Global Brain

Global Brain Corporation, established in 1998, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in technology-focused startups globally, from seed to pre-IPO stages. With a track record of 300+ investments, 25 IPOs, and 61 M&As, the firm provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies. Global Brain manages both independent and corporate venture capital funds, partnering with tier 1 public companies across various industries.

Kaori Akiba

Director

Hidetaka Aoki

Investment Group Partner and Fellow Chief of Space Lab

Tatsunori Arai

Director, Investment Group

Megumi Asatsuma

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

Hajime Furuya

Venture Partner

Harue Hayashi

Partner / Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Kenji Hayashi

Principal

Shohei Hayashi

Partner, Investment Group

Jie He

Director China office Representative

Yosuke Hirai

Director

Joopyo Hong

Partner Investment Group

Naoki Horie

Principal

Jang Hyeokjin

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Ichimiya

Partner, US Office

Sho Ikeda

Partner, Indonesia Office Representative

Nozomu Ikuta

Principal

Kotona Inaida

Director

Tomoaki Ishikure

Investment Group Partner

Yuki Ito

Director

Yoshinari Ito

Venture Partner

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner

Ken Kajii

General Partner, Investment Group

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner, Investment Group

Takashi Kato

Partner, San Francisco Office Representative

Kirin Kato

Principal

Masaya Kawakami

Principal, Investment Group

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Ko Kawaragi

Director

Maiko Kayata

Principal

ByeongJin Kim

Principal

Riichiro Kimura

Director, Investment Group

Issei Kokubu

Principal, Investment Group

Yoshiomi Kubota

Principal

Jinya Kurita

Director, Investment Group

KyungHun Lee

Partner, South Korea Office Representative

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal

Chukaku Lin

Director

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal

Yuki Matsuo

Director

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director, Investment Group

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

Shigeru Mitarai

Director

Shuhei Mori

Principal

Seiichiro Mukai

Director

Satoko Murata

Principal, Investment Group

Kohtaro Nagawa

Director, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner, M&A

Mitsutaka Nakao Ph.D

Principal, Investment Group

Shien Nakayama

Director

Yuya Namiki

Director

Ying Jian Ng

Director, Investment Group

Daisuke Nishida

General Partner

Yukari Nishiyama

Director, Investment Group

Akiko Noguchi

Director

Rina Obi

Investment Group Director, Berlin Office

Sho Ohtani

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsui Okada

Director, Investments Group

Mayu Okamoto

Director

Akane Okuyama

Director

Shingo Otaki

Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Sadakuni

Venture Partner

Enen Sai

Principal

Youichi Sakagawa

Director, Investment Group

Kazuki Sakuragawa

Partner / Editor in Chief

Masumi Sato

Principal

Naoki Sato

Principal, Investment Group

Tomoki Sekiguchi

Principal

Rie Shibata

Director

Takeru Shigemura

Director

Miku Shimamura

Principal

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

Masamune Shin

General Partner

Ayu Shinoyama

CFO

Chisa Shinsakaue

Director

Divyansh Singh

Principal

Hiroto Sorita

Director, Investment Group

Sachiko Sugiura

Director

Yusuke Suzuki

Partner

Kazumo Tachibana

Director

Mana Takabayashi

Director, Investment Group

Hiroki Takai

Director, Investment Group London Office

Toko Takao

Principal

Hideyuki Tanaka

Director

Marika Tazaki

Partner

Hirotaka Togashi

Director

Haruka Tsujii

Director

Atsushi Ueda Ph.D

Principal, Investment Group

Takuya Ukai

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsuya Urimoto

Director

Noriko Usui

Partner / Chief Fund Management Officer

Keita Washizu

Principal

Masao Yamada

Senior Partner, Investment Groups

Kazunor Yamaguchi

Partner

Kazunori Yamaguchi

Partner, Investment Group

Ryozo Yamamoto

Partner, Investment Group

Michiko Yamazaki MD

Principal, Investment Group

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Takuro Yoda

Principal, Investment Group

Sayaka Yoshino

Director

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founder, Owner, CEO and General Partner

Miyazawa Yusuke

Venture Partner

Lusheng Zou

Director, Investment Group

Takuya Hosomura

Partner

Past deals in Entertainment

FLASH

Seed Round in 2024
FLASH is an entertainment and technology startup.

Utaite

Series A in 2024
Utaite is a company that operates an entertainment platform. Its core business involves planning, producing, and developing entertainment content to support and promote content creators. The platform aims to enhance creators' self-actualization, improve fan experiences, and facilitate growth on social media. Utaite provides constant support to creators, maximizing opportunities to engage and satisfy their fan base.

Brave Group

Series D in 2024
Brave Group, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in intellectual property development services tailored for the entertainment industry. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Unlimited.Co., Ltd., Brave Group focuses on creating and distributing various forms of media, including videos, music, and online events. The company leverages animation production technology to offer marketing and production support services, aiming to transform the local entertainment market. Additionally, Brave Group develops innovative intellectual property, such as virtual reality content, facilitating advertising opportunities for businesses while enhancing entertainment options for consumers.

