F.MED is a manufacturing company that designs and develops robotic microsurgical devices for the healthcare industry.
Peco Free
Series A in 2024
Peco Free is a school meal pre-order service that allows users to provide lunches to schools, offices, and after-school programs.
GEXVal Inc. is a drug discovery company based in Fujisawa, Japan, founded in 2018. The company focuses on the research and development of innovative treatments for rare and incurable diseases, particularly in the fields of psychiatry, neurology, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. GEXVal is dedicated to addressing the needs of patients and families affected by these conditions by providing cost-effective treatment options that aim to enhance health and improve quality of life. Through its specialized research efforts, GEXVal seeks to develop compounds that target intractable diseases, enabling physicians to offer better therapeutic solutions to their patients.
Better Place
Series B in 2023
Better Place is a company focused on creating a supportive environment for individuals working in sectors such as childcare and long-term care. By managing a defined benefit pension system, Better Place aims to enhance the welfare and financial security of those who contribute to societal development. The company's mission emphasizes the importance of kindness and aims to alleviate the financial concerns of employees, allowing them to work in their own way without the burden of monetary worries. Through its initiatives, Better Place seeks to ensure that clients can secure their employees' futures once they retire, thereby fostering a more compassionate and sustainable community.
Ame Kaze Taiyo
Series C in 2022
Ame Kaze Taiyo is a company that operates a seasonal food marketplace, facilitating direct transactions between consumers and local farmers and fishermen across Japan. Through its application, Pocket Marche, users can purchase fresh, seasonal ingredients while also engaging with producers by sharing cooking methods and photos of their dishes. The company collaborates with local governments to enhance sales channels for producers and offers educational programs aimed at improving production practices. By fostering direct connections between consumers and food producers, Ame Kaze Taiyo aims to promote local agriculture and sustainable food sourcing.
TMH Inc. operates in the trading and repair of semiconductor, liquid crystal display (LCD), and solar manufacturing equipment. Based in Oita, Japan, the company specializes in providing repair parts, including turbo pumps, robots, RF generators, and various other components essential for the semiconductor, LCD, and solar industries. In addition to repair services, TMH is involved in equipment remodeling and relocation, as well as the sale of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brand parts and refurbished components. The company also engages in export and import activities related to these sectors, thereby contributing to the technological supply chain in these industries.
Thinca
Venture Round in 2020
Thinca is an IT system planning, development, and operations company specializing in cloud-based communication solutions. It focuses on providing a Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) platform tailored for the hospitality sector and corporate offices. The company is particularly known for its communication platform, KAICLOUD, which facilitates seamless integration of various communication channels. Thinca's services aim to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer interactions through innovative technology solutions in the communication domain.
Cocon
Venture Round in 2020
Cocon, Inc. is a consulting firm based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in cyber security services. Founded in 2013, the company originally operated under the name Panda Graphics, Inc. until rebranding in May 2015. Cocon provides a crowdsourcing platform that facilitates the production of animation content and offers voice work services. Additionally, it delivers motion production services and develops solutions for motion capture technology. The company's focus is on enhancing security measures for businesses, employing advanced technologies to protect data and improve security diagnostics across various sectors, including connected cars and industrial systems. Through its diverse offerings, Cocon aims to help organizations operate efficiently while mitigating information security risks.
beBit
Venture Round in 2020
beBit, Inc. is a Tokyo-based consulting firm established in 2000 that specializes in information technology consulting services. The company focuses on customer experience management and user-centered design, assisting enterprises in identifying digital trends and analyzing shifts in user behavior. By developing feasible digital solutions and omnichannel strategies, beBit helps businesses capitalize on market opportunities and enhance their overall customer engagement.
Farmnote Holdings
Venture Round in 2019
Farmnote Holdings, established in December 2016 and headquartered in Japan, serves as a strategic and financial management entity for its subsidiaries, Farmnote and Skyark. It oversees the operations of Farmnote, which specializes in agricultural IoT solutions, and Skyark, focusing on web integration services.
Japanese Organization for Medical Device Development
Venture Round in 2019
The Japanese Organization for Medical Device Development, Inc. focuses on the research, development, manufacture, and sale of medical devices, care welfare devices, and pharmaceutical products. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Tokyo, the organization aims to enhance Japan's medical innovation and position the country as a leader in the medical device industry. Its product offerings include medical device incubators and type 2 medical devices, and it also engages in the dealership and leasing of specialized medical devices. Furthermore, the organization plans and designs clinical studies for various healthcare products and provides consulting services related to regulatory affairs and quality assurance. Despite Japan's strong technical capabilities in manufacturing, the medical device sector faces challenges, with imports significantly surpassing domestic production, indicating the need for improved utilization of local manufacturing technology.
IJGN
Venture Round in 2019
IJGN Inc., founded in November 2013 and based in Oita, Japan, develops and operates a subscription platform known as 'always'. This service facilitates users in discovering fixed-price offerings from various establishments, including cafes, fitness clubs, and amusement parks. The company also created AIRPO, an iOS application that rewards users with points for simply entering stores, leveraging iBeacon BLE technology. Additionally, IJGN develops guild, a photo-sharing application for businesses, and SPOTSALE, a platform for issuing and exchanging coins to support local enterprises. Through these initiatives, IJGN aims to enhance customer engagement and support local commerce.
