Dentsu Ventures

Emole is a community platform designed to connect content creators with their audience through short-form drama content. The platform allows users to view brief, one-minute drama episodes, making it convenient for viewers to engage with entertaining content during short breaks in their day. By nurturing and supporting talent, Emole aims to foster creativity and provide a space for creators to showcase their work while appealing to the preferences of modern audiences seeking quick, engaging entertainment.

Heralbony is an art organization dedicated to challenging stereotypes surrounding individuals with disabilities and fostering a new cultural narrative. It operates as an art agency that collaborates with artists from social welfare facilities, providing them with opportunities to gain social status and financial independence. The organization licenses artworks for various applications, including station buildings, office walls, and food packaging. Additionally, Heralbony engages in the planning, manufacturing, and marketing of its own-brand products, such as apparel and miscellaneous goods, further promoting the talents of artists with cognitive disabilities.

Infobox is a sales data platform designed to enhance sales strategies by providing comprehensive insights into potential customers and market dynamics. The platform collects and analyzes detailed information that is not readily available online, including the services utilized by companies, departmental budgets, and strategic measures under consideration. By leveraging this data, Infobox enables businesses to identify prospective customers effectively, optimize sales timing, and implement targeted sales activities. This approach aims to improve order acceptance rates and reduce lead times, ultimately supporting businesses in making informed decisions and driving sales growth.

Fiddler Labs, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence platform designed to help businesses analyze, manage, and deploy their machine learning models effectively. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Fiddler offers an Explainable AI Engine that promotes transparency and understanding in AI solutions. This platform allows users across data science, product, and business teams to comprehend, validate, and manage their AI implementations, ensuring that these systems deliver reliable and trustworthy experiences for end-users. By providing statistical metrics, performance monitoring, and centralized controls, Fiddler aims to make AI more accessible and trustworthy for enterprises, ultimately unlocking the complexities of AI and enhancing user confidence in its applications.

Sushi Top Marketing is an IT company specializing in marketing, consulting, and the utilization of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It operates a platform designed to facilitate NFT distribution, providing services such as NFT certification, town distribution, and various NFT applications. This platform aids businesses in the efficient issuance, reception, and planning of NFTs, thereby promoting a culture of token graph marketing. With its comprehensive approach, Sushi Top Marketing enables organizations to navigate the complexities of the NFT landscape effectively.

Utaite is an operator of an entertainment platform that focuses on planning, production, and development of entertainment content.

Inworld AI is an AI framework powering massive consumer applications. Inworld is funded by VCs including Lightspeed, Stanford University, Kleiner Perkins, Founders Fund, Section 32, M12, Intel Capital, CRV, Bitkraft, and Meta, as well as a team of all-star angels including corporate executives, top VC funds' partners, scouts, and industry veterans.

Fiddler Labs, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence platform designed to help businesses analyze, manage, and deploy their machine learning models effectively. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Fiddler offers an Explainable AI Engine that promotes transparency and understanding in AI solutions. This platform allows users across data science, product, and business teams to comprehend, validate, and manage their AI implementations, ensuring that these systems deliver reliable and trustworthy experiences for end-users. By providing statistical metrics, performance monitoring, and centralized controls, Fiddler aims to make AI more accessible and trustworthy for enterprises, ultimately unlocking the complexities of AI and enhancing user confidence in its applications.

Poko is a technology company that specializes in facilitating payment solutions for the web3 ecosystem, focusing on games, creators, and merchants. Its platform provides a software development kit (SDK) that allows web3 builders to integrate fiat-to-crypto onramping using over 100 local payment methods. This solution significantly lowers onramping costs by up to 70% and enhances transaction success rates by as much as five times through intelligent routing and a streamlined integration process. Additionally, Poko offers a Direct Checkout solution that simplifies purchasing from smart contracts, resulting in a 79% increase in user conversion. With a team that includes experienced professionals from prominent financial institutions and blockchain initiatives, Poko aims to enable seamless engagement with web3 technologies while ensuring that users can transact using their preferred payment methods.

