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.

Kaori Akiba

Principal, Corporate Management Group

Tatsunori Arai

Director, Investment Group

Megumi Asatsuma

Corporate Management Group, Director

Anjani Bansal

Partner, India Office Representative

Brooke Beers

Partner

Takuji Chida

Director, Investment Groups

Hogil Doh

General Partner, Investment Group

Thomas Duong

Principal

Brian Flucht

Partner and Head, US Division

Daisuke Furukawa

Venture Partner

Hajime Furuya

Venture Partner

Kenji Hayashi

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Hayashi

Partner

Harue Hayashi

Partner and Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Yosuke Hirai

Director

Joopyo Hong

Partner Investment Group

Naoki Horie

Principal, Investment Group

Jang Hyeokjin

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Ichimiya

Partner, US Office

Nozomu Ikuta

Principal

Kotona Inaida

Director, Fund Management Group

Tomoaki Ishikure

Investment Group Partner

Yoshinari Ito

Venture Partner

Yuki Ito

Director

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner, Investment Group

Ken Kajii

General Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Kamimaeda

Partner and Europe Division Head

Masaru Kaneshiro

Principal

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner, Investment Group

Kirin Kato

Principal

Takashi Kato

Partner, San Francisco Office Representative

Masaya Kawakami

Partner

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Ko Kawaragi

Director

Maiko Kayata

Principal

ByeongJin Kim

Principal, Fund Management Group

Jungyong Kim

Principal, Investment Group

Riichiro Kimura Ph.D

Director, Investment Group

Kenta Kitsuka

General Partner

Issei Kokubu

Principal, Investment Group

Yoshiomi Kubota

Principal

Jinya Kurita

Director

KyungHun Lee

Partner, South Korea Office Representative

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal, Investment Group

Chukaku Lin

Principal

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal, Investment Group

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Hiroshi Mihayashi

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director, Investment Group

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

Shigeru Mitarai

Principal

Kazuhiko Miyama

General Partner

Shuhei Mori

Principal

Seiichiro Mukai

Director

Satoko Murata

Principal, Investment Group

Kohtaro Nagawa

Director, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner / M&A

Mitsutaka Nakao

Principal, Investment Group

Shien Nakayama

Director, Investment Group

Yuya Namiki

Director

Ying Jian Ng

Director, Investment Group

Daisuke Nishida

Partner, Investment Group

Akiko Noguchi

Director, Corporate Management Group

Rina Obi

Investment Director

Sho Ohtani

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsui Okada

Director, Investments Group

Mayu Okamoto

Principal

Akane Okuyama

Director

Shingo Otaki

Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Sadakuni

Venture Partner

Enen Sai

Principal, Fund Management Group

Kazuki Sakuragawa

Partner and Editor in Chief, Corporate Management Group

Masumi Sato

Principal

Naoki Sato

Principal, Investment Group

Tomoki Sekiguchi

Principal

Rie Shibata

Director, Fund Management Group

Takeru Shigemura

Director

Miku Shimamura

Principal

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

Masamune Shin

General Partner, Investment Group

Ayu Shinoyama

CFO and Board Member

Chisa Shinsakaue

Director

Divyansh Singh

Principal

Hiroto Sorita

Director, Investment Group

Sachiko Sugiura

Principal

Yusuke Suzuki

Partner

Kazumo Tachibana

Director

Mana Takabayashi

Director, Investment Group

Hiroki Takai

Director, Investment Group London Office

Toko Takao

Principal

Hideyuki Tanaka

Principal

Marika Tazaki

Partner

Hirotaka Togashi

Director, Investment Group

Haruka Tsujii

Principal

Atsushi Ueda

Principal, Investment Group

Takuya Ukai

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsuya Urimoto

Director, Investment Group

Noriko Usui

Partner and Chief Fund Management Officer

Keita Washizu

Principal

Hirokazu Watanabe

Partner

Keita Wazhizu

Principal, Investment Group

Masao Yamada

Senior Partner, Investment Groups

Kazunori Yamaguchi

Partner, Investment Group

Ryozo Yamamoto

Partner, Investment Group

Michiko Yamazaki

Principal, Investment Group

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Takuro Yoda

Principal, Investment Group

Sayaka Yoshino

Director

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founder and President and CEO & Board Member

Miyazawa Yusuke

Venture Partner

Lusheng Zou

Director, Investment Group

Past deals in Augmented Reality

Cluster

Series D in 2023
Cluster has developed and operated a VR application “cluster” that allows anyone to hold events such as live music and conferences in a virtual environment. At the same time, thousands of people can be connected, which enables large-scale virtual music live events to be held, providing an enthusiastic experience in the virtual space. With this funding, Cluster, Inc. aims to further expand their business by strengthening product development and marketing.

