Investor directory

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.

Focus

Scale StageSeries AEarly VentureSeries BSeries CShow more
http://globalbrains.co.jp/
http://globalbrains.com
https://crunchbase.com/organization/global-brain-corporation
https://facebook.com/globalbrains.jp
https://linkedin.com/company/globalbrain
https://pitchbook.com/profiles/investor/52202-35
https://signal.nfx.com/firms/global-brain
https://twitter.com/globalbrains_jp
https://www.capitaliq.com/CIQDotNet/company.aspx?companyId=54917887
https://www.privateequityinternational.com/database/#/profile?id=14058

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

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

Hirotaka Togashi

Director, Investment Group

Noriko Usui

Partner & Chief Fund Management Officer

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

CEO

Past deals in Japan

Elephantech

Series D in 2023
Elephantech Inc., founded in January 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on innovating the manufacturing of electronic circuits. The company seeks to revolutionize this field by employing inkjet printing technology, which allows for the precise application of metal only where needed, in contrast to traditional photolithography methods that waste materials and increase costs. This novel approach not only reduces the quantity of materials used but also minimizes the number of manufacturing processes, resulting in a significant cost reduction of up to 80% for prototype production. Elephantech's technology is particularly advantageous for on-demand manufacturing, making it an appealing option for small-batch production without the need for substantial initial investment. With a commitment to enhancing global manufacturing capabilities, Elephantech aims to lead the industry with its advanced techniques for producing printed wiring boards.

Sumutasu

Series B in 2022
Sumutasu, Inc. develops and sells residential properties in Japan. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

iCARE

Series E in 2022
iCARE Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2011 that specializes in health management systems. It operates a cloud-based platform designed to manage and store health information for employees. iCARE is recognized as the leading health and labor cloud service in Japan, catering to the needs of both small and medium-sized enterprises experiencing workforce challenges, as well as large corporations seeking to expand globally. The company's focus on health consulting and the development of effective health management solutions positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of employee health services.

CADDi

Series B in 2021
Caddi, Inc. provides technology solutions to the manufacturing sector in Japan. It engages in management of order placement. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Receptionist

Series A in 2021
Delighted is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in developing a reception system designed to enhance communication within businesses. Founded in 2016, the company offers an application that replaces traditional messaging tools reliant on internal landlines. This innovative system allows for direct notifications to smartphones, informing staff of the person in charge without the need for telephone operators. By streamlining communication, Delighted helps organizations reduce meeting start times and improve overall efficiency in reception services.

any.

Venture Round in 2021
any.inc. operates a knowledge and information sharing platform. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

any.

Series A in 2021
any.inc. operates a knowledge and information sharing platform. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Ginkan

Venture Round in 2021
GINKAN is the managing company of SynchroLife, the world's first restaurant recommendation platform where users and can earn cryptocurrency token rewards for dining out and posting restaurant reviews. GINKAN was selected for Plug and Play Japan Batch 1 in the fintech category and we won for best domestic fintech company and won the audience award at the Plug and Play Japan Batch 1 EXPO (Demo Day) in September 2018. GINKAN was also selected for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s MUFG Digital Accelerator’s Batch 4 and won the Grand Prix, Audience Award, and AWS Award in a triple win on their demo day on July 26, 2019.

Rehab

Series C in 2021
Rehab for Japan Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for nursing care facilities. Established in 2016, the company focuses on developing a unique rehabilitation platform specifically designed for day service operations. Through its cloud support services, Rehab for Japan aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation processes in nursing care establishments, addressing the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions in the region.

Fermata

Venture Round in 2021
Fermata creates a community and start-up ecosystem to accelerate the development of the Femtech industry. The company was founded in 2019 and based in Meguro, Tokyo.

kikitori

Seed Round in 2021
kikitori Co., Ltd. develops a platform that connects producers and consumers for food distribution. The company, through its platform, connects consumers with organic farmers. The company offers bando, an application that helps in daily collection and sales of material, order of material, and creation of related documents for transactions without using telephone, fax, and handwriting. The company also owns and operates fruit and vegetable stores. The company sells its products online and through the stores. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Tokyo, Japan

iCARE

Series D in 2020
iCARE Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2011 that specializes in health management systems. It operates a cloud-based platform designed to manage and store health information for employees. iCARE is recognized as the leading health and labor cloud service in Japan, catering to the needs of both small and medium-sized enterprises experiencing workforce challenges, as well as large corporations seeking to expand globally. The company's focus on health consulting and the development of effective health management solutions positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of employee health services.

