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 Series C

Sorajima

Series C in 2023
Sorajima is an entertainment and media company that provides comics, cartoon stories, anime, and content creation services.

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.

HataLuck and Person

Series C in 2022
HataLuck and Person is a consulting that offers HR tech deployment and finTech development services.

MOV

Series C in 2022
Mov is a Web Design company.

Euphoria Japan

Series C in 2022
Euphoria Co., Ltd. develops a cloud-type software system that can record and manage information necessary for conditioning and training athletes. It offers ONE TAP SPORTS, a software solution that is used for condition management, injury management, training management, measurement value (physical data etc.) management, treatment log management, dietary management, and practice strength/weight loss reduction rate management. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Findy Inc

Series C in 2022
Findy Inc, a job change service company, connects companies with IT engineers, freelancers, and sideline engineers. It also provides information related to hiring and personnel affairs, including tips for hiring, public relations, and marketing. The company also offers Findy Engineer Lab, a medium that delivers interviews with active engineers and the latest technical information. Findy Inc was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Knowledge Merchants Works

Series C in 2022
Knowledge Merchants Works Inc. provides human resources (HR) consulting and solutions to the store service industry in Japan. It offers management training programs for managerial, leadership, and organizational change based on organization theory; and diagnoses employee's day-to-day feelings and store/workplace evaluation, and provides solutions for revitalizing stores and workplaces. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

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.

RightHand Robotics

Series C in 2022
RightHand Robotics, Inc. specializes in manufacturing robotic order-picking systems designed for various industrial applications, including e-commerce, food handling, and flexible manufacturing. The company offers innovative products such as the ReFlex SF, which features a 3D-printed palm equipped with servos and compliant fingers, and the ReFlex TakkTile, a tactile sensor that enhances the robots' ability to grasp items gently and make adjustments to avoid errors. Their technology allows robots to automatically grasp a wide range of items from bins and cases, eliminating the need for extensive data-entry or parameter-tuning, thereby making the systems cost-effective and adaptable to the evolving needs of businesses. Founded in 2015, RightHand Robotics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a sales and business development office located in Frankfurt, Germany.

HOKUTO

Series C in 2022
HOKUTO is an Information providing service about job offers.

DAIZ

Series C in 2022
DAIZ Inc. engages in the production and supply of plant-based meat. It offers food soybean-derived functional substances. The company was founded in 2015 and is based Kumamoto, Japan.

Veritas In Silico

Series C in 2021
Veritas In Silico is a start-up to research and sales of pharmaceuticals.Veritas In Silico, target partial structures in messenger RNA (mRNA) by exploring the true form of RNA, the origin of life, based on in silico (computer-based computational science) technology Established a drug discovery system with a completely new concept.This mRNA-targeted drug has the potential to be applied to any disease, including those for which it has been difficult to develop therapeutic drugs using conventional protein-based drug discovery. Therefore, it is expected to be a favorite for next-generation drug discovery that will cause a paradigm shift in the pharmaceutical industry.

CompStak

Series C in 2021
CompStak, Inc. is a New York-based company that operates a crowd-sourced online database specializing in commercial lease comparisons. Founded in 2011, CompStak provides a platform where brokers, landlords, appraisers, and researchers can exchange detailed information on completed commercial lease transactions. The database includes essential data such as tenant names, addresses, rental rates, square footage, landlord concessions, and broker details. This comprehensive information is utilized by various stakeholders, including real estate private equity firms, banks, asset managers, REITs, and hedge funds, to conduct valuations and analyses of potential investments. Additionally, institutional property owners leverage CompStak's data to benchmark their assets against the market. The company has established a strategic partnership with Knowledge Cubed to enhance its data offerings.

JX Press

Series C in 2021
JX PRESS Corporation develops and provides news article analysis and distribution network application, Vingow XWire. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

WHYNOT Media

Series C in 2021
Whynot Media Co., Ltd. develops and operates a video content streaming platform. It offers web series, short films, and web dramas. Its web series include Secret Crushes, Always a Boyfriend, Never a Boyfriend, and Office Watch. Whynot Media Co., Ltd. was founded in 2016 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.

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.

WHYNOT Media

Series C in 2021
Whynot Media Co., Ltd. develops and operates a video content streaming platform. It offers web series, short films, and web dramas. Its web series include Secret Crushes, Always a Boyfriend, Never a Boyfriend, and Office Watch. Whynot Media Co., Ltd. was founded in 2016 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.