Slamcore

Series A in 2022
Slamcore Limited specializes in developing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions for applications in augmented and virtual reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016 and based in London, the company focuses on making commercial-grade spatial intelligence accessible. Its advanced SLAM software enables robots and drones to effectively navigate and comprehend their environment, utilizing methods such as Visual SLAM, sensor fusion, and Event Camera SLAM. These technologies allow for real-time processing and integration of data from various sensors, enhancing capabilities in areas like motion estimation and panorama reconstruction. Slamcore collaborates with partners to optimize the interplay between software and hardware, ensuring a balanced approach to performance and cost-effectiveness. By providing robust SLAM algorithms, the company aims to transform spatial AI into practical solutions for various industries, ultimately facilitating the integration of robots into everyday life.

Mojo Vision

Series B in 2022
Mojo Vision is a company based in Saratoga, California, that specializes in augmented reality products and platforms. Founded in 2015, it has developed a smart contact lens featuring a built-in display that provides timely information without disrupting the user's focus. This innovative technology enables users to receive immediate and relevant information, facilitating hands-free communication and interaction. By minimizing the distractions associated with traditional mobile devices, Mojo Vision aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility for users in various environments.

DataMesh

Series B in 2022
Founded in 2014, DataMesh is a startup company that focuses on empowering first-line workers with Mixed Reality and AI. With DataMesh Digital Twin platform, we are changing how people work with new knowledge and data. We believe in a future where the digital world can perfectly match the real world to create unlimited potential.

Airmeet

Series B in 2022
Airmeet serves as an all-in-one virtual events platform for event organizers, marketers, community builders, and enterprises. With a core focus on creating the interactive and immersive virtual events platform for knowledge professionals, Airmeet’s scalable platform supports a variety of event formats including fairs, expos, meetups, workshops, summits, town halls, and more, virtually. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Psychic VR Lab

Venture Round in 2021
Psychic VR Lab is a startup company that handles fashion VR and MR shopping service STYLY. They are creating a future where they will live in space.

LetinAR

Series B in 2021
LetinAR Co., Ltd., founded in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in the development of augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. The company has introduced innovative technology known as PinMR™ lens, which addresses common limitations of existing AR products, such as bulkiness and inadequate functionality. LetinAR's proprietary pin mirror technology reflects light from a microdisplay and directs it into users' pupils using the pinhole effect, allowing for enhanced optic control during AR experiences. By focusing on creating lightweight, user-friendly designs, LetinAR aims to provide a seamless integration of augmented reality into everyday life, effectively replacing traditional smartphone displays with advanced smart glasses.

Synamon

Series B in 2020
Synamon Inc. is a Japanese company specializing in the development and management of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) products. Founded in 2016 and based in Shinagawa, Synamon focuses on creating immersive solutions that enhance user experiences in virtual environments. Its flagship product, NEUTRANS, offers a comprehensive VR space construction solution that enables users to connect in real-time, share resources, and collaborate on design decisions as if they were physically together. The company provides a range of services, including VR/AR development, consulting, and the creation of 3D models, ensuring a one-stop solution from initial planning through to development and delivery. By leveraging intuitive user interfaces and multi-device compatibility, Synamon aims to continuously improve its offerings based on user feedback, thereby refining the virtual space experience for various applications.

Mojo Vision

Series C in 2020
Mojo Vision is a company based in Saratoga, California, that specializes in augmented reality products and platforms. Founded in 2015, it has developed a smart contact lens featuring a built-in display that provides timely information without disrupting the user's focus. This innovative technology enables users to receive immediate and relevant information, facilitating hands-free communication and interaction. By minimizing the distractions associated with traditional mobile devices, Mojo Vision aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility for users in various environments.

Cluster

Series C in 2020
Cluster has developed and operated a VR application “cluster” that allows anyone to hold events such as live music and conferences in a virtual environment. At the same time, thousands of people can be connected, which enables large-scale virtual music live events to be held, providing an enthusiastic experience in the virtual space. With this funding, Cluster, Inc. aims to further expand their business by strengthening product development and marketing.

