Sumitomo Mitsui Banking

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a prominent Japanese bank headquartered in Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo. Established in 2001, it operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. The bank offers a diverse range of financial services, including leasing, securities, credit cards, investment solutions, mortgage securitization, and venture capital. As of 2009, SMBC was recognized as the second largest bank in Japan by assets, reflecting its significant role in the country's financial landscape.

Pinky Duque Ang

Senior Vice President

Keith Connolly

General Manager and Managing Director

Rohit Nanda

Senior Vice President, Infrastructure

Roy Ong

Vice President, Principal Investments

Jeanne Soh

Senior Vice President

Past deals in Japan

Sorabito

Venture Round in 2021
SORABITO Co., Ltd. operates ALLSTOCKER, an online marketplace for used construction equipment and machinery. It sells excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, rollers, graders, finishers, cranes, forklifts, generators, welders, compressors, attachments, parts, trucks, tractors, other farm machinery, and others. The company also provides IT solutions for construction equipment rental companies. SORABITO Co., Ltd. was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Magic Moment

Series A in 2021
Magic Moment Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, offers consulting services focused on Revenue Operations and sales solutions. The company specializes in customer acquisition and success, aiming to unify business processes through the integration of data and technology. Additionally, Magic Moment provides insight board data processing and integration services, empowering businesses to make informed decisions.

MFS

Venture Round in 2021
MFS, Inc. is a consumer lending company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2009. It specializes in providing online mortgage services, streamlining the process of obtaining home loans for consumers without the need to search for, apply for, or negotiate with traditional financial institutions. MFS has garnered significant media attention, being featured in prominent outlets such as NHK, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, and Yomiuri Shimbun, which highlights its innovative approach in the lending sector.

nanameue, Inc.

Venture Round in 2021
Nanameue, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the development and service planning of smartphone applications and web graphic design. Established in 2013, the company focuses on creating iOS applications, catering to the growing demand for mobile technology solutions. As a holdings company, Nanameue seeks to leverage its expertise in digital design and app development to provide innovative services in the tech industry.

Latona

Series A in 2021
Latona, Inc. is engage in micro finance, innovating core technologies underneath front end experience. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Paidy

Venture Round in 2020
Paidy Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that offers a cardless payment platform for online shopping. Founded in 2008 and formerly known as Exchange Corporation K.K., Paidy allows consumers to make purchases using just their name and email address, eliminating the need for credit cards or pre-registration. The service is designed for mobile and instant-checkout, enabling users to buy online and settle their payments through a consolidated monthly bill. Paidy employs proprietary technology to assess creditworthiness, underwrite transactions, and ensure payment to merchants. This innovative approach caters to Japanese consumers who prefer not to use credit cards, thereby helping online vendors enhance their conversion rates, increase average order values, and encourage repeat purchases.

Japan Data Science Consortium

Debt Financing in 2020
Japan Data Science Consortium Co. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. Founded in 2014, it offers a range of services including demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, digital transformation, optical character recognition, and image recognition. The company focuses on providing solutions tailored to the medical, education, and retail sectors, aiming to facilitate significant profit impact through comprehensive consulting. JDSC supports clients from system construction to corporate process transformation, ensuring the effective integration of AI technologies into their operations.

Appier

Venture Round in 2020
Appier Inc. is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence solutions to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Appier offers a range of AI-driven products, including Aideal, which aids in accelerating purchase decisions; AIQUA, a platform for proactive customer engagement based on user behavior; AIXON, a data science platform that enriches customer data for better audience insights and predictive modeling; and CrossX, an AI-powered advertising solution designed for optimal campaign performance. The company serves approximately 1,000 global brands and agencies, facilitating real-time bidding, programmatic media buying, and deep learning capabilities to help businesses target and retain customers effectively. Appier operates in 14 markets across Asia, including major cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Appier

Venture Round in 2020
Appier Inc. is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence solutions to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Appier offers a range of AI-driven products, including Aideal, which aids in accelerating purchase decisions; AIQUA, a platform for proactive customer engagement based on user behavior; AIXON, a data science platform that enriches customer data for better audience insights and predictive modeling; and CrossX, an AI-powered advertising solution designed for optimal campaign performance. The company serves approximately 1,000 global brands and agencies, facilitating real-time bidding, programmatic media buying, and deep learning capabilities to help businesses target and retain customers effectively. Appier operates in 14 markets across Asia, including major cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Sydney.