Solaris

Series C in 2020
solarisBank AG develops a banking platform. Its platform enables startups, fintechs, and established digital companies to create custom solutions for their unique financial needs. The company also provides various compliant payment services, including e-money issuing and escrow solutions; support services for account creation and maintenance, and transaction services, as well as deposit and credit business. solarisBank AG is based in Berlin, Germany.

Mojo Vision

Series C in 2020
Mojo Vision is a developer of augmented reality products and platforms intended to invent the future of computing. The company has developed a smart contact lens with a built-in display that gives timely information without interrupting the focus and delivers immediate, powerful, and relevant information without the intrusions of today's mobile devices, enabling users to connect with others at a glance, anytime, anywhere handsfree. Mojo Vision was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Saratoga, California.

Airporter

Series C in 2020
Airporter is a tourism agency that offers luggage and baggage delivery services for customers and travelers. The service allows you to complete all transactions from order to settlement on your smartphone. The company plans to strengthen business partnerships with hotels and delivery systems in the future. In June 2019, the company announced the launch of tens of millions of fundraising, including BASE Partners, Monex Ventures and Mizuho Capital. The company was founded on November 1, 2017, and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

BizteX

Series C in 2020
BizteX is a software robotics company that uses cloud Robotic Process Automation to automate routine operations. The company develops SaaS services centered on cloud RPA and expand it globally to contribute to the creation of creativity for many people. The company's service called, BizteX cobit, is a digital robot that performs a one-click substitute for humans by instructing routine work. BizteX was founded in July 2015 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Kringle Pharma

Series C in 2020
Kringle Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protein medicines and NK4 molecules. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Japan, the company aims to harness the regenerative properties of HGF for various medical conditions, including acute spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), acute kidney injury, and vocal fold scarring. In addition to HGF, Kringle Pharma develops NK4, which acts as an antagonist to HGF and exhibits anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The company's product pipeline includes recombinant human HGF for treating acute renal failure, skin ulcers, and central nervous system disorders, as well as NK4 and NK4 gene therapies for cancer treatment.

Repro

Series C in 2020
Repro Inc. develops Repro, a mobile analytics solution for clients to convert and retain their mobile users. It offers application growth support consulting for total support from strategy planning and development to application. The company provides in-app message to improve conversion rate. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

HOKUTO

Series C in 2020
HOKUTO is an Information providing service about job offers.

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.

Lime

Series C in 2019
Lime aims to provide a sustainable solution to the first and last mile transportation problem by helping people move around their cities in an affordable and convenient way while eliminating their carbon footprint. The company empowers future generations to change their behavior so we can save this planet together. From the electric scooter to the e-assist and pedal bike, experience the excitement of Lime’s smart mobility fleet.

JX Press

Series C in 2019
JX PRESS Corporation develops and provides news article analysis and distribution network application, Vingow XWire. The company was founded in 2008 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.

CAMPFIRE

Series C in 2019
CAMPFIRE, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud funding platforms in Japan, offering a range of services designed to support diverse projects and initiatives. Its flagship platform, CAMPFIRE, enables users to confidently launch projects, while additional specialized services include GoodMorning for socially beneficial projects, CLOSS for fashion-related ventures, and FAAVO for regional initiatives. The company also operates polka, a crowdfunding application that facilitates fundraising among friends for personal events, and CAMPFIRE Bank, which focuses on financial services and loans. Gojo, another of its offerings, is a community wallet application that allows users to share funds with family and community members. Catering to individuals, creators, corporations, non-profit organizations, universities, and local governments, CAMPFIRE has successfully facilitated approximately 15,000 projects, raising around $70 million from over 700,000 contributors since its inception in 2011 in Tokyo, Japan.

BitStar

Series C in 2018
BitStar Inc. specializes in influencer marketing and support services, catering to a diverse range of industries including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. The company offers a variety of promotional services, including analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, and merchandising solutions. Additionally, BitStar provides specialized support services such as VTuber and music production, along with fan club services through its platform called Costa. The company also facilitates media exposure for influencers, including appearances on television and in magazines, while enabling overseas casting opportunities. Founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, BitStar aims to empower individuals, particularly content creators on platforms like YouTube, to showcase their creativity and flourish in a supportive environment.

DAILYHOTEL

Series C in 2018
DAILYHOTEL is a lifestyle technology enabler that provides affordable access to quality experiences in accommodation, dining and travel offerings through its mobile platform. They focus on transaction through mobile app only, selling more than 100,000 room every month on average in just South Korea alone. In 2017 March, they have reached over 7million downloads for their app.

