Asahi Media Lab Ventures

Asahi Media Lab Ventures is the venture capital division of Asahi Shimbun Co., Ltd., established in 2017 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on seed and early to later stage investments primarily in internet, technology, and media companies that are innovating and shaping new lifestyles. It aims to create synergies with the wider Asahi Group and strategically invests in markets such as Japan, Silicon Valley, and New York. By managing venture funds supported by The Asahi Shimbun and its affiliated media companies, Asahi Media Lab Ventures seeks to identify and support early-stage technology startups that are transforming digital media, entertainment, and daily life.

Hiroshi Nozawa

President and CEO

Hiro Nozawa

Managing Director

Kentaro Shiraishi

Partner

Masa Yamada

Partner

30 past transactions

minacolor

Venture Round in 2020
Minacolor Inc. is a Tokyo-based medical IT venture company that operates a web-based healthcare service platform. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on enhancing healthcare accessibility by providing health care information, self-medication support, and home delivery services for prescription medicines. Minacolor aims to innovate healthcare lifestyles and create a more engaging healthcare experience, while also supporting the development of the next generation of medical professionals.

Oxygen

Series A in 2020
Oxygen operates as a digital banking platform that uniquely caters to both personal and business banking needs, addressing the requirements of consumers, small businesses, and freelancers in the modern economy. In addition to its banking services, Oxygen Technical Services offers technology solutions that include computer and network designs, connectivity, website design, and e-commerce solutions. The company's commitment to cybersecurity emphasizes secure data storage, ensuring that backup and recovery processes comply with established standards. To maintain data resiliency, Oxygen implements comprehensive backup strategies and scheduled test restores, safeguarding data from servers, workstations, and various cloud platforms, including Microsoft 365.

Legionfarm

Seed Round in 2020
Legionfarm Group, founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, offers online gaming coaching and training services, allowing gamers to engage directly with professional players. By facilitating paid sessions with top 1% players, Legionfarm enhances the gaming experience for clients, helping them improve their skills and navigate challenging game segments. The platform not only provides entertainment but also enables professional gamers to monetize their expertise, effectively turning their passions into viable careers. Over the past year, Legionfarm has organized more than 400,000 gaming sessions with approximately 8,000 professional players, creating new job opportunities in virtual environments while delivering unique gaming experiences on a global scale.

bravesoft

Series B in 2020
Bravesoft is a software company that specializes in application development and event management services. The company provides a variety of services, including UI/UX design, application consignment development, and technical research. Bravesoft focuses on creating customized applications for both entertainment and corporate purposes, ensuring that clients receive tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. In addition to application development, the company also organizes events, enhancing its comprehensive service offerings.

Legionfarm

Seed Round in 2020
Legionfarm Group, founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, offers online gaming coaching and training services, allowing gamers to engage directly with professional players. By facilitating paid sessions with top 1% players, Legionfarm enhances the gaming experience for clients, helping them improve their skills and navigate challenging game segments. The platform not only provides entertainment but also enables professional gamers to monetize their expertise, effectively turning their passions into viable careers. Over the past year, Legionfarm has organized more than 400,000 gaming sessions with approximately 8,000 professional players, creating new job opportunities in virtual environments while delivering unique gaming experiences on a global scale.

ON

Convertible Note in 2020
GameOn Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in developing a mobile application designed for sports fans. The app facilitates real-time interaction by allowing users to chat with friends while receiving updates such as news, scores, and highlights about their favorite teams. The company also offers a ChatOS platform that enhances brand engagement by connecting fans with relevant content and fostering deeper connections based on their interests. Utilizing a proprietary language model, GameOn's platform enables efficient communication between brands and consumers, supporting user retention and engagement. This innovative approach not only enhances the fan experience but also aids businesses in driving profitability and monetization through effective chat interactions.

Clear

Venture Round in 2020
Clear Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates in the sake brewing industry. The company offers a unique subscription service called "SAKELIFE," which allows customers to explore a variety of sake selections delivered directly to their homes. This business model not only promotes the appreciation of sake but also provides consumers with convenient access to different types of this traditional Japanese beverage.

AppGrooves

Series A in 2020
AppGrooves is a mobile application platform that specializes in collecting, reviewing, and ranking apps across more than 600 categories. It aims to simplify the app discovery process for users by providing tailored recommendations based on their needs. The platform not only helps users find the best apps but also assists brands in increasing their sales through effective indexing. Additionally, AppGrooves offers users the opportunity to save money by accessing verified coupons, promo codes, and discounts, making it a valuable resource for both app enthusiasts and developers seeking to enhance their visibility in a crowded market.