The Chain Museum

Series A in 2020
The Chain Museum is an art museum located in the Newman Yokohama commercial facility in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 2018, it serves as a platform for artists to showcase their work, featuring a diverse array of art forms including installations, paintings, and performing arts. The museum focuses on integrating technology with art to create connections between individuals and artists, allowing visitors to experience a variety of artistic styles from around the world. By curating exhibitions that include both renowned and emerging artists, The Chain Museum fosters an appreciation for contemporary art in a unique setting.

Okan, Inc.

Venture Round in 2020
Okan, Inc. is a food service company that specializes in delivering Japanese deli foods to both corporate clients and individual consumers. The company's mission is to enhance the lifestyle of workers by providing convenient access to quality Japanese cuisine. Through its delivery service, Okan aims to cater to the growing demand for diverse and healthy meal options in the workplace and beyond.

any.

Venture Round in 2020
any.inc. operates a knowledge and information sharing platform. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Creema

Series C in 2019
Creema Ltd. is an online marketplace based in Tokyo, Japan, that connects creators and consumers for the direct sale of handmade products. Founded in 2009, the platform offers a diverse range of categories, including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, fashion items, and furniture, among others. In addition to facilitating online transactions, Creema also organizes exhibitions and events to showcase creators' work. The company emphasizes social commerce and provides related services to enhance the buying and selling experience for its users.

iCARE

Venture Round in 2019
iCARE Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2011 that specializes in health management systems. It operates a cloud-based platform designed to manage and store health information for employees. iCARE is recognized as the leading health and labor cloud service in Japan, catering to the needs of both small and medium-sized enterprises experiencing workforce challenges, as well as large corporations seeking to expand globally. The company's focus on health consulting and the development of effective health management solutions positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of employee health services.

Base Food

Series A in 2019
BASE FOOD Inc. manufactures food products, such as pasta and spaghetti. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Taskey

Venture Round in 2019
Taskey, Inc. develops software used by novelists and illustrators to create stories. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Hosty Inc.

Venture Round in 2019
Hosty Inc. owns, operates, and manages a chain of unmanned hotel under the brand name Mizuka. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Fukuoka, Japan.

CADDi

Series A in 2018
Caddi, Inc. provides technology solutions to the manufacturing sector in Japan. It engages in management of order placement. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Base Food

Series A in 2018
BASE FOOD Inc. manufactures food products, such as pasta and spaghetti. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Okan, Inc.

Venture Round in 2018
Okan, Inc. is a food service company that specializes in delivering Japanese deli foods to both corporate clients and individual consumers. The company's mission is to enhance the lifestyle of workers by providing convenient access to quality Japanese cuisine. Through its delivery service, Okan aims to cater to the growing demand for diverse and healthy meal options in the workplace and beyond.

Creema

Venture Round in 2018
Creema Ltd. is an online marketplace based in Tokyo, Japan, that connects creators and consumers for the direct sale of handmade products. Founded in 2009, the platform offers a diverse range of categories, including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, fashion items, and furniture, among others. In addition to facilitating online transactions, Creema also organizes exhibitions and events to showcase creators' work. The company emphasizes social commerce and provides related services to enhance the buying and selling experience for its users.

Base

Series B in 2018
BASE, Inc. is an e-commerce platform developer based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the planning, development, and operation of web services. The company operates through three main segments: BASE Business, which includes an online shop opening service and a smartphone shopping app; PAY Business, which offers PAY.JP, a service for developers to integrate credit card payments into web services and e-commerce, as well as PAY ID, a payment identification service; and Other Business, which encompasses YELL BANK, a financial service designed to assist shop owners in raising funds through its online services. Founded in 2012, BASE aims to facilitate the attraction of online shoppers for its users.

Flamingo

Venture Round in 2017
Flamingo Inc. is a company based in Kusatsu City, Japan, that offers language lessons through a mobile application. Users can connect with native speakers for lessons priced at 2,000 yen per hour, providing an accessible way to learn languages in a café setting. The company's mission is to foster a multicultural society through the use of information technology, facilitating language acquisition and cultural exchange.