RoomClip

Debt Financing in 2020
RoomClip is a photo-sharing service where users can find inspiration for their home and life.

RoomClip

Series D in 2020
RoomClip is a photo-sharing service where users can find inspiration for their home and life.

LanCul

Venture Round in 2020
LanCul Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 and based in Setagaya, Japan, operates a unique cafe and bar in Tokyo that focuses on community-based learning. The company offers an English conversation cafe service that combines casual dining with opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange. Customers can engage in group discussions, participate in events, or have one-on-one conversations with staff from overseas, facilitating a rich environment for language learning and cultural immersion. This innovative approach aims to enrich and diversify the minds of its users by fostering meaningful interactions in both physical and online settings.

Opn

Series C in 2020
SYNQA is a holding company founded in 2015 with expertise in Asia. SYNQA specializes in online payment, blockchain technology for fintech, and digital transformation. SYNQA connects people, businesses and society in innovative ways that spread the wealth of financial opportunity and provide fair and open access to a growing economic ecosystem.

creww

Venture Round in 2020
Creww is a startup community for entrepreneurs, where highly motivated people can inspire each other with their innovations. More than 1700 startups have signed up for Creww's online platform. Now Creww is expanding its business to Asia in a beta phase. Through our Creww Collaboration, startups around Asia can partner with larger enterprises to accelerate growth and discover new possibilities.

Cinnamon AI

Series C in 2020
Cinnamon, Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in artificial intelligence products and consulting services aimed at enhancing human productivity by automating repetitive tasks. The company has developed several innovative tools, including an auto documentation system that extracts information from various sources such as application forms and emails to generate formatted documents. Additionally, Cinnamon AI offers a highly accurate recommendation and matching engine, alongside a natural language understanding chatbot. These solutions are designed to facilitate more efficient workflows, allowing users to concentrate on creative and strategic activities by leveraging accumulated data patterns for better decision-making.

UUUM

Post in 2020
UUUM is a YouTuber-focused management production services company. UUUM is Japan's largest influencer network co-founded by Japan's No.1 YouTuber HIKAKIN. It is targeting clients both inbound and outbound, with this partnership UUUM is expanding influencer marketing from Japan to the world and from the world to Japan.

CANDY HOUSE

Debt Financing in 2020
CANDY HOUSE, Inc. is a technology company that designs and manufactures the Sesame smart lock system, enabling users to lock and unlock doors via smartphone applications. Founded in 2014, the company originated at Stanford University and is now headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional locations in Tokyo and Taipei. Sesame requires no construction for installation, allowing for quick and easy use. Its versatility extends beyond residential applications to include bike locks, built-in door locks, and suitcases, catering to a wide range of everyday needs. CANDY HOUSE has seen its user base grow to millions and continues to expand its offerings through a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, which includes dashboard and hardware solutions for businesses such as retail and hotel management. Additionally, the company provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) with mobile app SDKs and cloud APIs, enabling developers to create their own applications. CANDY HOUSE envisions the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (AIoT) as a driving force for future innovations.

Sun Asterisk

Debt Financing in 2020
Sun Asterisk is a software company provides software services.

Baseconnect Inc.

Series A in 2020
Baseconnect Inc. develops and operates BaseconnectList, a corporate sales support database. The company offers Musubu , a cloud-based database for targeting corporate sales and creating a company list for prospective customers. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Kyoto, Japan.

AWL, Inc.