AnotherBall

Seed Round in 2023
AnotherBall is a blockchain startup focused on digital entertainment, specifically developing a new VTuber project that aims to create a sustainable platform for users in the Web3 space. The company leverages VTubing technology to offer streamers, illustrators, musicians, and video producers an environment where they can authentically express themselves and generate income from their passions. By combining entertainment with blockchain innovation, AnotherBall seeks to empower content creators and foster a vibrant community that thrives on creativity and collaboration.

Modhaus

Series A in 2023
Modhaus is a pop entertainment agency that specializes in managing K-pop artists and enhancing fan engagement. The company operates a fan entertainment platform that utilizes non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology to create an open architecture entertainment ecosystem. This innovative approach allows fans to actively participate in the management and operation of global K-pop artists and their performances, fostering a more interactive and immersive experience for audiences. By combining entertainment with advanced technology, Modhaus aims to redefine the relationship between artists and their fans in the rapidly evolving landscape of pop culture.

Digital Entertainment Asset

Venture Round in 2023
Digital Entertainment Asset is an IT services company that operates an entertainment platform focused on web3 technologies. It specializes in the development of crypto games and offers a marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), providing users with opportunities to earn rewards through gameplay. The company aims to address challenges in the gaming industry by integrating gamification into its services, creating engaging experiences that combine entertainment with financial incentives.

Sorajima

Series C in 2023
Sorajima is an entertainment and media company focused on the production of comics, cartoon stories, and anime. It operates a webtoon production studio that specializes in animation, bringing popular characters from movies and television to life in animated formats. By offering content creation services, Sorajima enables audiences to experience their favorite superstars in a new and engaging way, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of animated storytelling.

Gaudiy

Series B in 2022
Gaudiy Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2018 that specializes in application development and consulting services utilizing blockchain technology. The firm operates within the fan-economy sector, offering a platform known as Gaudiy Fanlink. This Web3-era platform enhances fan engagement by leveraging blockchain innovations such as NFTs and distributed IDs. Gaudiy's approach includes an IP community system that captures and analyzes fan activity data, fostering an ecosystem that accurately recognizes and rewards fan contributions and enthusiasm. Additionally, Gaudiy promotes digitization in the entertainment industry, focusing on manga, anime, games, sports, and idols, and aims to create a collaborative economic environment for product development and community activities.

Unbereal

Series C in 2022
Unbereal Inc. is a Japanese company founded on May 7, 2012, that focuses on the development and operation of a virtual karaoke distribution platform known as Topia. The platform allows users to engage in karaoke while also offering features for creating shooting battle games and action games. Unbereal's application enables users to design customizable three-dimensional avatars, enhancing the interactive experience of both karaoke and gaming. Through its innovative approach, Unbereal merges augmented reality and virtual reality elements, catering to a diverse audience looking for engaging entertainment options.

Asoview

Series E in 2021
Asoview is an online booking platform that specializes in facilitating reservations for a diverse range of tourist activities and experiences. The company's services encompass various options, including water and motorsports, sightseeing tours, horse trekking, cooking classes, and cultural activities. By providing a comprehensive and user-friendly interface, Asoview enables customers to easily discover and book activities that match their interests, streamlining the planning process for travelers and enhancing their overall experience.

BitStar

Series E in 2021
BitStar Inc. is an entertech company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on influencer marketing and support services for video and content creators. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Bizcast Inc., the company offers a range of promotional services tailored to various industries, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. BitStar's services encompass analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, merchandising, and specialized support such as VTuber and music production. Additionally, it operates an online fan club service called Costa, facilitating appearances in media outlets and overseas casting opportunities. By providing comprehensive support to content creators and media businesses, BitStar aims to enhance creativity and improve monetization strategies.

Soft Gear

Series B in 2021
Soft Gear is a comprehensive service provider specializing in technology development for online content and game development, primarily catering to the entertainment sector in Japan. The company offers a range of services, including contract-based online game development, game debugging, and in-game debugging services that necessitate large-scale capacity. Additionally, Soft Gear focuses on developing high-speed network functions essential for online game development. By delivering these specialized services, the company enables clients to efficiently develop and publish their video game projects.

WHYNOT Media

Series C in 2021
WHYNOT Media Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company established in 2016 that specializes in developing and operating a video content streaming platform. The company focuses on producing and offering a diverse range of entertainment content, including web series, short films, and web dramas. Notable titles produced by WHYNOT Media include "Secret Crushes," "Always a Boyfriend," "Never a Boyfriend," and "Office Watch." The company excels in creating content that resonates with various cultural backgrounds, often through branded content and transmedia storytelling. By emphasizing short-form drama and versatile content franchises, WHYNOT Media aims to provide easily accessible entertainment for its audience.

SHOWROOM

Venture Round in 2020
SHOWROOM Inc. is a Tokyo-based media company established in 2015, specializing in live video streaming services. The platform primarily caters to audiences interested in Japanese idols and voice actors, providing an interactive environment for watching live shows. In addition to facilitating live streaming, SHOWROOM also engages in program production and offers various video content services. As a subsidiary of DeNA Co., Ltd., SHOWROOM continues to enhance its offerings within the entertainment sector, focusing on connecting fans with their favorite performers through innovative digital experiences.

