Lisse, established in 2018 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing and providing automatic contract review solutions. The company offers a 24-hour contract checking service, LeCHECK, which employs AI to support contract checking and creation. Additionally, Lisse provides LeTRANSLATE, a real-time, high-quality machine translation tool for English contracts. By combining legal expertise with technology, Lisse aims to enhance corporate legal affairs, mitigate transaction risks, and foster a dispute-free society.
Paytner
Venture Round in 2024
Paytner is a company focused on providing financial support services specifically tailored for freelancers in Japan. As the freelance workforce continues to grow, the company addresses various challenges faced by this demographic, including funding issues and workplace harassment. Paytner has developed an online invoicing platform that allows freelancers to sell their invoices to business partners for immediate payment, typically within an hour. By facilitating the purchase of invoice information before deposits are made, Paytner enables clients to access funds quickly while managing their payment cycles more effectively. This innovative approach aims to enhance the financial stability of freelancers and improve the overall working environment in the evolving landscape of freelance employment.
Smartpay
Seed Round in 2024
Smartpay offers a unique buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment solution tailored for Japanese consumers with credit cards. Distinct from traditional BNPL services, Smartpay charges no fees, including sign-up, interest, settlement, or late charges. It features a user-friendly payment process that allows consumers to complete transactions in as little as 10 seconds, facilitating cross-merchant and cross-platform checkout. The payment structure is straightforward, requiring customers to make three equal installments over an eight-week period, eliminating the need for in-person payments at convenience stores or bank transfer fees. By enhancing the consumer payment experience while supporting merchant growth, Smartpay aims to improve overall transaction efficiency in the Japanese market.
SmartRyde
Series A in 2021
SmartRyde is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in airport transfer services. It operates a reservation platform that connects travelers with a wide variety of transportation options from over 650 operators worldwide. SmartRyde’s platform is designed to facilitate safe and seamless airport transfers, allowing users to pre-book their rides from a diverse selection of car models. The company also collaborates with more than 25 online travel agencies, including major players like Booking.com and Expedia, to enhance its service offerings. By focusing on customer support and ease of use, SmartRyde aims to make travel more comfortable and efficient for its users.
Dirigio
Seed Round in 2019
Dirigio, Inc. is a technology company based in Yokohama, Japan, founded in 2016. It specializes in the development of a mobile order and pay application called PICKS, which facilitates a seamless food takeout experience. The application allows users to pre-order meals, browse restaurant menus, and make cashless payments directly from their smartphones. This innovative platform enables customers to discover restaurants, place orders, and pick up freshly prepared food without the need to wait in line, enhancing convenience and efficiency in the dining experience.
SmartRyde
Seed Round in 2018
SmartRyde is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in airport transfer services. It operates a reservation platform that connects travelers with a wide variety of transportation options from over 650 operators worldwide. SmartRyde’s platform is designed to facilitate safe and seamless airport transfers, allowing users to pre-book their rides from a diverse selection of car models. The company also collaborates with more than 25 online travel agencies, including major players like Booking.com and Expedia, to enhance its service offerings. By focusing on customer support and ease of use, SmartRyde aims to make travel more comfortable and efficient for its users.
ONDECK
Venture Round in 2018
ONDECK is a firm that provides merger and acquisition intermediary and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises. It acts as an M&A intermediary offering brokerage, mediation, and advisory services, including due diligence, corporate and business revitalization, and restructuring support. The company also addresses succession and people-focused aspects of transactions and emphasizes issues on the transfer side in SME M&A. Based in Osaka, Japan, ONDECK was founded in 2005.
Heartseed
Series A in 2018
Heartseed Inc. is a Tokyo-based biotechnology company founded in 2015, focused on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company's mission is to advance treatments for heart disease through regenerative medicine, specifically targeting advanced heart failure with iPS cell-derived cardiomyocyte replacement therapy. Heartseed aims to enable the clinical application of its innovative therapies to improve outcomes for patients suffering from heart conditions.
Lisuto AI
Seed Round in 2017
Lisuto AI specializes in enhancing marketplace sellers' visibility through its Marketplace Optimization Platform. This platform employs AI-driven technologies for listing content optimization, competitive analysis, and advertising management across multiple marketplaces. Initially focusing on Japan's leading platforms like Rakuten and Yahoo Shopping, Lisuto AI aims to expand globally.
Heartseed
Seed Round in 2016
Heartseed Inc. is a Tokyo-based biotechnology company founded in 2015, focused on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company's mission is to advance treatments for heart disease through regenerative medicine, specifically targeting advanced heart failure with iPS cell-derived cardiomyocyte replacement therapy. Heartseed aims to enable the clinical application of its innovative therapies to improve outcomes for patients suffering from heart conditions.