Techtouch, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in developing TechTouch, a digital transformation platform designed to improve operational efficiency for businesses. Its software provides an intuitive website user manual by overlaying explanatory guidance directly onto existing web systems through a browser plug-in and server-side integration. This approach allows for real-time navigation assistance, minimizing the challenges associated with complex system operations. By enhancing system education for employees and promoting better utilization of web resources, Techtouch aims to reduce operational burdens and streamline business processes.

Roforco operates a Roblox game accelerator designed to enhance the success of games through funding, resources, and hands-on support. Founded by YCombinator alumni Artem and Brain, the company has a strong background in game development, having collaborated on numerous top-grossing titles that collectively achieved over 2.74 billion plays and downloads. Previously functioning as a game studio, Roforco's portfolio reached significant milestones, including 10 million monthly active users and 16,000 concurrent users. The company has partnered with notable brands, such as Unilever, creating branded games that garnered over 50 million plays. In 2022, Roforco gained recognition by joining YCombinator's startup accelerator, subsequently securing $1.5 million in seed funding from prominent investors, including industry leaders from Activision and other tech firms. Based in San Francisco, Roforco aims to connect game creators with influencers and provide data-driven support to enhance player engagement, retention, and revenue.

Solsten is an AI company based in Berlin, Germany, that specializes in understanding human behavior in the digital landscape to enhance customer experience. Founded in 2018 by Joe Schaeppi and Bastian Bergmann, the firm offers a customer engagement platform that assists decision-makers in the gaming industry, including executives, researchers, and marketing professionals from medium-to-large studios. Solsten's platform aims to improve user engagement by helping developers locate, retain, and monetize players effectively. It facilitates sustainable monetization strategies, aids in game development, and enables studios to reach untapped audiences, ultimately streamlining the development process and bringing products to market more efficiently.

Pretia Technologies, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that focuses on developing augmented reality (AR) gaming software. The company specializes in creating a gaming platform that integrates virtual and augmented reality technologies, along with 3D localization and mapping capabilities. This platform allows users to access real-world gaming experiences by interacting with digital content linked to specific locations through various devices. In addition to gaming, Pretia also provides internet services and applications tailored to enhance user experiences in augmented reality.

Asobica, Inc. is a Japan-based company focused on the planning, development, and management of Internet businesses. It operates a platform called fever, which is designed to issue community coins and foster community engagement. Asobica aims to enhance user loyalty and corporate growth through innovative software solutions that offer features such as customer relationship management, customer analysis, and application programming interface integration. By leveraging technology and the power of the Internet, Asobica seeks to transform traditional industries and create engaging products that inspire enthusiasm and improve user experiences.

KAUCHE is a share-buying app that enables users to enjoy low-cost shopping by group-buying with share-buying companions such as friends and family. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. KAUCHE is committed in creating an exciting shopping experience for both customers and partners who want to sell products.

Alp, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing technology solutions that address challenges related to company monetization. The company offers a sales and billing management software-as-a-service (SaaS) product known as Scalebase, tailored for recurring revenue businesses, including subscription and SaaS models. Scalebase facilitates the central management of various business operations, such as pricing design, product management, customer management, contract management, billing management, index analysis, advance payment management, and journal entry creation. By streamlining these processes, Alp aims to reduce workload, enhance operational flexibility, and drive revenue growth for its clients in the recurring revenue sector.

Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive analytics platform that analyzes the molecular contents of food and ingredients. Its offerings include Clear Dx™ and Clear Safety™, which utilize next-generation sequencing and data analytics for food safety testing and infectious disease surveillance. Clear Labs serves food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers by ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain and testing products for various factors such as authenticity, contamination, allergens, and nutritional content. The platform delivers actionable insights that enhance safety and operational efficiency while supporting public health initiatives. Through its integrated genomics system, Clear Labs aims to simplify complex diagnostics across clinical and applied markets, making genomic insights accessible to labs, hospitals, and businesses.