Base Food

Seed Round in 2017
BASE FOOD Inc. manufactures food products, such as pasta and spaghetti. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Translimit

Venture Round in 2017
Translimit, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Shibuya-ku, Japan, specializes in designing and developing mobile applications, notably the quiz game BrainWars. This application engages players in competitive mental exercises through three sets of games, fostering a stimulating environment for users. The company's founders, Hiroki Takaba and Takuma Kudo, have a background in the gaming industry, having previously collaborated on various projects, including the virtual avatar service Ameba Pico and the mobile social game Girl Friend BETA. Translimit is also involved in the Movida Japan incubation program, which supports startups in the Tokyo area.

Raksul

Series D in 2016
Raksul Inc. provides printing services in Japan. It prints newspaper folding products, station stage posters, business cards, cards, business materials, greeting cards, signs/displays, designing on PC online, posts, flyers, posters, tickets, fans, slips, eating/store tools, direct mails, print brochures/catalogs, postcards, files and folders, flags, desktop POPs, novelties/goods, TV commercials, fold brochures, envelopes, seals and stickers, curtains/goodwill products, calendars, and new year's cards. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

LivingStyle

Series A in 2016
LivingStyle, Inc. owns and operates platform for interior layout simulation services. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Creema

Series B in 2016
Creema Ltd. is an online marketplace based in Tokyo, Japan, that connects creators and consumers for the direct sale of handmade products. Founded in 2009, the platform offers a diverse range of categories, including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, fashion items, and furniture, among others. In addition to facilitating online transactions, Creema also organizes exhibitions and events to showcase creators' work. The company emphasizes social commerce and provides related services to enhance the buying and selling experience for its users.

Kabuku

Series A in 2015
Kabuku Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in on-demand manufacturing services and 3D printing solutions. Founded in 2013, it operates through three main service platforms: Rinkak Business, Rinkak Factory, and Rinkak Marketplace. The company offers a comprehensive range of services including consulting, 3D design, production, shipping, and after-sales support via its Kabuku Connect service, which utilizes a global network of manufacturing partners. Additionally, the Kabuku MMS platform streamlines essential tasks for 3D printing service bureaus and manufacturers, covering quotation, order management, and invoicing. Kabuku also runs Rinkak.com, a digital marketplace where users can order a variety of 3D models. The company has collaborated with notable brands and agencies such as Dentsu, Toyota, and Fuji TV, establishing a strong presence in the 3D printing industry across 30 countries. As of September 2017, Kabuku operates as a subsidiary of Futaba Corporation.

Kabuku

Seed Round in 2015
Kabuku Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in on-demand manufacturing services and 3D printing solutions. Founded in 2013, it operates through three main service platforms: Rinkak Business, Rinkak Factory, and Rinkak Marketplace. The company offers a comprehensive range of services including consulting, 3D design, production, shipping, and after-sales support via its Kabuku Connect service, which utilizes a global network of manufacturing partners. Additionally, the Kabuku MMS platform streamlines essential tasks for 3D printing service bureaus and manufacturers, covering quotation, order management, and invoicing. Kabuku also runs Rinkak.com, a digital marketplace where users can order a variety of 3D models. The company has collaborated with notable brands and agencies such as Dentsu, Toyota, and Fuji TV, establishing a strong presence in the 3D printing industry across 30 countries. As of September 2017, Kabuku operates as a subsidiary of Futaba Corporation.

chikyu

Venture Round in 2015
Chikyu Inc. offers customer management, negotiation management, data analysis, and development of cloud-based marketing support software. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Creema

Venture Round in 2015
Creema Ltd. is an online marketplace based in Tokyo, Japan, that connects creators and consumers for the direct sale of handmade products. Founded in 2009, the platform offers a diverse range of categories, including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, fashion items, and furniture, among others. In addition to facilitating online transactions, Creema also organizes exhibitions and events to showcase creators' work. The company emphasizes social commerce and provides related services to enhance the buying and selling experience for its users.

