programming, technology consulting, data integration, system integration, and automation processing, primarily aimed at supporting businesses operating in the IoT sector.

DeepX

Venture Round in 2020
DeepX, Inc. is an AI startup based in Bunkyo, Japan, founded in 2016 by graduates of the University of Tokyo. The company specializes in developing software that provides mechanization and automation solutions to address on-site challenges, such as labor shortages and the need for skilled workers, particularly in industries like construction, food processing, manufacturing, port transport, and agriculture. DeepX aims to automate machinery of varying scales, from small industrial robots to large heavy equipment, utilizing advanced technologies including deep learning and deep reinforcement learning. By offering flexible operation models suitable for diverse environments, DeepX seeks to make a significant societal impact, particularly in response to Japan's super-aging population and shrinking labor force.

Omise

Series C in 2020
Omise Co., Ltd. is a Bangkok-based company founded in 2013 that develops and operates an online payment platform designed for seamless integration on both web and mobile. The platform facilitates money transfers to third-party bank accounts, enables refunds to customers, and allows users to store payment information for future transactions. Omise caters to businesses by offering a variety of payment processing solutions, addressing the challenges faced by online stores in Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, where the existing payment systems often require cumbersome documentation and high fees. The company aims to simplify the payment process, enabling instant acceptance of credit and debit card payments, as well as bill payments through online banking and ATMs. Omise also provides APIs for developers, ensuring easy integration and high security standards, as evidenced by its compliance with PCI-DSS 3.1. The company's mission is to enhance the online payment experience, bridging the gap between physical and digital transactions for both merchants and consumers.

Photoruction

Venture Round in 2020
Founded in Tokyo in 2016, Photoruction specializes in developing cloud-based solutions for the construction industry. Its flagship product is a platform that streamlines construction photography and supports civil engineering production processes. The company also offers aoz cloud, an AI engine that reads information from drawings and photographs to enhance productivity.

ThinkCyte

Series A in 2020
ThinkCyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-enabled, image-free visual cell sorting system, which sorts cells based on their morphology. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in San Carlos, California, ThinkCyte utilizes advanced optics and machine learning to create its ghost cytometry technology. This innovative approach allows for ultra-high throughput and content-rich analysis of single cells, facilitating research, diagnostics, and therapeutics across various medical disciplines such as drug discovery and cell therapy. The company's cell sorting technology enables researchers to identify and isolate specific cells, including rare ones, in real-time, advancing the capabilities of single-cell analysis.

AIsing

Series B in 2020
AIsing Ltd. specializes in developing embedded mechanical-motion-prediction solutions and statistical analysis tools, focusing on its flagship product, Deep Binary Tree (DBT) SaaS. This artificial intelligence program is designed for mechanical control, enabling accurate predictions of mechanical motion, particularly in applications such as industrial robots and home automation systems. The DBT SaaS is characterized by its lightweight and fast performance, allowing for dynamic and online learning, which facilitates real-time adaptation and predictive accuracy. AIsing also provides hardware pre-installed with DBT software, streamlining the construction of various applications. The company's services are offered on a subscription basis, supplemented by royalties from products utilizing their technology. Founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, AIsing aims to deliver quality learning and prediction capabilities, even with low-spec computer resources.

FIXER

Series A in 2020
FIXER Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2009. It specializes in providing cloud solutions, particularly through its cloud.config Portal, which enables users to track Azure subscriptions, usage, and expenditures. The company also offers a range of services, including smart notifications, resource auto-scaling, cost forecasting, and customer management. FIXER aims to lead the cloud service market in Japan by evolving its offerings and addressing the challenges of cloud integration for corporate clients. Unlike traditional system integrators, FIXER focuses on innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships, striving to deliver more than just basic system setups while ensuring stability and growth in the rapidly changing IT landscape.

Farmnote Holdings

Venture Round in 2019
Farmnote Holdings, established in December 2016 and headquartered in Japan, serves as a strategic and financial management entity for its subsidiaries, Farmnote and Skyark. It oversees the operations of Farmnote, which specializes in agricultural IoT solutions, and Skyark, focusing on web integration services.

Sigmai

Corporate Round in 2019
Sigmai Co. Ltd., founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in research and development consulting. The company offers manufacturing and task support services, focusing on quantum annealing technologies. Sigmai provides consultancy to help clients leverage quantum annealing machines, facilitating the transition from academic research to practical applications in industry. By collaborating with universities and research laboratories, Sigmai aims to deliver innovative solutions that advance technology in various sectors.

ONE CAREER

Venture Round in 2019
ONE CAREER Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates an online job searching platform specifically designed for students. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on connecting young talent with leading employers, including major corporations such as Mitsubishi Corporation, ITOCHU, Marubeni, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company. In addition to its job search platform, ONE CAREER also implements recruiting events and offers recruiting consulting services to enhance the hiring process for both students and companies. Through its comprehensive approach, ONE CAREER aims to facilitate successful employment opportunities for students entering the workforce.