Pixel Labs is a media technology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in hyperlocal content discovery, operating in 40 US cities with a focus on delivering news and information down to a 0.2-mile radius. The company uses machine learning and AI to transform raw data into automated stories, producing thousands of hyperlocal articles monthly. Pixel Labs' platform also tags and contextualizes content from various partner publications, adding precise location data and other metadata. Its technology, known as Atlas, analyzes vast amounts of unstructured data to identify and validate the most relevant signals, creating local stories and videos through a blend of editorial input, machine learning, and data science. The company's partners include major entities like ABC, Yahoo Search, MSN, Eventbrite, Uber, CBS, Advance Digital, Zumper, and McClatchy. Pixel Labs has a team of 28 employees and has attracted investments from notable firms such as Greylock, Rakuten, Disney, Social Capital, CRV, Innovation Endeavors, and Joi Ito.

Shuttl is a mobile-based office shuttle service designed to enhance the daily commute experience. The company offers an app that facilitates easy bus booking at affordable flat rates, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey. Shuttl's vehicles are air-conditioned and operate frequently on fixed routes, providing a reliable alternative to traditional public transport. By focusing on safety, dignity, and affordability, Shuttl aims to transform mass transit into a shared, eco-friendly, and tech-enabled solution for commuters. The service targets the challenges of daily travel by eliminating long waits and overcrowding, making it a practical choice for individuals seeking a more efficient way to reach their destinations.

Cue Health Inc. is a healthcare technology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic screening devices for home use. Founded in 2010, the company offers a connected diagnostic platform known as the Cue Health Monitoring System, which allows users to conduct self-serve tests that provide lab-quality results. This platform enables individuals to track key health indicators, including inflammation, vitamin D, fertility, influenza, and testosterone, through a user-friendly device that connects to a smartphone app. The Cue app not only displays test results but also integrates data on lifestyle factors such as activity and sleep, facilitating a comprehensive view of health at a molecular level. Additionally, Cue Health provides various services for healthcare professionals, including tools for managing patient test histories and telemedicine consultations. The company's innovative approach empowers consumers and healthcare providers alike to access critical health information easily and effectively.

Arraiy, Inc. is a company based in Palo Alto, California, focused on developing an AI-driven production platform for the motion picture and television industry. Founded in 2016 and formerly known as opencv.ai, Arraiy utilizes computer vision and machine learning to enhance the filmmaking process. The company collaborates with major studios, industry veterans, and award-winning artists to innovate visual storytelling and integrate real and virtual worlds seamlessly. Through its platform, Arraiy aims to empower creators with greater creative freedom and redefine the standards of visual content production. As of July 2020, Arraiy operates as a subsidiary of Matterport, Inc.

Cheddar is a media and entertainment company that operates live news networks aimed at delivering fresh perspectives on business, technology, culture, and innovation. With a monthly viewership exceeding 6.5 million, Cheddar broadcasts its content across various platforms, including SlingTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter. The company runs two primary networks: Cheddar, which focuses on business news highlighting innovative executives and technologies, and Cheddar Big News, a general news network catering to a younger audience. Broadcasting from notable locations, including the New York Stock Exchange and a street-level studio in New York's Flatiron Building, Cheddar seeks to provide an authentic voice that reflects the diverse interests and intellectual curiosity of its viewers, enabling them to access live and on-demand news. Founded by Jon Steinberg, Cheddar aims to redefine news consumption in a post-cable era.

LiveLike Inc. is a New York-based company that focuses on enhancing fan engagement through its interactive live streaming platform. Established in 2015, it provides broadcasters with tools to create customized, interactive experiences for viewers, particularly in the realm of sports. The platform enables users to watch live sports, access replays, and view sports statistics, while also incorporating features such as watch parties and gamification. These capabilities allow media companies and sports organizations to boost audience engagement, increase viewer retention, and unlock valuable first-party data, ultimately attracting younger audiences and improving monetization opportunities. Additionally, LiveLike has an office in Gurugram, India, further extending its reach in the global market.

FOLIO Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, operates a web-based asset management platform that simplifies the investment process through the use of artificial intelligence. The platform allows users to diversify their investments by selecting specific themes and provides tools for both active and passive stock traders to manage their personal trading securities. By enabling investors to engage with multiple companies, FOLIO helps users mitigate risks associated with stock price fluctuations, making asset management more accessible and efficient.

