Eight Roads Ventures

Salowin Inc., established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates a unique business model within the beauty industry. The company provides a share salon concept for beauticians, offering private rooms equipped with well-maintained facilities. Salowin supports its tenants through services such as prepayment systems for sales and comprehensive support, enabling beauticians to focus on their craft while benefiting from shared resources and increased income potential.

oVice, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in creating virtual spaces for remote communication through its innovative platform. Founded in 2020, oVice enables users to engage in voice-centric interactions as avatars, fostering a more lifelike online collaboration experience. The platform emphasizes customization, allowing users to alter layouts, create lockable rooms, and add static objects, making it suitable for various uses such as remote offices, event venues, and academic conferences. The company was established by Sae Hyung Jung, who aimed to enhance connectivity among teams during the COVID pandemic. By providing a solution that enables clear and natural voice communication, oVice facilitates seamless networking and collaboration regardless of geographical distances.

Paidy is a Japanese fintech company that offers a cardless real-time payment network. It enables consumers to buy online without a credit card or pre-registration, optimizing for mobile and instant-checkout. Paidy's platform uses proprietary technology to score creditworthiness, underwrite transactions, and guarantee payment to merchants.

Aperza is a digital platform provider for the manufacturing industry that operates news, catalogs, e-commerce, and marketing services. It runs online portals including an industrial portal, a catalog portal, an industrial e-commerce marketplace, and related media such as industry news and IoT updates, plus sales and marketing services and marketing cloud support. The company offers price search and information distribution with catalog downloads, connecting engineers with manufacturers through an online catalog platform and industrial products marketplace that enables purchases at competitive prices. Aperza aims to simplify information, transaction, and communication barriers in manufacturing and supports global market participation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Founded in 2016, Aperza is based in Yokohama, Japan.

FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

Wovn Technologies, Inc. is a Japanese company that specializes in website localization software solutions. Founded in 2014 and based in Minato, Japan, the company provides services to help clients translate their websites into multiple languages, addressing both localization and translation needs. Wovn Technologies assesses client websites and implements tailored translation services, ensuring that the localization process is straightforward and accessible for various users, from website developers to bloggers. In addition to its core services, the company offers ongoing customer support, follow-ups, and expert advice to enhance the user experience and effectiveness of its solutions. Originally named Minimal Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded to Wovn Technologies, Inc. in April 2018.

Founded in 2014, Payke develops a cloud-based solution that enables users to access product information in their native language by scanning barcodes. It serves individuals and businesses worldwide, aiming to create a global product database accessible anytime, anywhere.

Azit Inc. is a Tokyo-based software application developer, founded in 2013, that focuses on enhancing mobility solutions. The company has created CREW, a car-sharing application that enables users to summon nearby vehicles using their smartphones. This innovative platform aims to improve transportation efficiency for individuals in Japan. In addition to CREW, Azit also offers Tribu, a people-to-people sampling platform, further diversifying its product offerings. Through these applications, Azit seeks to address the growing demand for flexible mobility options in urban environments.

Sensyn Robotics is a company focused on developing innovative business solutions that integrate robotics technology, particularly drones, with advanced software applications. Their primary goal is to enhance infrastructure inspections across various sectors, including oil, electric power, and construction. By promoting automation and generalization, Sensyn Robotics aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enable unattended operations. The company addresses pressing social issues in Japan while also seeking to provide its diverse range of solutions globally, leveraging Japan's position as a leader in tackling contemporary challenges. Through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, Sensyn Robotics is committed to enabling enterprises and municipalities to access and inspect affected or disturbed sites more effectively.

Plaid, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops and operates KARTE, a cloud-based customer experience platform designed to enhance customer interactions on websites and applications. Founded in 2011, the platform analyzes user behavior to facilitate personalized communication with customers. In addition to its primary offering, Plaid engages in the planning and management of specialized media, including EC-focused media called Shopping Tribe and customer experience-oriented media known as XD. The company's services cater to a diverse range of industries, including finance, insurance, human resources, retail, real estate, IT, media, travel, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. By leveraging data analysis, Plaid aims to optimize customer engagement and streamline communication strategies for its clients.