Series A in 2020
AWL, Inc. develops and provides artificial intelligence-based camera solutions for the retail sector. The company develops artificial intelligence-based devices such as AWL BOX that converts existing security cameras into AI and provides solutions for store operations and AWL Lite that can be installed and used on smart phones to monitor retail store operations. AWL, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Chiyoda, Japan.

Money Tap

Seed Round in 2020
Money Tap is a planning, development, operation and consulting for various Fintech solutions using blockchain / distributed ledger technology (DLT).

Repro

Debt Financing in 2019
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.

Paidy

Debt Financing in 2019
Paidy Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that offers a cardless payment platform for online shopping. Founded in 2008 and formerly known as Exchange Corporation K.K., Paidy allows consumers to make purchases using just their name and email address, eliminating the need for credit cards or pre-registration. The service is designed for mobile and instant-checkout, enabling users to buy online and settle their payments through a consolidated monthly bill. Paidy employs proprietary technology to assess creditworthiness, underwrite transactions, and ensure payment to merchants. This innovative approach caters to Japanese consumers who prefer not to use credit cards, thereby helping online vendors enhance their conversion rates, increase average order values, and encourage repeat purchases.

Space BD

Debt Financing in 2019
Space BD is a company focused on addressing the challenges associated with the industrialization of space. It aims to serve as a comprehensive solution for businesses developing new technologies by offering a range of space-related services. By adopting a business-driven approach, Space BD seeks to facilitate the commercialization of low Earth orbit, ensuring that scientists and companies can access space without complications. The company's mission is to streamline processes and support innovation within the burgeoning space industry.

OLTA

Debt Financing in 2019
OLTA is a cloud factoring can be used by individuals and corporations, and there is no upper or lower limit on the purchase price.

KIOXIA

Funding Round in 2019
KIOXIA Corporation specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and sale of non-volatile memory solutions. The company's product offerings include wireless secure digital (SD) cards, micro SD cards, USB sticks, and various types of NAND flash memory, such as BiCS flash, e-MMC, and UFS for use in automotive applications. KIOXIA also produces specialized memory cards with advanced features, including anti-tampering functions and interface lock capabilities. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, KIOXIA operates as a subsidiary of Toshiba Memory Holdings Corporation and was previously known as Toshiba Memory Corporation before rebranding in October 2019.

DIV

Venture Round in 2019
DIV operates TECH::CAMP, a programming school, a short-term intensive training course designed to turn students into engineers.

Mirai Energy Partners

Corporate Round in 2019
Mirai Energy Partners is a start-up to work on renewable energy-related business aiming to be a trusted partner as a hydropower resource specialist to the future of this country, we are what you should go, leaving a small country with limited resources, now it has achieved the economic development faced significant challenges, the future of this country energy so that the rich in this country continues to prosper hope to the future, we want to grow to protect the precious resources our day-to-day, will act thinking that way

Mujin Inc.

Venture Round in 2019
Mujin Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in solutions for industrial robotics and factory automation. Founded in 2011, Mujin develops intelligent robot controllers that serve as a common platform for various industrial robots, addressing the complexities of automating tasks in dynamic environments. The company offers a range of products including Mujin Controller Sim, for programming robots; Mujin Scanner, for 3D modeling; Pick Worker, a real-time bin-picking system; and Laser Worker, a motion-planned laser cutting solution. In addition to these products, Mujin provides services such as intelligent robot system design, legacy system support, motion planning, and fluid handling. Its technology facilitates the automation of heavy and repetitive tasks in logistics and manufacturing, making it easier to integrate robots into diverse operational settings.

NeuroSpace

Debt Financing in 2019
NeuroSpace Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacturing and sale of brain wave-related equipment designed for analyzing sleep patterns. The company operates a sleep analysis platform that enhances users' sleep cycles and promotes overall well-being. Utilizing advanced neuroscience technology, NeuroSpace offers tools for monitoring sleep and addressing jet lag, particularly for travelers. Additionally, the platform provides sleep-related advice aimed at reducing sleep issues and optimizing sleep quality, ultimately enabling users to achieve greater productivity through improved rest.

