Global Brain

Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.

Hogil Doh

General Partner, Investment Group

Harue Hayashi

Partner & Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Tomoaki Ishikure

Partner

Hiroyoshi Iwata

Director

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner

Naoki Kamimaeda

Partner, Europe Division Head London Office Representative

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner

Kirin Kato

Principal

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Kenta Kitsuka Ph.D

General Partner, Investment Group

Jiro Kumakura

General Partner

Ai Minamizaki

Principal

Kazuhiko Miyama

General Partner, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner

Ayu Shinoyama

Corporate Management Group Partner & Chief Financial Officer

Hiroto Sorita

Principal

Keisuke Tatsuoka

General Partner, Investment Group

Marika Tazaki

Principal

Hirotaka Togashi

Director, Investment Group

Noriko Usui

Partner & Chief Fund Management Officer

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

CEO

Past deals in Singapore

Docquity

Series C in 2022
Docquity Holdings PTE Limited is a Singapore-based company that has developed a mobile application designed for physicians to connect and share experiences in real time. Founded in 2013, the platform facilitates clinical discussions, continuing medical education, peer consultations, and medico-legal support in a secure environment. It provides doctors with access to real-world medical experiences and clinical cases, enabling them to engage with trusted peers while earning accredited continuing medical education credits from recognized medical institutions. By fostering a continual learning network, Docquity aims to enhance healthcare practices globally through collaboration and knowledge sharing among medical professionals.

iPrice Group

Venture Round in 2022
iPrice Group Sdn Bhd operates an e-commerce platform. The company offers electronics, clothing, shoes, bags, watches, jeweler, kids and toys, sports and outdoors, and home and living products. The company also provides products in various categories, such as kitchen and dining, cooling, women’s ethnic wear, skin care, men’s sneakers, strollers and carriers, makeup, backpacks, women’s dresses, accessories, food supplements, hair care, smartphones, LED, cases and covers, men’s shoes, gadgets, women’s heels, sport, fashion watches, travel, headphones, bedroom, casual, beauty and health, medical equipment, and cycling products. It serves clients in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SWAT Mobility

Venture Round in 2021
SWAT Mobility’s vehicle-routing technology helps companies, transport operators and government agencies around the world solve complex transportation challenges. We are the first in Asia to run high-capacity vehicle pooling services that is both on-demand and dynamically-routed. We also have proven results in helping our clients reduce transportation costs, improve city connectivity and reduce traffic congestion woes. Our technology tops the industry Li & Lim's benchmark, and with our cutting-edge smart mobility optimisation engine, we are future-ready for the world of autonomous vehicles.

Railsr

Private Equity Round in 2020
Railsbank Technology Ltd develops an API banking and compliance technology platform that connects together a global network of partner banks with companies. The platform provides companies with access to wholesale banking services in five lines of code. It enables users to create bank accounts, streamline technical integration with banks, and connect to payment schemes to receive and send money to/from these accounts. Railsbank Technology Ltd was founded in 2016 and is based in London, United Kingdom with additional offices located in Singapore, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

GeoSpock

Venture Round in 2020
GeoSpock Limited develops data indexing platform, which provides analytics, builds insight, and enables predictions across space and time. The company's products include GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise that offers cloud-based database service for all location tagged information and enables the user to carry out dynamic data fusion and query complex data for performance analytics. It powers any location based service from real time tracking of entire logistics fleets to local taxi finding application. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom with additional offices in Tokyo, Japan; and Singapore.

kompany

Venture Round in 2020
kompany is the RegTech platform for Global Business Verification and Business KYC providing the audit-proof, primary source, and time-stamped company information from 150+ jurisdictions in real-time. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has offices in Singapore and the UK. Since being founded in 2012, kompany has attracted a unique pool of top developers, regulatory experts, and product managers from around the world. It is a government licensed clearing house and official distributor for commercial and business registers in multiple countries worldwide.

Railsr

Series A in 2020
Railsbank Technology Ltd develops an API banking and compliance technology platform that connects together a global network of partner banks with companies. The platform provides companies with access to wholesale banking services in five lines of code. It enables users to create bank accounts, streamline technical integration with banks, and connect to payment schemes to receive and send money to/from these accounts. Railsbank Technology Ltd was founded in 2016 and is based in London, United Kingdom with additional offices located in Singapore, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.