NetOn

Venture Round in 2019
NetOn, Inc. is a consulting and recruitment firm based in Osaka, Japan, established in 2004. The company specializes in providing cloud-based hiring solutions tailored for the Chinese market. Its services focus on web marketing for recruitment, allowing businesses to enhance their hiring processes without depending on traditional job advertisements. NetOn offers a range of solutions, including corporate management, web marketing support, and management of applicant information and recruitment status. By enabling companies to manage their recruitment directly through their own websites, NetOn aims to streamline the application process and improve hiring outcomes for its clients.

PostCoffee

Seed Round in 2019
PostCoffee Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company established in 2018, specializing in the design and development of an online application for coffee enthusiasts. The company operates an online coffee store that offers a subscription service, providing customized coffee boxes featuring a diverse selection of coffee beans, including varieties from Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Brazil, and Vietnam, as well as decaffeinated options. In addition to coffee, PostCoffee also offers sweets and other beverages, enhancing the overall experience for its customers. Through its platform, PostCoffee aims to make daily coffee enjoyable and accessible.

Ramen Hero

Seed Round in 2019
Ramen Hero home delivers authentic ramen kits anyone can make.

Crunch Style

Venture Round in 2019
Crunch Style is a flower subscription service that makes it easy to make a flowery life.Deliver seasonal flowers from approximately 70 florists nationwide. Since it is delivered to the post in a special box, you can receive it even if you are away from work or going out.

Souco

Venture Round in 2019
Souco operates a storage space-sharing platform that provides a flexible and affordable solution for businesses and individuals seeking storage options. By offering a nationwide network of storage facilities available for rent on demand, Souco enables customers to easily find suitable storage for various needs, including inventory, furniture, and personal belongings. The company's services aim to facilitate efficient logistics and contribute positively to society by ensuring that storage resources are accessible when and where they are required.

Twizted Design

Seed Round in 2019
Twizted Design is a software solutions company for graphics production in marketing, advertising, media, entertainment and beyond.

Snaq me

Venture Round in 2019
Snaq.me Co., Ltd., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in personalized snack subscription and delivery services. The company offers a unique “Tasting Box” containing twelve different snacks, which allows customers to evaluate their preferences and create a personalized “preference profile.” This profile guides the selection of eight snacks delivered in subsequent orders, utilizing an original algorithm to tailor choices to individual taste and texture preferences. Snaq.me's commitment to health is reflected in its "Guilt Free" standard, ensuring that all snacks are free from white sugar, artificial additives, high fructose corn syrup, margarine, and shortening. The service is particularly popular among women, with over 90% of its customer base being female, including many pregnant women, mothers with young children, and working women. Snaq.me's focus on quality and customization has garnered a loyal customer base that appreciates healthier snacking options.

ZIG

Venture Round in 2019
ZIG Inc. is a media planning and content production company based in Kawasaki, Japan, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the creation and management of virtual YouTubers, having debuted and produced around 100 of these digital personalities. Additionally, ZIG operates the VTuber fan club "MeChu," which fosters engagement and community among fans of virtual content creators. Through its innovative approach, ZIG aims to enhance the entertainment experience in the growing field of virtual media.

Omniscience

Series A in 2019
Omniscience Corporation, established in 2014 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, specializes in underwriting automation and risk intelligence. The company leverages complex machine learning algorithms and alternative data sources to enhance its offerings. It provides a comprehensive suite of applications designed for underwriting and capital management, aimed at improving efficiency and decision-making in financial services.

Sturfee

Series A in 2019
Sturfee Inc. is a technology company that specializes in augmented reality (AR) solutions, enabling users to visualize and share contextual information about their surroundings through camera-based systems. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, Sturfee has developed a visual positioning service (VPS) that combines satellite imaging and computer vision to provide localization and geometry detection capabilities. This cross-platform software development kit (SDK) supports city-scale AR applications, allowing devices to achieve a deeper understanding of their environments. The VPS technology enhances various products, from smartphones to autonomous vehicles, facilitating features such as location recognition and digital information overlay. Sturfee's innovations aim to improve the visual intelligence of machines, addressing limitations of traditional GPS systems in urban settings.

Kakutoku

Venture Round in 2019
Nitlon Inc. is a company that specializes in crowdsourcing management solutions. Founded by Seiya Mitsuda in 2016, it is headquartered in Beppu, Japan. Nitlon focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of crowdsourcing initiatives, catering to various sectors that require innovative management strategies for engaging a crowd.