HAB&Co Japan
Seed Round in 2019
HAB & Co., Ltd., founded in 2017 and based in Oita, Japan, specializes in HR technology services. The company develops SHIRAHA, a recruitment site creation service, and offers consulting in information technology management. HAB & Co. aims to drive business growth by leveraging technology to provide a range of services, including business development, social media marketing, web development, recruitment services, and advertising operations. With a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, the company seeks to deliver optimal solutions to its clients, enhancing their marketing strategies and profitability.
QD Laser
Venture Round in 2019
QD Laser, Inc. is a manufacturer of quantum dot semiconductor lasers and wafers, utilizing GaAs substrates for various applications in communications and industry. Established in 2006 and based in Kawasaki, Japan, the company specializes in creating a diverse range of high-performance laser products, including picosecond short-pulse DFB lasers for precision processing, current injection-type lasers in green, yellow-green, and orange for biological sciences, and quantum dot laser arrays for silicon optical circuits. Additionally, QD Laser produces broadband gain chips for ophthalmic testing and retinal imaging laser eyewear. Their technology serves multiple sectors, including telecommunications, manufacturing, medicine, and consumer products, allowing for advancements in fields like silicon photonics, sensing, and precision machining.
Kyusyu Nanotec Optics
Corporate Round in 2019
Kyusyu Nanotec Optics Co., Ltd. is a manufacturing company based in Hayami-Gun, Japan, with an additional branch in Tokyo. Established in 2004, the company specializes in the production of high-function liquid crystal light control films. Its diverse range of products finds applications in various settings, including offices, hospitals, exhibition halls, and private spaces. Kyusyu Nanotec Optics is also engaged in the research and development of materials and equipment related to optical and reverse mode films, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the field of optics.
Pear Japan
Venture Round in 2018
Pear Japan operates as a platform and e-commerce business, focusing on providing an online shop advisory service. The company aims to educate individuals with limited knowledge of technology and online retail. By offering tools and technical expertise, Pear Japan empowers users to establish their online presence and broaden their customer reach. Its team comprises engineers, designers, and e-commerce consultants who collaborate to fulfill the company's vision of making online business accessible to all.
Lesys
Venture Round in 2018
LE System has developed technology to recover vanadium from electrostatic precipitator (EP) ashes produced as an industrial byproduct at thermal power plants, and produce vanadium electrolytes for use in redox flow batteries at a low cost. It is currently transitioning to the mass production stage.
Huber
Venture Round in 2018
Huber Inc., established in 2015 and based in Kamakura City, Japan, specializes in facilitating tourism experiences for foreign visitors in Japan through its social travel platform. The company serves as a hub connecting tourists with local guides, offering personalized tour information based on collected data and preferences. Huber aims to enhance the tourist experience while promoting regional tourism.
ARTham Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
ARTham Therapeutics Inc is a biopharmaceutical company based in Naka-Ku, Japan, founded in 2018. The company focuses on delivering innovative biological medicines aimed at treating debilitating diseases. Its portfolio includes programs such as art-648, art-ep, art-pde, and art-001, which are designed to address specific medical needs in areas including inflammatory skin diseases, vascular malformations, and immuno-oncology endometriosis. Operating under a virtual research and development model, ARTham Therapeutics collaborates with academic and business partners to drive innovation and create disease-modifying therapies that enhance patient health and quality of life.
Yamap is an internet company focused on developing mobile applications tailored for mountain climbing and outdoor activities. The company's flagship application utilizes GPS technology to help users determine their location, even in areas without mobile phone service coverage. In addition to navigation, Yamap offers a variety of trekking-related products and services, enhancing the outdoor experience for mountaineers and trekkers. By combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of outdoor needs, Yamap supports enthusiasts in exploring and enjoying nature safely and effectively.
Kotozna
Venture Round in 2018
Kotozna, Inc. is an innovative IT service company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing mobile applications that provide real-time multilingual translation services, addressing the social challenge of language barriers. Its flagship product, Kotozna Chat, allows users to communicate across various messaging platforms with instantaneous translation, facilitating seamless interaction for international travelers and local businesses. Additionally, Kotozna offers Kotozna Camera, which translates Japanese content, such as restaurant menus, through QR code scanning. By leveraging advanced technologies like AI and machine translation, Kotozna aims to enhance communication for enterprises and enable them to effectively engage with customers in a global market.
iQPS
Venture Round in 2017
iQPS Inc. is a space technology service provider based in Fukuoka City, Japan, founded in 2005. The company specializes in the research, development, design, manufacturing, and sales of satellites, onboard satellite equipment, precision instruments, and electronic devices. iQPS also offers technical consultation and conducts planning and operation of training sessions, workshops, and seminars focused on space technologies. Additionally, the company is involved in the acquisition and sale of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data from small SAR satellites, further expanding its capabilities in the space sector.