GeoSpock

Series B in 2019
GeoSpock Limited develops data indexing platform, which provides analytics, builds insight, and enables predictions across space and time. The company's products include GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise that offers cloud-based database service for all location tagged information and enables the user to carry out dynamic data fusion and query complex data for performance analytics. It powers any location based service from real time tracking of entire logistics fleets to local taxi finding application. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom with additional offices in Tokyo, Japan; and Singapore.

Perlin

Venture Round in 2018
Perlin is a Singapore-based company that specializes in developing decentralized enterprise tools and network platforms aimed at enhancing global digital economies and marketplaces. Founded in 2018, Perlin has created WAVELET, a scalable decentralized distributed ledger designed for both consumers and commercial enterprises. This platform includes several applications, such as PERLIN CLARIFY for value chain traceability, PERLIN CERTIFY for product authentication, and PERLIN CUMULUS, which offers decentralized cloud computing services. The company collaborates with organizations like the ICC to promote the use of distributed ledger technologies, aiming to foster efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability across various industries.

UnaBiz

Series A in 2018
UnaBiz Pte Ltd is an Internet of Things (IoT) solutions company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, with an additional office in Taipei, Taiwan. The company specializes in providing low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) services, notably through its partnership with SIGFOX. UnaBiz offers a range of affordable, energy-efficient products, including wireless infrastructure, IoT devices, and solutions for various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, utilities, and building management. Its offerings encompass product design, manufacturing, and consulting services, enabling clients to implement solutions for smart metering, asset management, and tracking. The company has established itself as a key player in the IoT ecosystem, operating in 28 countries and focusing on scalability and ease of deployment in its solutions. UnaBiz has received ISO 9001:2015 certification for its design and connectivity services, further underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation in the IoT landscape.

GeoSpock

Series A in 2018
GeoSpock Limited develops data indexing platform, which provides analytics, builds insight, and enables predictions across space and time. The company's products include GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise that offers cloud-based database service for all location tagged information and enables the user to carry out dynamic data fusion and query complex data for performance analytics. It powers any location based service from real time tracking of entire logistics fleets to local taxi finding application. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom with additional offices in Tokyo, Japan; and Singapore.

Digix

Seed Round in 2017
Digix is a smart asset company that uses Blockchain technology to represent physical gold with tokens. Digix aims to build stronghold of real-world assets represented as tokens on Blockchain. It was founded in 2014 and is based in Singapore, Central Region.

Bluzelle

Series A in 2017
Bluzelle Networks Pte Ltd. develops a decentralized, blockchain-based database platform that distributes data across many nodes, instead of storing all information in a centralized cloud system. It enables renting individuals' computer storage space to earn tokens while dApp developers use tokens to have their dApp's data stored and managed. It caters to software developers and enterprise software architects. Bluzelle Networks Pte Ltd. was founded in 2014 and is based in Singapore with additional office in Vancouver, Canada.

Eyeota

Series A in 2016
Eyeota is an audience technology platform that enables the intelligent use of data. We work with marketers, data owners and research companies to provide distinct, comprehensive and qualified audience data. Our technology platform transforms audience data so that organizations can make smarter business decisions, understand customers and enrich marketing strategies. Eyeota was founded in 2010 and operates in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. For more information, please visit www.eyeota.com.

Arcstone

Seed Round in 2015
Arcstone Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based company that specializes in developing and marketing manufacturing software solutions. Founded in 2013, it offers a comprehensive platform known as the Arcstone Operations Platform (arc.ops), which integrates various data streams from IoT sensors, machines, ERPs, and workstation tablets. This platform enables manufacturers to monitor, track, visualize, and control production operations, facilitating both automated and manual processes in manufacturing, machine maintenance, and warehousing. By operationalizing data, Arcstone empowers facility managers to enhance visibility and control, leading to significant cost reductions and quality improvements across the manufacturing supply chain. The company also has a presence in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, highlighting its regional commitment to optimizing operational efficiency.