Raksul

Series C in 2015
Raksul Inc. provides printing services in Japan. It prints newspaper folding products, station stage posters, business cards, cards, business materials, greeting cards, signs/displays, designing on PC online, posts, flyers, posters, tickets, fans, slips, eating/store tools, direct mails, print brochures/catalogs, postcards, files and folders, flags, desktop POPs, novelties/goods, TV commercials, fold brochures, envelopes, seals and stickers, curtains/goodwill products, calendars, and new year's cards. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

4meee

Seed Round in 2014
4meee is an e-commerce and curated fashion site for young women. Tokyo-based Rocket Venture,

Creema

Series A in 2014
Creema Ltd. is an online marketplace based in Tokyo, Japan, that connects creators and consumers for the direct sale of handmade products. Founded in 2009, the platform offers a diverse range of categories, including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, fashion items, and furniture, among others. In addition to facilitating online transactions, Creema also organizes exhibitions and events to showcase creators' work. The company emphasizes social commerce and provides related services to enhance the buying and selling experience for its users.

Base

Seed Round in 2014
BASE, Inc. is an e-commerce platform developer based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the planning, development, and operation of web services. The company operates through three main segments: BASE Business, which includes an online shop opening service and a smartphone shopping app; PAY Business, which offers PAY.JP, a service for developers to integrate credit card payments into web services and e-commerce, as well as PAY ID, a payment identification service; and Other Business, which encompasses YELL BANK, a financial service designed to assist shop owners in raising funds through its online services. Founded in 2012, BASE aims to facilitate the attraction of online shoppers for its users.

Raksul

Series B in 2014
Raksul Inc. provides printing services in Japan. It prints newspaper folding products, station stage posters, business cards, cards, business materials, greeting cards, signs/displays, designing on PC online, posts, flyers, posters, tickets, fans, slips, eating/store tools, direct mails, print brochures/catalogs, postcards, files and folders, flags, desktop POPs, novelties/goods, TV commercials, fold brochures, envelopes, seals and stickers, curtains/goodwill products, calendars, and new year's cards. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

LUXA

Series A in 2013
Luxa is a Japanese group coupon buying site. Luxa is similar to daily-deals site Groupon, but it positions itself towards the higher-income demographic by listing only premium items such as branded cosmetics and alcohol, and up-market restaurants. It says it has around 350,000 members in Japan. Swimmy Minami Profile PhotoIts headquarters is in Tokyo, and it just opened offices in Nagoya and Fukuoka, to add to its second office in Osaka, which it opened last year.

RareJob

Venture Round in 2013
Rarejob is an online platform that offers English learning services for individual and corporate needs. Its operations are based in Shibuya, Japan.

RareJob

Seed Round in 2008
Rarejob is an online platform that offers English learning services for individual and corporate needs. Its operations are based in Shibuya, Japan.

Tri-Stage

Seed Round in 2007
Tri-Stage is a direct marketing support company based in Japan, recognized as a pioneer in the industry. The firm specializes in offering comprehensive marketing services to enhance mail-order sales for its clients. Utilizing various media channels, including television and the Internet, Tri-Stage assists marketing companies in acquiring customers and promoting products and services effectively. The company’s extensive experience and proven track record enable it to provide high-quality solutions that support the entire customer management process, ultimately contributing to the success of its clients in the competitive market.

Tri-Stage

Angel Round in 2006
Tri-Stage is a direct marketing support company based in Japan, recognized as a pioneer in the industry. The firm specializes in offering comprehensive marketing services to enhance mail-order sales for its clients. Utilizing various media channels, including television and the Internet, Tri-Stage assists marketing companies in acquiring customers and promoting products and services effectively. The company’s extensive experience and proven track record enable it to provide high-quality solutions that support the entire customer management process, ultimately contributing to the success of its clients in the competitive market.

Tri-Stage

Angel Round in 2006
Tri-Stage is a direct marketing support company based in Japan, recognized as a pioneer in the industry. The firm specializes in offering comprehensive marketing services to enhance mail-order sales for its clients. Utilizing various media channels, including television and the Internet, Tri-Stage assists marketing companies in acquiring customers and promoting products and services effectively. The company’s extensive experience and proven track record enable it to provide high-quality solutions that support the entire customer management process, ultimately contributing to the success of its clients in the competitive market.