AI Medical Service

Series B in 2019
AI Medical Service Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on the development of artificial intelligence technologies aimed at enhancing endoscopic medical care. The company specializes in creating extensive training data to analyze endoscopic images, which assists endoscopists in diagnosing conditions within the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. By integrating the expertise of Japanese endoscopic specialists, AI Medical Service aims to support safe clinical practices while ensuring that the final diagnosis remains in the hands of medical professionals rather than the software. This innovative approach seeks to improve the efficiency and accuracy of endoscopic procedures worldwide.

Moff

Venture Round in 2019
Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2013, Moff specializes in designing and manufacturing wearable devices. Its flagship product is a sensor-based slap-on wristband that combines fun and advanced technology to promote sustainable healthcare services.

Araya

Series B in 2019
Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2013, Araya specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions. The company's core offerings include real-time image recognition AI processing services and deep reinforcement learning for autonomous drone or robot movement.

VISITS Technologies

Venture Round in 2019
VISITS Technologies Inc. is an internet-based company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2014. The company specializes in designing and developing a career formation platform that connects students and alumni. VISITS Technologies has developed a patented consensus-building algorithm known as ideagram, which uniquely quantifies creativity, discerning ability, and the inherent value of ideas. This innovative technology allows for the measurement of intangible assets such as skills, senses, and personal connections. By integrating blockchain technology, VISITS Technologies facilitates the transfer of value, enhancing the capabilities of its platform and providing users with a comprehensive tool for career development and networking.

Sukedachi

Series B in 2019
Sukedachi Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that develops mobile applications specifically for the construction industry. The company's platform addresses the unique dynamics of the Japanese construction market, where construction workers often function as both order receivers and small enterprise orderers. Sukedachi's application allows skilled craftsmen to receive notifications about job opportunities tailored to their pre-registered criteria, such as location and occupation. This service enables workers actively seeking employment to directly connect with construction sites, while also helping contractors facing chronic labor shortages to recruit workers under flexible, on-demand conditions.

Nileworks

Series B in 2019
Nileworks Inc. is an agtech company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced drone technology for the agricultural sector. Founded in 2015, the company develops fully automated aerial drones that utilize image processing and information technology to enhance farming efficiency. These drones are specifically designed for precision pesticide spraying and real-time diagnosis of crop health, allowing for the targeted application of fertilizers and agrochemicals tailored to individual plants. By reducing labor requirements and improving the yield and quality of agricultural produce, Nileworks aims to transform traditional farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture.

Neural Pocket

Venture Round in 2019
Founded in 2018, Neural Pocket specializes in developing proprietary AI technologies for image and video detection, classification, and behavior analysis. The company offers services for smart city development, facility management, digital signage, and fashion trend analysis.

OSCAR TECHNOLOGY Japan

Venture Round in 2018
Oscar Technology Corporation, founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in automatic parallelization technology for industrial application software across a range of platforms, from embedded systems to supercomputers. The company offers the OSCARTech Compiler, a tool designed to automatically convert sequential software into parallel code compatible with any multi-core processor and operating system. In addition to software solutions, Oscar Technology provides consulting services that include evaluation, parallelization, and specialized seminars focused on multi-core programming. Through its innovative technologies and services, the company aims to enhance software performance and efficiency while reducing power consumption.

Open8

Series B in 2018
Open8 Inc is a Tokyo-based content technology company founded on April 10, 2015. It specializes in providing marketing services through smart devices and offers a suite of solutions including software as a service (SaaS), application programming interfaces (API), and machine learning as a service (MLaaS). Open8 has developed a video editing cloud platform designed to simplify the creation of video content for businesses, allowing users to produce promotional videos without the need for specialized knowledge. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform enables the efficient generation and distribution of various video materials across multiple platforms, helping businesses reduce costs and enhance their marketing efforts.

VISITS Technologies

Series B in 2018
VISITS Technologies Inc. is an internet-based company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2014. The company specializes in designing and developing a career formation platform that connects students and alumni. VISITS Technologies has developed a patented consensus-building algorithm known as ideagram, which uniquely quantifies creativity, discerning ability, and the inherent value of ideas. This innovative technology allows for the measurement of intangible assets such as skills, senses, and personal connections. By integrating blockchain technology, VISITS Technologies facilitates the transfer of value, enhancing the capabilities of its platform and providing users with a comprehensive tool for career development and networking.

Meijo Nano Carbon

Venture Round in 2018
Meijo Nano Carbon Co., Ltd. specializes in the manufacture of carbon nanotube chemicals, focusing on both single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Established in 2005 and based in Nagoya, Japan, the company produces a range of products, including single-walled carbon nanotubes with uniform diameters and categorized as metallic or semiconducting types. Meijo Nano Carbon also creates carbon nanotube dispersions, such as specialized inks for various applications, and carbon nanotube-coated dishes. The company's innovative synthesis technology allows its products to serve as lightweight alternatives to traditional conductive materials like copper, making them valuable for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and petrochemicals. With properties like superior conductivity and reduced weight, Meijo Nano Carbon's offerings are positioned to enhance the performance and efficiency of various applications.