Nimble Collective, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing a cloud-based animation platform designed to simplify the animation creation process. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Nimble Collective offers a virtual collaborative environment where animators can create, collaborate, and distribute animated content efficiently. The platform, accessible via any web browser, eliminates traditional barriers and allows users to produce high-quality animations with reduced costs and overhead. Additionally, the company engages in online retail, selling a variety of apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and sportswear for all ages.

CLUE, Inc. is a technology startup based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing drone automation software and offers a range of products aimed at various sectors. Notable offerings include DroneRoofer, which facilitates exterior roof inspections and construction surveying, and Drone Construction Management, a software solution for remote construction inspections that supports cloud collaboration on captured images. Additionally, CLUE, Inc. provides Drone View-kun, a software designed for photographing condominiums and properties using drones. Through these innovations, the company aims to enhance efficiency and accuracy in construction and property management.

Loom.ai, based in San Francisco and a Y Combinator alumni, specializes in creating personalized, 3D avatars that enhance virtual communication. The company has developed a platform that utilizes deep learning and computer vision to transform a single photograph into a highly detailed, animatable 3D avatar that captures the unique features of an individual. These avatars can express emotions in real-time and are applicable across a variety of sectors, including mobile messaging, entertainment, augmented and virtual reality, e-commerce, and video conferencing. Loom.ai's innovative approach to virtual identity aims to redefine how people interact in digital spaces. The company has garnered funding from various investors, including DHVC, Dentsu Ventures, and GREE VR Capital.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is a synthetic biology company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of synthetic DNA-based products. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company utilizes a proprietary semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform that writes DNA on silicon chips, allowing for the rapid and cost-effective production of high-quality synthetic DNA. Twist Bioscience's offerings include synthetic genes, tools for sample preparation, antibody libraries for drug discovery, and DNA as a medium for digital data storage. The company serves various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and industrial chemicals, supporting customers in their efforts to enhance lives and promote sustainability. Through its innovative platform, Twist Bioscience aims to overcome traditional inefficiencies in DNA synthesis, enabling researchers to accelerate their projects.

Two Bit Circus, Inc. is an entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in creating and installing micro-amusement parks. These parks, which are approximately one acre in size, combine cutting-edge interactive technology with the traditional elements of circus and carnival. The company's offerings include a wide range of immersive experiences such as games, interactive amusement, stage shows, and aerial performances, alongside food and merchandise like T-shirts and stickers. Two Bit Circus also provides a Park as a Platform program that allows game developers to create location-based entertainment. Committed to community engagement, the company supports the Two Bit Circus Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting STEAM education and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning opportunities for youth. Founded in 2012, Two Bit Circus aims to redefine recreational experiences by fostering social interactions and creativity in a vibrant, engaging environment.

Agile Media Network Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in conversational marketing and advertisement distribution in Japan. Founded in 2007, it operates as an advertising network and blog marketing firm, partnering with prominent blogs and social media platforms to deliver effective marketing solutions. The company is recognized for its comprehensive services, including managing banner ad sales, organizing large-scale blogger meetings, and hosting web industry events. One notable event was WISH 2009, which showcased startups and attracted over 400 attendees. Agile Media Network is one of the largest companies of its kind in Japan, providing innovative marketing services that leverage the Internet and digital platforms.

MacroFab operates an electronics manufacturing platform that facilitates the custom production of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) through its network of North American factories. The company provides a user-friendly service that simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing businesses of all sizes and stages of product development to efficiently prototype and produce their products. By integrating design data and offering early risk feedback, MacroFab enhances transparency and traceability, which helps teams adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. The platform supports the entire lifecycle of product development, from initial prototyping and engineering to supply chain management, enabling hardware technology companies to bring their products to market quickly and effectively.

Survios, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based virtual reality company founded in 2012 that specializes in creating immersive gaming experiences. The company emerged from Project Holodeck, an interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Southern California’s Games program, founded by Nathan Burba, James Iliff, and Alexander Silkin. Survios focuses on developing interactive content that utilizes cutting-edge immersive technology to enhance user engagement. Its games are designed to offer a comprehensive sensory experience, incorporating visuals, sounds, and tactile elements to create a dynamic environment for players. Survios aims to push the boundaries of virtual reality gaming and redefine how users interact with digital content.