Eyeota

Venture Round in 2015
Eyeota is an audience technology platform that enables the intelligent use of data. We work with marketers, data owners and research companies to provide distinct, comprehensive and qualified audience data. Our technology platform transforms audience data so that organizations can make smarter business decisions, understand customers and enrich marketing strategies. Eyeota was founded in 2010 and operates in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. For more information, please visit www.eyeota.com.

Near

Series B in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

Near

Venture Round in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

Luxola

Venture Round in 2014
Luxola Pte Ltd is an online retailer based in Singapore, specializing in a wide range of cosmetic and skincare products. Founded in 2011, Luxola has emerged as a prominent destination for beauty in Southeast Asia, offering over 4,000 products from more than 250 brands, including exclusive offerings. The company's extensive product range includes face, eye, and lip makeup, as well as skincare and hair care items, anti-aging solutions, and baby care products. Additionally, Luxola provides tools and accessories, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience for both men and women. The platform emphasizes customer education by offering product reviews and 'how-to' advice tailored to various skin types. Luxola also engages its audience through LX Edit, a digital lifestyle magazine that features insights on makeup, skincare, and fashion trends. In 2015, Luxola became a subsidiary of Sephora Singapore Pte. Ltd., further enhancing its market presence.

VCNC

Series C in 2014
VCNC Inc., doing business as Value Creators & Company, provides mobile applications for social relationships. It offers Between, a mobile application for couples in love that enables users to chat, track anniversaries, share photos and video, and plan programs together in one private space. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Seoul, South Korea with additional locations in Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Bangkok, Thailand; and Singapore.

Luxola

Series B in 2014
Luxola Pte Ltd is an online retailer based in Singapore, specializing in a wide range of cosmetic and skincare products. Founded in 2011, Luxola has emerged as a prominent destination for beauty in Southeast Asia, offering over 4,000 products from more than 250 brands, including exclusive offerings. The company's extensive product range includes face, eye, and lip makeup, as well as skincare and hair care items, anti-aging solutions, and baby care products. Additionally, Luxola provides tools and accessories, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience for both men and women. The platform emphasizes customer education by offering product reviews and 'how-to' advice tailored to various skin types. Luxola also engages its audience through LX Edit, a digital lifestyle magazine that features insights on makeup, skincare, and fashion trends. In 2015, Luxola became a subsidiary of Sephora Singapore Pte. Ltd., further enhancing its market presence.

5Rocks

Seed Round in 2013
5Rocks is a Korean startup that provides a mobile game analytics service, “5Rocks”. Its main service feature is segment-specific user behavior analytics that provides detailed analysis of users appropriate to the characteristics of different types of games, and enables the simultaneous operation and marketing of a game based on those results. Recognized for its technical excellence, 5Rocks received 2.55 billion KRW (2.3 million USD) from Japanese venture capital firm, Global Brain, in August 2013 and launched in the Japanese market. The company currently has about 450 clients around the world, including in South Korea, Japan, US, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and is planning to enter the U.S. market in 2014. 5Rocks, which was founded in September 2010, raised 2 billion KRW (1.8 million USD) in a Series A round from Stonebridge Capital in May 2011.

5Rocks

Venture Round in 2013
5Rocks is a Korean startup that provides a mobile game analytics service, “5Rocks”. Its main service feature is segment-specific user behavior analytics that provides detailed analysis of users appropriate to the characteristics of different types of games, and enables the simultaneous operation and marketing of a game based on those results. Recognized for its technical excellence, 5Rocks received 2.55 billion KRW (2.3 million USD) from Japanese venture capital firm, Global Brain, in August 2013 and launched in the Japanese market. The company currently has about 450 clients around the world, including in South Korea, Japan, US, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and is planning to enter the U.S. market in 2014. 5Rocks, which was founded in September 2010, raised 2 billion KRW (1.8 million USD) in a Series A round from Stonebridge Capital in May 2011.

Geniee

Seed Round in 2011
A member of SoftBank Group, GENIEE (TSE6562) is a public global AdTech/MarTech company listed in Tokyo stock exchange market. Geniee helps to maximize your Ad Revenue with High-end Technology. As a member of SoftBank Group, GENIEE and SoftBank Group are working closely together to lead the Digital Advertising and Marketing Technology and the further Global Expansion.