WAVY Japan

Venture Round in 2019
WAVY is an accelerator that accelerates the start-up, independence, opening of business, and subsequent company & business.

Quan

Venture Round in 2019
Quan Inc. develops content for smartphone applications and web. The company develops characters contents such as Betakkuma, Sugar Cubs, Business Fish, Piyomaru, sticker shop for au Smartpass, Mr.Egg, Elice, Kawaii Kaomoji Book, handwritten stickers, AIS MystickerShop and game contents that includes emotipon. The company offers characters for mobile carriers, chatting applications and platforms of Japan and Southeast Asian nations. Quan Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

S-Mat

Corporate Round in 2019
S-Mat is an eco-friendly Internet of Things (IoT) system designed to streamline the grocery shopping experience. The company's platform offers a shopping portal that enables users to manage their inventory effortlessly while comparing prices from various major e-commerce retailers. The smart mat technology detects the weight of items, keeps track of inventory levels, and automatically places orders for replenishment when supplies run low. This innovative approach alleviates the burden of daily grocery shopping and enhances cost-effective inventory management, catering to consumers seeking a convenient and sustainable solution for their everyday needs.

Cinnamon AI

Series B in 2019
Cinnamon, Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in artificial intelligence products and consulting services aimed at enhancing human productivity by automating repetitive tasks. The company has developed several innovative tools, including an auto documentation system that extracts information from various sources such as application forms and emails to generate formatted documents. Additionally, Cinnamon AI offers a highly accurate recommendation and matching engine, alongside a natural language understanding chatbot. These solutions are designed to facilitate more efficient workflows, allowing users to concentrate on creative and strategic activities by leveraging accumulated data patterns for better decision-making.

Triple W Japan

Venture Round in 2019
Triple W develops DFree, the first wearable device for incontinence that can track the progression of bladder movements using a non-invasive ultrasonic sensor. The device will help elderly and disabled people who suffer from incontinence by notifying when they will need to go to the bathroom. DFree is now widely marketed in Asia and Europe and used in over 500 senior care facilities. Triple W has offices in Japan, France, and the US.

Mentalhealth Technologies

Venture Round in 2018
Mental Health Technologies is a company that provides standard measures to maintain the mental health of employees, which is one of the foundations of health management.

STARX

Corporate Round in 2018
Starks defines itself as a "Market Innovation Company" and resolves social issues by innovating not the products and services themselves, but the underlying "market structure".

Money Design

Venture Round in 2018
Money Design provides Financial planning business Real estate leasing, brokerage of real estate, management business Life insurance and fire insurance soliciting agency business Financial product sales agency business Other related business related to the above

MONEY DESIGN

Venture Round in 2018
MONEY DESIGN Co., Ltd. offers asset management and investment advice services. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Cinnamon AI

Debt Financing in 2018
Cinnamon, Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in artificial intelligence products and consulting services aimed at enhancing human productivity by automating repetitive tasks. The company has developed several innovative tools, including an auto documentation system that extracts information from various sources such as application forms and emails to generate formatted documents. Additionally, Cinnamon AI offers a highly accurate recommendation and matching engine, alongside a natural language understanding chatbot. These solutions are designed to facilitate more efficient workflows, allowing users to concentrate on creative and strategic activities by leveraging accumulated data patterns for better decision-making.

Plaid

Venture Round in 2018
Plaid the service provider does not have to analyze it using the service, such as data analysis, review the improvement plan, the only step on a separate step to reflect site. It is because the output for analysis and improvement of these services are divided. Therefore, you would have meant turning the PDCA high cost of resources and time-consuming large.

Plaid

Debt Financing in 2018
Plaid the service provider does not have to analyze it using the service, such as data analysis, review the improvement plan, the only step on a separate step to reflect site. It is because the output for analysis and improvement of these services are divided. Therefore, you would have meant turning the PDCA high cost of resources and time-consuming large.

Kajitsudo

Venture Round in 2018
Kajitsudo is a production and sales of large-scale baby leaf.

