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 AgTech

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.

Estate Technologies

Series B in 2022
Estate Technologies Inc. operates a platform for the analysis of real estate price, life, and risk. The company's platform offers Dr. Asset checker that provides real-time value analysis of the property; and Dr. Asset Recommender that provides suggestions for purchasing of the property. It also provides information system design, development, and consulting services using IT technology and real estate know-how. Estate Technologies Inc. was founded in 2019 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Gaudiy

Series B in 2022
Gaudiy Inc. provides application development and consulting services through block chain technology. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Ac-Planta

Venture Round in 2022
Ac-Planta Inc. is an agricultural biotechnology company based in Bunkyo, Japan, established in 2018. The company focuses on researching, manufacturing, and selling acetic acid-based biostimulants and agrochemicals designed to protect plants from adverse environmental conditions such as heat, drought, and salt damage. Among its product offerings is Skeepon, which caters to turf, agriculture, and home garden plants. Ac-Planta aims to address global food and environmental challenges by enhancing crop yields and quality, thereby contributing to solutions for food shortages and decreased agricultural production caused by climate change and abnormal weather patterns.

Sayurbox

Series C in 2022
SayurBox, PT operates a platform that allows customers to buy pesticide-free vegetables through farm-to-table concept. Its platform allows users to choose organic, hydroponic, pesticide-free, and chemical-free produce in various categories, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs and seasonings, protein food, and ready to consume; click-to-harvest on the produce and adjust quantity; and select delivery date. The company sources and delivers the produce directly from local farmers to customers in DKI Jakarta and South Tangerang areas. SayurBox, PT was founded in 2016 and is based in Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia.

EditForce

Series A in 2021
EditForce is a biotechnology company based in Fukuoka, Japan, founded in 2015. The company specializes in nucleic acid manipulation technologies, focusing on genome editing and transcriptome editing. Utilizing pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein engineering, EditForce develops tools for precise editing of DNA and RNA sequences. Their technology is applicable in various fields, including agriculture, pharmacy, and biological research, facilitating advancements in drug development and seed research. By offering an alternative option to traditional genome editing methods, EditForce aims to enhance the capabilities of researchers and contribute to innovations in medicine and bio-production.

AGRIMEDIA

Venture Round in 2021
AGRIMEDIA is a Tokyo-based company that was established in 2011. The firm specializes in providing media solutions tailored to the agricultural sector, focusing on the dissemination of information and resources that support agricultural practices and innovation. AGRIMEDIA aims to enhance communication within the agricultural community, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Through its services, the company seeks to address the unique challenges faced by the agricultural industry, contributing to its modernization and sustainability.

terasumile

Series A in 2021
terasumile inc. offers cloud services for business management in agriculture called RightARM. The company enables work recording, document creation, and provides data analysis. The company caters to municipalities, regional trading companies, financial institutions, and agricultural corporations. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Miyazaki, Japan.

GITAI

Series B in 2021
GITAI Inc. manufactures humanoid telepresence robots for science experiments in space stations and lunar-based development. The company offers products, such as G1 a general-purpose robot that enables automation of tasks internally and externally on space stations and for lunar base development; S1 offers automation of specific tasks internally and externally on space stations and on-orbit servicing; and H1 a robot manipulation system that provides ground operations use to teleoperate (remotely control) the robot operating in space. GITAI Inc. was formerly known as MacroSpace Inc. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Aroma Bit

Venture Round in 2021
Aroma Bit, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development, production, and sales of electronic equipment, specifically compact odor imaging sensors. Recognizing the importance of the olfactory sense, which is frequently overlooked, Aroma Bit aims to capture and analyze scents through its innovative sensor technology. The company not only creates these advanced sensors but also develops unique services and products that utilize them, addressing the challenges of describing and understanding aromas in everyday life.

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

Agri Info Design

Venture Round in 2020
Agri Info Design, LTD. operates as an agricultural IT / ICT startup company that develops driving support application. It offers applications, including AgrIBus-NAVI, AgrIBus-Web, AgIBus-GMInIR, AgrIBus-G2, and AgrIBus-Autosteer. The company also manufactures and sells aftermarket agricultural equipment. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Obihiro, Japan.

GTRIIP

Series B in 2020
GTRIIP is a digital identity platform for global citizens. Its products use machine learning to verify photo IDs automatically, and biometric sensors on smartphones to identify owners for contactless check-in and access at commercial properties. GTRIIP serves 25,000 rooms and access points of customer hotels and offices, and is backed by Global Brain, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, Keppel Corporation, M1 Limited, and Accord Ventures.

Autify

Seed Round in 2019
Autify, Inc. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in artificial intelligence-driven software testing automation. Founded in 2016, its platform monitors user interface changes and automatically updates test scenarios in response to these changes, streamlining the quality assurance process. By leveraging AI, Autify assists teams in delivering high-quality software products efficiently and effectively, enabling faster release cycles and improved product performance.

Okage

Venture Round in 2019
Okage K.K. develops mobile automation solutions for restaurants that can manage mobile orders and mobile POS in the cloud. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Gastrograph

Series A in 2018
Gastrograph, developed by Analytical Flavor Systems, Inc., is an artificial intelligence platform designed for the food and beverage industry. Founded in 2010 and based in New York, the platform enables companies to gather real-time flavor data, detect and predict production flaws, and assess market fit. By moving beyond traditional tasting panels, Gastrograph employs a predictive flavor profile engine to evaluate how new products are likely to perform across various markets and demographic segments. This capability is particularly valuable in an industry characterized by high failure rates, as it helps food companies adapt to rapidly changing consumer preferences and optimize their product development processes. Through its innovative approach, Gastrograph supports packaged food companies in navigating the complexities of the modern marketplace.

Azit

Venture Round in 2018
Azit Inc. is a Tokyo-based software developer founded in 2013, specializing in car sharing services. The company offers a mobile application called CREW, which enables users to request nearby vehicles using their smartphones, thereby enhancing urban mobility. Additionally, Azit provides a people-to-people sampling platform named Tribu. With a focus on creating efficient transportation solutions, Azit aims to address the mobility needs of residents in Japan.

Beer and Tech

Series A in 2017
Beer and Tech Inc. operates an e-commerce website to sell plants and flowers. The company also offers flower delivery services. Beer and Tech Inc. was founded in 2014 and is based in Saitama, Japan.

Growth Hack Studio

Seed Round in 2015
Growth Hack Studio is a business development company. Until now, companies have increased their productivity and increased their business performance, centered on business models created by their predecessors. However, standardized activities are being automated and mechanized more and more as technology advances through digitalization. As a result, the speed at which existing business models become commoditized and oligopolized increases. What is required in such an era is the ability to create new value. The ability and process to think and manage from the future, not from the bottom up from the present. We are working toward the realization of a world where everyone can create an environment where they can demonstrate their creativity.