LiveLike Inc. is a New York-based company that focuses on enhancing fan engagement through its interactive live streaming platform. Established in 2015, it provides broadcasters with tools to create customized, interactive experiences for viewers, particularly in the realm of sports. The platform enables users to watch live sports, access replays, and view sports statistics, while also incorporating features such as watch parties and gamification. These capabilities allow media companies and sports organizations to boost audience engagement, increase viewer retention, and unlock valuable first-party data, ultimately attracting younger audiences and improving monetization opportunities. Additionally, LiveLike has an office in Gurugram, India, further extending its reach in the global market.

Victorious is a search marketing platform focused on elevating search engine optimization (SEO) as a primary marketing channel rather than a supplementary tactic. Founded in 2013 and based in Santa Monica, California, Victorious develops long-term SEO campaigns that aim to generate compounding returns on investment for clients, ultimately supporting their overarching marketing strategies and business growth. The company offers a comprehensive suite of SEO services designed to enhance online visibility and drive substantial business outcomes. By prioritizing the best interests of both clients and team members, Victorious strives to redefine SEO's role in successful business development.

Exo, Inc. is a producer of protein bars made from cricket flour, offering a range of flavors including cacao nut, blueberry vanilla, apple cinnamon, and peanut butter and jelly. The bars combine cricket flour with organic ingredients such as raw cacao, dates, almond butter, and coconut, resulting in a product that is high in protein, low in sugar, and nutritionally dense. These protein bars are free from gluten, grains, dairy, soy, and artificial preservatives, making them a healthy snack option. Exo serves its customers through wholesalers and an online store. Founded in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Exo operates as a subsidiary of Aspire Food Group USA, Inc.

Cue Health Inc. is a healthcare technology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacturing of diagnostic screening devices for home use. Founded in 2010, the company offers a connected diagnostic platform known as the Cue Health Monitoring System, which allows users to conduct self-serve tests that provide lab-quality results. This platform enables individuals to track key health indicators, including inflammation, vitamin D, fertility, influenza, and testosterone, through a user-friendly device that connects to a smartphone app. The Cue app not only displays test results but also integrates data on lifestyle factors such as activity and sleep, facilitating a comprehensive view of health at a molecular level. Additionally, Cue Health provides various services for healthcare professionals, including tools for managing patient test histories and telemedicine consultations. The company's innovative approach empowers consumers and healthcare providers alike to access critical health information easily and effectively.

Data Vehicle specializes in IT marketing research and consulting, focusing on the planning, production, maintenance, and operation of various media, including digital content. The company develops data analysis tools that streamline the process of big data acquisition and analysis, allowing clients to efficiently prepare and analyze large datasets without requiring programming skills. By emphasizing accessibility and usability, Data Vehicle aims to enhance efficiency in data processing operations for its clients.

Sensai is a content analytics platform designed to assist Sales, Operations, and Finance teams in large organizations. It enables analysts to identify and track emerging concepts within enterprise repositories as well as from public and private data sources. The platform employs innovative methods for clustering and refining results, allowing users to quickly test hypotheses and analyze patterns within the data. Additionally, Sensai offers a content-discovery language that empowers business analysts to query any dataset and obtain insights independently, without requiring assistance from data science or programming teams. This technology supports various applications, including research, governance, and anti-fraud initiatives.

Nextbit Systems Inc. is a mobile technology company that designs and manufactures Android smartphones and accessories. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, the company sells its products online. In addition to hardware, Nextbit develops a software platform for mobile devices, focusing on platform technology that enhances user experience. As of early 2017, Nextbit operates as a subsidiary of Razer Inc.

Jibo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the development and sale of social robots designed to enhance human-robot interaction. The flagship product, Jibo, is the first social robot intended for home use, equipped with advanced Natural Language Understanding, speech, and facial recognition capabilities. Jibo interacts with users by learning their preferences, assisting with everyday tasks, and providing reminders for important events. It aims to foster relationships with users, including adults, seniors, children, and teens. Since its public launch in 2017, Jibo has been marketed across various regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America. The company, incorporated in 2010, focuses on creating electronic companions that simplify daily life and provide emotional engagement.