Chordia Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Chordia Therapeutics is a clinical-stage bioventure based in Fujisawa, Japan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in the research and development of oncology drugs, focusing on creating novel therapies for cancers that have high unmet medical needs. Chordia Therapeutics is dedicated to delivering first-in-class cancer treatments to patients as swiftly as possible, addressing gaps in current therapeutic options in the oncology field.

Sansan

Series D in 2017
Since its founding in 2007, Sansan has focused on delivering its cloud based contact management service to customers in Japan and beyond. Sansan is setting the standard in Japan for cloud-based contact management, with annually doubling numbers of users from over 7,000 premium corporate users including the Japanese Government (METI). Sansan Inc. is based in Tokyo, Japan and has its subsidiary Sansan global Pte. Ltd. in Singapore since October 2015. The company began offering its business card app Eight in 2012. It has over 1.5 million registered users as a new business network that incorporates a social media framework to transform business cards into business connections. Founded: June 11, 2007 URL: https://www.corp-sansan.com/ Address: Aoyama Oval Building, 13F, 5-52-2, Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001 Business scope: Planning, development, and sales of cloud-based business card management services Sansan for business users: https://www.sansan.com Eight for individual users: https://8card.net

Magellan Systems Japan, Inc.

Venture Round in 2017
Magellan Systems Japan, Inc. researches, develops, and licenses high precision satellite positioning systems. The company offers semi-software and software global positioning systems (GPS), digital signal processing technology systems, multi-frequency multi-global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), high precision GNSS real time kinematic systems, GNSS inertial measurement systems, GPS timing solutions, and autonomous ephemeris prediction solutions. It also imports and sells GNSS related products. The company was founded in 1987 and is based in Amagasaki, Japan.

MJI

Venture Round in 2017
MJI Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in the development of communication robots, particularly the Tapia model. Tapia is designed to enhance personal connections by helping users stay in touch with friends and family, organizing schedules, and providing information about news and weather. Additionally, it offers hands-free access to media and smart home devices. MJI aims to create robots that can serve various roles, such as office assistants, receptionists, and caregivers, while promoting a vision of joyful innovation. The company leverages advanced machine learning technologies to facilitate human-robot interaction, enabling the robots to assist with daily tasks, enhance security, and provide home care, thereby enriching the lives of individuals and families.

FiNC

Series C in 2017
FiNC Technologies Co., Ltd., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a health technology company focused on preventive healthcare through the use of artificial intelligence. The company offers an online platform that combines data analysis, rich content, and social elements to assist users in logging, understanding, and managing their health and wellness. By collecting and analyzing data related to diet, sleep, and exercise habits, FiNC aims to address various health issues, such as obesity and chronic pain, while promoting healthier lifestyle choices. Its mission centers on providing personalized AI solutions to enhance overall wellness, thereby bridging the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy amidst global health disparities.

Exergy Power Systems

Corporate Round in 2016
Exergy Power Systems is focused on developing, producing, and providing energy storage systems that make use of its uniquely developed hydrogen cells, which have ultrafast charging and discharging properties, as well as enhanced durability.

iPS PORTAL

Venture Round in 2015
iPS PORTAL, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Kyoto, Japan, specializes in the development of instruments for analyzing and measuring cells. The company focuses on contract testing of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, aiming to promote the widespread adoption of iPS cell technology. iPS PORTAL provides research and development outsourcing services that support the practical application of iPS cell technology. Its offerings include assistance in research, contract testing, development, concept planning, and training programs in cell culture for researchers. By facilitating these services, iPS PORTAL enables healthcare companies to enhance research efforts and expedite the commercialization of drug discovery and regenerative medicine.

Kajitsudo

Venture Round in 2013
Kajitsudo is a production and sales of large-scale baby leaf.

Net Protections

Corporate Round in 2007
Net Protections is a Operation of “NP postpay” payment for BtoC mail order,Operation of B2B payment "NP payment" and Operation of “atone,” a membership payment for BtoC.