600

Seed Round in 2019
600 Inc. is a company based in Shibuya-ku, Japan, specializing in unmanned convenience stores. Founded in 2017, it offers a variety of products including candy, drinks, stationery, and daily necessities through vending machines. In addition to its retail operations, 600 also provides co-working and event spaces primarily located in offices across Tokyo's 23 wards. This dual focus on automated retail and flexible workspaces positions 600 as a versatile player in the evolving consumer and business landscape.

Lovegraph

Venture Round in 2019
Lovegraph Inc. is a photography service provider based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. The company specializes in capturing special moments for couples and families, offering a range of services that include wedding photography, family portraits, and event photography. Lovegraph focuses on creating natural and candid images, allowing couples to express their genuine emotions and memories during significant occasions. In addition to traditional wedding shoots, the company also caters to anniversary celebrations and other personal milestones, providing a personalized experience for clients. Through its unique approach, Lovegraph helps clients preserve their cherished memories with professional photography services.

Twizted Design

Seed Round in 2018
Twizted Design is a software solutions company for graphics production in marketing, advertising, media, entertainment and beyond.

Pixellot

Series B in 2018
Pixellot is a sports media company based in Tel Aviv, Israel, specialized in automatic production solutions for amateur and semi-professional sporting events. Founded in 2013 by experts in video and media technology, Pixellot has developed patented technology that utilizes an unmanned multi-camera system to provide comprehensive coverage of sports fields. This system, paired with advanced algorithms, allows for efficient video production and the automatic generation of highlights. The company streams over 11,000 live video hours monthly, catering to fans, players, and coaches across various platforms. With more than 2,000 systems deployed globally, Pixellot serves minor leagues, high schools, youth academies, and prominent clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Sociedad. Its notable partnerships include ESPN and other major sports media organizations, enhancing its reach and impact in the sports broadcasting industry.

Ookami

Series B in 2018
Ookami, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in sporting entertainment solutions. The company has developed Player!, a social sports entertainment platform that enables users to engage with their favorite sports teams, join fan communities, and access real-time game updates. Through its innovative approach, Ookami aims to enhance the sports experience by integrating social interaction with advanced technology. Additionally, the company offers various technology solutions, focusing on financial services software, application and communication software, software as a service, and online social networking services.

ON

Seed Round in 2018
GameOn Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in developing a mobile application designed for sports fans. The app facilitates real-time interaction by allowing users to chat with friends while receiving updates such as news, scores, and highlights about their favorite teams. The company also offers a ChatOS platform that enhances brand engagement by connecting fans with relevant content and fostering deeper connections based on their interests. Utilizing a proprietary language model, GameOn's platform enables efficient communication between brands and consumers, supporting user retention and engagement. This innovative approach not only enhances the fan experience but also aids businesses in driving profitability and monetization through effective chat interactions.

Sitateru

Series B in 2018
Sitateru is a product manufacturing platform that supports garment brands throughout the entire process, from product planning to production and delivery. It connects independent fashion brands and retailers with garment factories, facilitating their clothing production needs. By establishing a network among these entities, Sitateru enables clients to explore expansion opportunities and streamline their operations in the clothing industry. This tailor-controlled system enhances the efficiency of production while catering to the specific requirements of clothing companies.

EME hive

Series A in 2018
EME is a community-based, social live streaming app for finding like-minded friends and partners. Through the power of live streaming technology, users are able to form real-time connections with members of their own communities. By offering a subscription dating service as well as a live streaming platform, EME makes it easy for users to flirt, chat, and date in real-time -- all within the same app.

Crunch Style

Venture Round in 2018
Crunch Style is a flower subscription service that makes it easy to make a flowery life.Deliver seasonal flowers from approximately 70 florists nationwide. Since it is delivered to the post in a special box, you can receive it even if you are away from work or going out.

Sturfee

Seed Round in 2017
Sturfee Inc. is a technology company that specializes in augmented reality (AR) solutions, enabling users to visualize and share contextual information about their surroundings through camera-based systems. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milpitas, California, Sturfee has developed a visual positioning service (VPS) that combines satellite imaging and computer vision to provide localization and geometry detection capabilities. This cross-platform software development kit (SDK) supports city-scale AR applications, allowing devices to achieve a deeper understanding of their environments. The VPS technology enhances various products, from smartphones to autonomous vehicles, facilitating features such as location recognition and digital information overlay. Sturfee's innovations aim to improve the visual intelligence of machines, addressing limitations of traditional GPS systems in urban settings.
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