Embrace Japan

Series C in 2018
Embrace Corporation is looking for new friends. Whether you want to solve a major problem of medical care through your own work, or you want to take on a higher goal with Embracing, the company you are going to work on. Employees with various experiences, such as foreign-affiliated IT vendors, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, and web production companies, are active.

Wealthnavi

Series C in 2018
WealthNavi Inc. develops and delivers an online asset management and risk management platform. Its cloud-based platform provides robo advisory services that enable users to locate diversified investments internationally. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Enlighted

Series C in 2017
Enlighted Inc. specializes in manufacturing lighting control systems for commercial environments both in the United States and internationally. Established in 2009 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company offers a range of products, including the Enlighted Sensor, which collects data on occupancy, ambient light, temperature, and energy consumption, and the Enlighted Room Control, a device that allows users to manage lighting levels in their spaces. The Enlighted Gateway aggregates data from these sensors and integrates it with the Energy Manager, a web-based interface designed for optimizing building system performance. Enlighted’s technology not only enhances energy efficiency but also improves workspace comfort, helping clients achieve sustainability goals while significantly reducing energy costs—sometimes by up to 70%. The company's solutions have been implemented across various commercial settings, including prominent Fortune 1000 companies. Since May 2018, Enlighted operates as a subsidiary of Siemens Industry, Inc.

Dunamu

Series C in 2017
Dunamu Inc. is a South Korean company specializing in blockchain and securities services. Founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, it operates UPbit, a global cryptocurrency exchange that offers a mobile-ready trading platform with real-time coin prices and market analysis. Additionally, Dunamu provides a cryptocurrency market index through UBCI and blockchain-as-a-service via Luniverse. The company also offers securities information services through its Stockplus platform and investment services. In the media sector, Dunamu has developed News Mate, a mobile application that delivers digital copies of various Korean newspapers and magazines, enhancing access to news in the region.

Yoriso

Series C in 2017
Yoriso, formerly known as Minrebi, is a Japanese startup that connects families to funeral homes and other end-of-life service providers. It is a funeral / medical IT venture that aims to be a “company that creates a world where everyone can make their own choices by overcoming the limitations of ingenuity”. Yoriso was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Tokyo.

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.

Mercari

Series C in 2014
Mercari, Inc. is a leading marketplace application founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, providing a platform for individuals to buy and sell new and used items, including electronics, clothing, jewelry, books, and more. The Mercari app simplifies the resale process by allowing users to easily list items by uploading photos and adding details, with integrated features for printing shipping labels and mailing packages. The platform has seen significant user engagement, with over 100 million downloads in Japan and the U.S. and over 22 million monthly active users in Japan alone. Mercari holds a dominant position in the Japanese C2C marketplace, capturing over 70% market share, and its domestic operations account for a substantial majority of its gross merchandise value. By promoting a community-driven approach to buying and selling, Mercari aims to create a more sustainable marketplace.

Snapeee

Series C in 2014
Sequoia Capital is a venture capital firm that does seed, early stage venture, later stage venture, and private equity investments. It is focused primarily on companies engaged in developing mobile software and enterprise software. It is known as one of the highest-caliber venture firms, and one of Silicon Valley's most influential venture-capital firms by Wall Street Journal. It invests between 100,000 and $1 million in seed stage, between $1 million and $10 million in early stage, and between $10 million and $100 million in growth stage. Sequoia Capital has funded an unprecedented number of successful companies including Google, Yahoo, Paypal, Electronic Arts, NVIDIA, Cisco Systems, Oracle, Apple, YouTube, Admob and Zappos. It estimates that 19% of the NASDAQ's value is made up of firms they have funded. Sequoia Capital was established in November, 1972, based in Menlo Park, California. It was founded by Don Valentine. Currently it has offices in the U.S., China, India, and Israel.

Mind Palette

Series C in 2014
Mind Palette focusing on "mobile * social media" as their main business, they aim to further the realization of a society in which each individual transmits informationin real time and new values are generated by connecting other people. To this end, they conduct the provision of exciting Internet services for both users and creators.

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.

Nanapi

Series C in 2013
Nanapi Inc. owns and operates website nanapi which let users to introduce and share how-to in categories such as love, work, and hobby. The company, formerly known as Rocketstart Inc., is based in Japan.