Oita University Institute of Advanced Medicine
Corporate Round in 2017
Oita University Institute of Advanced Medicine, established in 2017, specializes in drug discovery and development. Based in Oita, Japan, the company focuses on creating made-to-order compounds tailored to fit specific target proteins, aiming to address unmet medical needs globally. Their core business involves developing innovative technologies to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery processes, with a mission to facilitate the creation of new medicines across diverse therapeutic areas.
JaQool, Inc. is a Japan-based company founded on October 7, 2016, that focuses on providing a multi-language translation service application. The company aims to leverage social innovation and advanced technologies to create services that enhance user experience and address real-world challenges. Initially, JaQool's primary offering is a mobile translation service designed to assist international tourists visiting Japan, a demographic that has been steadily increasing. Given the language barriers that many tourists face, JaQool's service is positioned to facilitate communication and improve the overall travel experience, particularly in light of the heightened demand for effective translation solutions during major events like the Tokyo Olympics.
Regimmune
Venture Round in 2017
REGiMMUNE Corporation is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in the discovery and development of immune-regulatory therapeutics aimed at treating severe diseases and disorders related to the immune system. Utilizing its proprietary reVax technology, REGiMMUNE targets immune tolerance by inducing regulatory T cells, which can address a variety of conditions such as Graft versus Host Disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The company has one clinical-stage compound, RGI-2001, currently in a Phase I/II trial for GvHD associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and a second product, RGI-3001, in preclinical development for type 1 diabetes. With a pipeline that includes several promising compounds, REGiMMUNE aims to provide innovative treatments that minimize the side effects commonly associated with traditional immunosuppressants.
Grooves
Venture Round in 2017
Grooves Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing and operating a social recruiting platform tailored for engineers. Since its inception in 2004, Grooves has been focused on enhancing the recruitment process for candidates, agencies, and companies. The platform facilitates connections between job seekers, particularly non-engineering candidates, and recruiting agents, thereby helping individuals find suitable career opportunities. With a growing clientele of over 3,000 companies across the Asia-Pacific region, Grooves aims to foster business relationships and partnerships within the recruiting community, making it a key player in the recruitment landscape.
TMS Co., Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. It specializes in developing drug candidates and medical technologies derived from academic research. TMS focuses on a unique group of small molecule compounds, known as SMTPs, which exhibit both thrombolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. The company's lead compound, TMS-007, is currently in a Phase IIa clinical trial for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, in partnership with Biogen.
Crowd Food
Venture Round in 2016
Crowd Food is a digital platform that facilitates business meetings between buyers and food manufacturing factories. By leveraging its Smart Business Matching technology, the company enables supermarkets, department stores, restaurants, and mail-order businesses to conduct unique online negotiations and establish commercial relationships. The platform offers features such as customized search engines and broadcast invitations, allowing clients to connect with previously unengaged businesses and streamline their operations. Through these services, Crowd Food aims to enhance efficiency and profitability for its users in the food industry.
Welmo Inc. is a Tokyo-based company dedicated to enhancing the care and welfare industry through artificial intelligence technology. Founded in 2013, it focuses on developing innovative solutions to support decision-making in medical, disability, and long-term care contexts. Welmo has created Japan's largest welfare service platform, known as MILMO, and its Care Plan Assistant (CPA) application, which utilizes information and communication technology, including natural language processing, to aid caregivers in creating effective care plans for the elderly. The platform is designed to streamline nursing-related operations and provides a centralized resource for care coordination. Additionally, Welmo operates educational facilities aimed at supporting the development of disabled children, exemplifying its commitment to social welfare and inclusivity. The company also maintains an office in Fukuoka, further extending its reach within Japan.
GoodLuck3
Venture Round in 2015
GoodLuck3 propose and produce TV drama, commercials, corporate promotion videos, music videos, etc.The company is also engaged in the entertainment production business, and has talents who act as actors in movies, TV dramas, commercials, and stages.
Welmo Inc. is a Tokyo-based company dedicated to enhancing the care and welfare industry through artificial intelligence technology. Founded in 2013, it focuses on developing innovative solutions to support decision-making in medical, disability, and long-term care contexts. Welmo has created Japan's largest welfare service platform, known as MILMO, and its Care Plan Assistant (CPA) application, which utilizes information and communication technology, including natural language processing, to aid caregivers in creating effective care plans for the elderly. The platform is designed to streamline nursing-related operations and provides a centralized resource for care coordination. Additionally, Welmo operates educational facilities aimed at supporting the development of disabled children, exemplifying its commitment to social welfare and inclusivity. The company also maintains an office in Fukuoka, further extending its reach within Japan.
Music Securities
Venture Round in 2014
Music Securities Inc. is a Japan-based company that operates an online platform designed for impact investment in the music sector. It focuses on providing financial services aimed at meeting the needs of existing financial institutions, utilizing a crowdfunding model to attract banks and venture capitalists for specific music-related projects. This innovative approach enables music businesses to access new financing options by engaging a wide array of individual contributors, thereby facilitating the funding process while also aiming to deliver societal value. Through its efforts, Music Securities aims to enhance the overall landscape of music financing and create positive social impact.