Port Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in various domain-specific vertical media and content marketing tailored to user needs in Japan. Founded in 2011, it operates financial information platforms that facilitate money management through services focused on increasing, borrowing, and saving. Additionally, Port offers a career information platform that connects users with employment opportunities and recruiting companies, enhancing career transition and job matching. The company also provides an online healthcare platform aimed at improving lifestyle habits, supervised by medical professionals, as well as a medical information site addressing lifestyle diseases for individuals and enterprises. Formerly known as Social Recruiting Co., Ltd., Port Inc. rebranded in 2015 to reflect its broader service offerings in internet media and technology across the fields of career, finance, and healthcare.

FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

Founded in 2014, SDP Japan operates a platform that facilitates the procurement of medical equipment for bed-based hospitals and clinics. The company specializes in providing surgical materials, pharmaceuticals, and IT system services, aiming to enhance surgical safety and patient care.

Candee Inc. is a Tokyo-based production company founded in 2015 that specializes in online video production and talent management. The company provides a range of services, including advertising, video editing, branding, content creation, public relations, and digital marketing. Through its online platform, Candee produces advertising and media videos, focusing particularly on mobile content, which allows businesses to effectively advertise and manage talent in the digital space.

FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

Paidy is a Japanese fintech company that offers a cardless real-time payment network. It enables consumers to buy online without a credit card or pre-registration, optimizing for mobile and instant-checkout. Paidy's platform uses proprietary technology to score creditworthiness, underwrite transactions, and guarantee payment to merchants.

Founded in 2012, Wonderplanet specializes in designing and developing native language applications and games for smartphones and tablets. Its offerings include 2D and 3D games for iOS and Android platforms.

FLOSFIA INC. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development of corundum structured Gallium Oxide semiconductor power devices. Founded on March 31, 2011, the company emerged as a spin-off from research conducted at Kyoto University. FLOSFIA specializes in film-formation using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques, leveraging the unique physical properties of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) to create high breakdown voltage and high efficiency power devices. The firm is dedicated to advancing low-loss power device technology, contributing to the evolution of semiconductor applications.

Cytek Biosciences, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of flow cytometry tools and equipment specifically designed for cancer and cell biology research. The company offers advanced flow cytometers, including the Cytek Aurora and Cytek Northern Lights, as well as the DxP Athena system, which utilizes proprietary technology to enhance the detection of dim populations in a multicolor format. In addition, Cytek provides the QbSure quality control program to ensure the optimal performance of its cytometers and a range of cFluor reagents tailored for use in multicolor applications. Established in 1990 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Cytek has expanded its presence internationally with locations in Bethesda, Maryland; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tokyo, Japan; and Shanghai, China. The company was previously known as Cytoville, Inc. before rebranding in August 2015.

Accounting SaaS Japan Co., Ltd., established in Tokyo, specializes in developing cloud-based accounting and tax application software.

Toreta, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in developing a mobile application for restaurant reservation management. The application automates the recording of reservation conversations with customers and generates customer ledgers based on this information. It allows restaurants to accept reservations online at any time, enhancing operational efficiency. In addition to its core reservation system, Toreta has expanded its services to include mobile order capabilities and an AI-based reservation reception service, enabling users to check table availability at participating restaurants.

Raksul Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing comprehensive printing services in Japan. Founded in 2009, Raksul offers a wide range of printed products, including flyers, business cards, pamphlets, posters, New Year’s cards, and various promotional materials. The company operates as a B2B platform, facilitating a streamlined connection between small and medium-sized enterprises and existing players in the printing, logistics, and advertising industries. By leveraging a sharing economy model, Raksul enables customers to access excess capacities from these industries at competitive prices, thereby simplifying traditional value chains and promoting efficiency.

Paidy is a Japanese fintech company that offers a cardless real-time payment network. It enables consumers to buy online without a credit card or pre-registration, optimizing for mobile and instant-checkout. Paidy's platform uses proprietary technology to score creditworthiness, underwrite transactions, and guarantee payment to merchants.

Retty is a Japanese online platform that operates a real-name gourmet service for discovering and sharing restaurant information. It provides restaurant reviews and recommendations, enabling users to search for dining options in Japan based on recommendations from friends and others with similar tastes. The platform functions as a social dining community where users can share experiences and plan where to eat, emphasizing authenticity and personalized search. Retty focuses on delivering curated restaurant information through a single gourmet platform.