PlaceHolder

Series B in 2019
Placeholder, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a digital theme park designed for both children and adults, utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Founded in 2016, the company offers a range of immersive experiences, including activities such as sand party, spray painting, draw your world, paper rikishi, planet portal, little builders, world adventure, number splash, and ar quest. Placeholder focuses on creating engaging and inspiring experiences that blend digital technology with physical space.

PlaceHolder

Venture Round in 2019
Placeholder, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a digital theme park designed for both children and adults, utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Founded in 2016, the company offers a range of immersive experiences, including activities such as sand party, spray painting, draw your world, paper rikishi, planet portal, little builders, world adventure, number splash, and ar quest. Placeholder focuses on creating engaging and inspiring experiences that blend digital technology with physical space.

4DReplay

Venture Round in 2019
4DReplay, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing advanced visual processing systems for creating dynamic, four-dimensional videos. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on producing time-slicing videos that deliver highlights from any time and angle with exceptional detail. Its innovative technology integrates a network of 4K cameras and user-friendly video editing software, allowing for multi-angle and time-sliced video production across various sectors, including professional sports, commercials, and entertainment. This system enables clients to remotely control and synchronize high-speed visual processing, facilitating an enhanced viewing experience that allows audiences to access video content from multiple perspectives on mobile devices.

Araya

Series B in 2019
ARAYA Brain Imaging, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions, focusing on a combination of neuroscience and information science. Founded in 2013, ARAYA offers a range of services centered around deep learning technologies, including real-time image recognition and neuro-based marketing. The company provides NeuroProfile, a web-based tool for personalized neuroprediction based on anatomical brain scans, as well as support for MRI analysis and big data analysis. Additionally, ARAYA develops tools and software for brain imaging analysis. Its proprietary deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of AI algorithms while maintaining high accuracy, positioning ARAYA at the forefront of next-generation artificial intelligence that aims to bridge the gap towards artificial consciousness.

Mad Street Den

Series B in 2019
Mad Street Den Inc. operates as a computer vision and artificial intelligence company. It focuses on building models of generalizable intelligence that can be deployed through meaningful applications across industries and people worldwide. The company serves the retail industry. Mad Street Den Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Fremont, California. It has additional offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, India; and Tokyo, Japan.

Synamon

Series A in 2019
Synamon Inc. is a Japanese company specializing in the development and management of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) products. Founded in 2016 and based in Shinagawa, Synamon focuses on creating immersive solutions that enhance user experiences in virtual environments. Its flagship product, NEUTRANS, offers a comprehensive VR space construction solution that enables users to connect in real-time, share resources, and collaborate on design decisions as if they were physically together. The company provides a range of services, including VR/AR development, consulting, and the creation of 3D models, ensuring a one-stop solution from initial planning through to development and delivery. By leveraging intuitive user interfaces and multi-device compatibility, Synamon aims to continuously improve its offerings based on user feedback, thereby refining the virtual space experience for various applications.

Cluster

Series B in 2018
Cluster has developed and operated a VR application “cluster” that allows anyone to hold events such as live music and conferences in a virtual environment. At the same time, thousands of people can be connected, which enables large-scale virtual music live events to be held, providing an enthusiastic experience in the virtual space. With this funding, Cluster, Inc. aims to further expand their business by strengthening product development and marketing.

Mad Street Den

Series A in 2018
Mad Street Den Inc. operates as a computer vision and artificial intelligence company. It focuses on building models of generalizable intelligence that can be deployed through meaningful applications across industries and people worldwide. The company serves the retail industry. Mad Street Den Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Fremont, California. It has additional offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, India; and Tokyo, Japan.

Sense360

Series A in 2018
Sense360 develops mobile applications that enable developers to create relevant, personalized, and situationally-aware notifications using location, place, activity, context, and other phone sensory data. The company’s products enable applications to unlock this situational awareness. Sense360 is based in Culver City, California.

4DReplay

Venture Round in 2017
4DReplay, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing advanced visual processing systems for creating dynamic, four-dimensional videos. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on producing time-slicing videos that deliver highlights from any time and angle with exceptional detail. Its innovative technology integrates a network of 4K cameras and user-friendly video editing software, allowing for multi-angle and time-sliced video production across various sectors, including professional sports, commercials, and entertainment. This system enables clients to remotely control and synchronize high-speed visual processing, facilitating an enhanced viewing experience that allows audiences to access video content from multiple perspectives on mobile devices.