SORACOM

Venture Round in 2018
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.

Mobility Technologies

Private Equity Round in 2018
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.

FLOSFIA

Venture Round in 2018
FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

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.

iQPS

Venture Round in 2017
iQPS Inc. is a space technology service provider based in Fukuoka City, Japan, founded in 2005. The company specializes in the research, development, design, manufacturing, and sales of satellites, onboard satellite equipment, precision instruments, and electronic devices. iQPS also offers technical consultation and conducts planning and operation of training sessions, workshops, and seminars focused on space technologies. Additionally, the company is involved in the acquisition and sale of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data from small SAR satellites, further expanding its capabilities in the space sector.

FLOSFIA

Venture Round in 2017
FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

Sansan

Series D in 2017
Sansan Inc, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in cloud-based contact management solutions for both corporate and individual users. The company offers its flagship service, Sansan, which is designed for businesses, and the Eight app, aimed at individuals, transforming traditional business cards into valuable digital connections. Since its inception, Sansan has experienced significant growth, with over 7,000 premium corporate users including notable clients such as the Japanese Government. The company has also expanded its reach internationally, establishing a subsidiary in Singapore in 2015. With more than 1.5 million registered users on its Eight platform, Sansan continues to set the standard for contact management services in Japan and seeks to enhance networking through innovative technology.

RT Corporation

Series A in 2017
RT Corporation is a Japanese company based in Chiyoda-ku, established in 2005, that focuses on the development and sale of robots and their components. The company offers a diverse range of products, including army-type robots and micro mouse robots, such as the CRANE-X7 and RIC90, as well as various service robots tailored to meet both domestic and international needs. In addition to manufacturing, RT Corporation provides services in robot development, hardware and software development, and contract manufacturing. With the growing demand for robotics fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, RT Corporation aims to innovate and expand its offerings in the service robot sector.

Ficha

Venture Round in 2017
Ficha Inc., founded in 2005 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing and selling image recognition software tailored for car cameras. The company's primary offerings include object detection software for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS). These systems use in-vehicle cameras to monitor driving conditions, aiming to prevent dangerous driving behaviors and accidents. Ficha leverages its expertise in computer vision and machine learning to provide efficient image recognition solutions for automotive applications.

Mobility Technologies

Venture Round in 2017
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.

Akippa

Venture Round in 2017
Akippa Inc. is a Japanese company that operates a parking lot reservation application designed to facilitate the sharing of parking spaces. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Osaka, with an additional office in Tokyo, Akippa enables users to make online reservations for available parking options, including private garages, vacant lots, and commercial facilities. The platform connects individuals and businesses with unoccupied parking spaces, allowing space owners to monetize their vacancies while providing users with convenient parking solutions. The company's focus is on enhancing the parking experience through its innovative mobile app, which supports peer-to-peer reservations and offers additional services related to parking and car rentals. Akippa was formerly known as Galaxy Agency Inc. before rebranding in February 2015.

Magellan Systems Japan

Venture Round in 2017
Magellan Systems Japan, Inc. is a company dedicated to the research, development, and licensing of high-precision satellite positioning systems. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Amagasaki, Japan, the company specializes in a range of technologies including semi-software and software global positioning systems (GPS), digital signal processing systems, and multi-frequency global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). It also develops advanced GNSS real-time kinematic systems and inertial measurement systems, providing solutions for GPS timing and autonomous ephemeris prediction. In addition to its core development activities, Magellan Systems Japan imports and sells GNSS-related products, supporting the utilization of artificial satellite technology in various applications.

Freee

Series D in 2016
Freee is a developer of cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses in Japan. Launched in March 2013 and originally named CFO K.K., the company was founded by Daisuke Sasaki, who previously led SMB marketing for Google in the Asia Pacific region. Freee's automated online accounting software seamlessly syncs with bank accounts, allowing users to automatically categorize entries and generate financial reports. In addition to its core accounting product, Freee also offers cloud-based HR labor software and cloud ERP solutions for midsize companies. The company operates on a freemium model, with paid plans starting at approximately 980 JPY per month. Freee gained recognition by winning the Invinity Ventures Summit Launch Pad in 2013, a prestigious demo event in Japan.

Akippa

Venture Round in 2016
Akippa Inc. is a Japanese company that operates a parking lot reservation application designed to facilitate the sharing of parking spaces. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Osaka, with an additional office in Tokyo, Akippa enables users to make online reservations for available parking options, including private garages, vacant lots, and commercial facilities. The platform connects individuals and businesses with unoccupied parking spaces, allowing space owners to monetize their vacancies while providing users with convenient parking solutions. The company's focus is on enhancing the parking experience through its innovative mobile app, which supports peer-to-peer reservations and offers additional services related to parking and car rentals. Akippa was formerly known as Galaxy Agency Inc. before rebranding in February 2015.

SORACOM

Venture Round in 2016
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.

SORACOM

Series B in 2016
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.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.