Cytek Biosciences, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of flow cytometry tools and equipment specifically designed for cancer and cell biology research. The company offers advanced flow cytometers, including the Cytek Aurora and Cytek Northern Lights, as well as the DxP Athena system, which utilizes proprietary technology to enhance the detection of dim populations in a multicolor format. In addition, Cytek provides the QbSure quality control program to ensure the optimal performance of its cytometers and a range of cFluor reagents tailored for use in multicolor applications. Established in 1990 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Cytek has expanded its presence internationally with locations in Bethesda, Maryland; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tokyo, Japan; and Shanghai, China. The company was previously known as Cytoville, Inc. before rebranding in August 2015.

Port Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in various domain-specific vertical media and content marketing tailored to user needs in Japan. Founded in 2011, it operates financial information platforms that facilitate money management through services focused on increasing, borrowing, and saving. Additionally, Port offers a career information platform that connects users with employment opportunities and recruiting companies, enhancing career transition and job matching. The company also provides an online healthcare platform aimed at improving lifestyle habits, supervised by medical professionals, as well as a medical information site addressing lifestyle diseases for individuals and enterprises. Formerly known as Social Recruiting Co., Ltd., Port Inc. rebranded in 2015 to reflect its broader service offerings in internet media and technology across the fields of career, finance, and healthcare.

Founded in 2013, Kaizen Platform Inc. offers a digital marketing platform enabling brands, agencies, and freelancers to collaborate on creating and testing customer journey experiences across mobile, social media, display ads, and landing pages. Serving sectors like retail, finance, travel, and tech, the company combines multichannel marketing software with a cloud of designers and copywriters for improved performance.

Plaid, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops and operates KARTE, a cloud-based customer experience platform designed to enhance customer interactions on websites and applications. Founded in 2011, the platform analyzes user behavior to facilitate personalized communication with customers. In addition to its primary offering, Plaid engages in the planning and management of specialized media, including EC-focused media called Shopping Tribe and customer experience-oriented media known as XD. The company's services cater to a diverse range of industries, including finance, insurance, human resources, retail, real estate, IT, media, travel, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. By leveraging data analysis, Plaid aims to optimize customer engagement and streamline communication strategies for its clients.

Founded in 2013, Kaizen Platform Inc. offers a digital marketing platform enabling brands, agencies, and freelancers to collaborate on creating and testing customer journey experiences across mobile, social media, display ads, and landing pages. Serving sectors like retail, finance, travel, and tech, the company combines multichannel marketing software with a cloud of designers and copywriters for improved performance.

Retty is a Japanese online platform that operates a real-name gourmet service for discovering and sharing restaurant information. It provides restaurant reviews and recommendations, enabling users to search for dining options in Japan based on recommendations from friends and others with similar tastes. The platform functions as a social dining community where users can share experiences and plan where to eat, emphasizing authenticity and personalized search. Retty focuses on delivering curated restaurant information through a single gourmet platform.

Accounting SaaS Japan Co., Ltd., established in Tokyo, specializes in developing cloud-based accounting and tax application software.

Founded in 2013, Kaizen Platform Inc. offers a digital marketing platform enabling brands, agencies, and freelancers to collaborate on creating and testing customer journey experiences across mobile, social media, display ads, and landing pages. Serving sectors like retail, finance, travel, and tech, the company combines multichannel marketing software with a cloud of designers and copywriters for improved performance.

Accounting SaaS Japan Co., Ltd., established in Tokyo, specializes in developing cloud-based accounting and tax application software.

Romax Technology Limited is an engineering firm based in Nottingham, United Kingdom, specializing in software, analysis, and services for various industries, including automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and rail. Founded in 1989, the company provides a range of solutions such as RomaxDESIGNER for modeling and analyzing transmissions and drivelines, CAD FUSION for detailed simulations, and Dynamic FUSION for streamlined design processes. Romax Technology also offers RomaxWIND for driveline dynamics and multi-physics simulations, as well as InSight Fleet Monitor for design and optimization. Additionally, the company delivers engineering services, training, consulting, and testing to enhance drivetrain design, simulation, and monitoring applications. With a global presence that includes offices in the United States, China, Japan, Korea, India, and Europe, Romax Technology serves as a key player in the development of energy-efficient drive and power generation systems.