4DReplay

Series A in 2017
4DReplay, Inc. is a company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing advanced visual processing systems for creating dynamic, four-dimensional videos. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on producing time-slicing videos that deliver highlights from any time and angle with exceptional detail. Its innovative technology integrates a network of 4K cameras and user-friendly video editing software, allowing for multi-angle and time-sliced video production across various sectors, including professional sports, commercials, and entertainment. This system enables clients to remotely control and synchronize high-speed visual processing, facilitating an enhanced viewing experience that allows audiences to access video content from multiple perspectives on mobile devices.

Hacosco

Venture Round in 2017
Hacosco Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, planning, sales, and management of virtual reality services. The company provides accessible VR experiences through its smartphone-based VR service, which utilizes a simple viewer compatible with mobile devices. This innovation allows users to experience virtual reality without the need for expensive head-mounted displays or complex setups, making VR more approachable for the general public. Hacosco's product offerings include VR goggles and 360-degree cameras, catering to a growing demand for immersive technology that is both user-friendly and affordable.

Araya

Series A in 2017
ARAYA Brain Imaging, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions, focusing on a combination of neuroscience and information science. Founded in 2013, ARAYA offers a range of services centered around deep learning technologies, including real-time image recognition and neuro-based marketing. The company provides NeuroProfile, a web-based tool for personalized neuroprediction based on anatomical brain scans, as well as support for MRI analysis and big data analysis. Additionally, ARAYA develops tools and software for brain imaging analysis. Its proprietary deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of AI algorithms while maintaining high accuracy, positioning ARAYA at the forefront of next-generation artificial intelligence that aims to bridge the gap towards artificial consciousness.

Tricol

Venture Round in 2017
Tricol Co., Ltd. develops virtual reality content. The company's products include PLANNES, a game of zero-gravity tennis; Counter Fight, a fast-paced virtual reality game where the user cooks and serves a variety of dishes to eccentric hungry customers; and Free Throw Bomber, a ball-throwing game. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Araya

Venture Round in 2016
ARAYA Brain Imaging, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions, focusing on a combination of neuroscience and information science. Founded in 2013, ARAYA offers a range of services centered around deep learning technologies, including real-time image recognition and neuro-based marketing. The company provides NeuroProfile, a web-based tool for personalized neuroprediction based on anatomical brain scans, as well as support for MRI analysis and big data analysis. Additionally, ARAYA develops tools and software for brain imaging analysis. Its proprietary deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of AI algorithms while maintaining high accuracy, positioning ARAYA at the forefront of next-generation artificial intelligence that aims to bridge the gap towards artificial consciousness.

Hacosco

Venture Round in 2016
Hacosco Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, planning, sales, and management of virtual reality services. The company provides accessible VR experiences through its smartphone-based VR service, which utilizes a simple viewer compatible with mobile devices. This innovation allows users to experience virtual reality without the need for expensive head-mounted displays or complex setups, making VR more approachable for the general public. Hacosco's product offerings include VR goggles and 360-degree cameras, catering to a growing demand for immersive technology that is both user-friendly and affordable.

Idecca

Seed Round in 2015
Idecca Inc. specializes in indoor positioning solutions for iOS and Android devices, enabling users to determine their precise indoor locations and track movement patterns. Founded in 2013 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company also offers an automatic multimedia guide application that allows museum visitors to use their smartphones as personal guides without needing extra equipment. Idecca's technology is rooted in extensive research and development, emphasizing a commitment to creating specialized indoor positioning services. The company aims to enhance its offerings by developing applications with military-grade precision and ultimately seeks to strengthen its market position through innovative, high-quality products. Through these efforts, Idecca aspires to become a leading enterprise in the indoor positioning industry while contributing positively to society and enhancing national competitiveness.

August Pro

Series A in 2015
August Pro, a division of August Home, specializes in providing smart home access solutions tailored for professional installers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, August Home develops advanced smart home products, including the flagship August Smart Lock, which replaces traditional keys with smartphone-controlled access. This technology allows users to create virtual keys for their homes, granting temporary access to house cleaners, dog walkers, delivery services, and others, all managed through a mobile app. The company's products are designed to enhance home security and convenience, enabling homeowners to monitor and control access from anywhere in the world. August Home operates as a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY AB, further strengthening its position in the smart home market.

RealGlobe

Venture Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.

RealGlobe

Seed Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.
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