Livestreamers

Venture Round in 2020
Liver Co is a production agency focused on delivering specialized live streaming content. The company offers a range of services, including video production, live distribution of online content, and the creation and distribution of promotional media. Additionally, they assist with process and event management, enabling businesses and customers to develop new live entertainment experiences. Through its comprehensive approach, Liver Co supports organizations in effectively engaging their audiences with high-quality live content.

4DReplay

Venture Round in 2019
4DReplay Inc., established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, specializes in developing advanced video production systems. The company's core technology involves a set of 4K cameras and proprietary software, enabling the creation of highly detailed, four-dimensional time-slice videos. This innovative approach allows for dynamic expressions and multi-angle replays in sports, entertainment, and other events, providing users with unprecedented control over viewing angles via mobile devices.

Livestreamers

Venture Round in 2019
Liver Co is a production agency focused on delivering specialized live streaming content. The company offers a range of services, including video production, live distribution of online content, and the creation and distribution of promotional media. Additionally, they assist with process and event management, enabling businesses and customers to develop new live entertainment experiences. Through its comprehensive approach, Liver Co supports organizations in effectively engaging their audiences with high-quality live content.

BitStar

Series C in 2018
BitStar Inc. is an entertech company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on influencer marketing and support services for video and content creators. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Bizcast Inc., the company offers a range of promotional services tailored to various industries, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. BitStar's services encompass analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, merchandising, and specialized support such as VTuber and music production. Additionally, it operates an online fan club service called Costa, facilitating appearances in media outlets and overseas casting opportunities. By providing comprehensive support to content creators and media businesses, BitStar aims to enhance creativity and improve monetization strategies.

4DReplay

Venture Round in 2018
4DReplay Inc., established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, specializes in developing advanced video production systems. The company's core technology involves a set of 4K cameras and proprietary software, enabling the creation of highly detailed, four-dimensional time-slice videos. This innovative approach allows for dynamic expressions and multi-angle replays in sports, entertainment, and other events, providing users with unprecedented control over viewing angles via mobile devices.

4DReplay

Series A in 2017
4DReplay Inc., established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, specializes in developing advanced video production systems. The company's core technology involves a set of 4K cameras and proprietary software, enabling the creation of highly detailed, four-dimensional time-slice videos. This innovative approach allows for dynamic expressions and multi-angle replays in sports, entertainment, and other events, providing users with unprecedented control over viewing angles via mobile devices.

BitStar

Series B in 2017
BitStar Inc. is an entertech company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on influencer marketing and support services for video and content creators. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Bizcast Inc., the company offers a range of promotional services tailored to various industries, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. BitStar's services encompass analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, merchandising, and specialized support such as VTuber and music production. Additionally, it operates an online fan club service called Costa, facilitating appearances in media outlets and overseas casting opportunities. By providing comprehensive support to content creators and media businesses, BitStar aims to enhance creativity and improve monetization strategies.

Every

Venture Round in 2016
Every, Inc., established in 2015 and based in Minato City, Japan, is a media company that specializes in producing and distributing online video content. It operates platforms such as Delish Kitchen, Kalos, Mammadays, and Timeline, offering a diverse range of videos including food recipes, makeup and fashion, family-oriented content, and entertainment. The company also provides advertising services on these platforms, serving various industries like gourmet, entertainment, news, sports, and music.

Soft Gear

Venture Round in 2015
Soft Gear is a comprehensive service provider specializing in technology development for online content and game development, primarily catering to the entertainment sector in Japan. The company offers a range of services, including contract-based online game development, game debugging, and in-game debugging services that necessitate large-scale capacity. Additionally, Soft Gear focuses on developing high-speed network functions essential for online game development. By delivering these specialized services, the company enables clients to efficiently develop and publish their video game projects.

Live Aid

Venture Round in 2015
Live Aid is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing applications for smartphones and web services. It creates innovative solutions for both Android and iPhone devices, enhancing advertisement delivery through its product AID. In addition to app development, Live Aid focuses on providing systems that deliver up-to-date information and engaging content across various genres of virtual reality. The company also offers features that facilitate check-in processes, including guest identity verification and key handover services. Through its diverse offerings, Live Aid aims to improve user experience and connectivity in the digital landscape.

Rainbow

Venture Round in 2014
Founded in 1995, Rainbow is now a European leader in the production of children's animation. Rainbow has a unique ability to create content for all kinds of media, providing many different ways of communicating with the public: TV series, movies, events, the internet, DVDs, magazines, toys, video games, and all product categories subject to licensing. As a result, Rainbow is able to meet the demand for total family entertainment.

Plumzi

Seed Round in 2013
Plumzi, Inc. is a developer of a story-driven entertainment technology platform designed for tablets and smartphones, offering an interactive experience for children. The platform enables users to engage with characters and influence the narrative through touch, voice, and tilt interactions. This innovative approach allows studios and creators to author and stream "appisodes," a unique format of entertainment suited for tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and virtual reality headsets. Established in 2012, Plumzi is headquartered in Redwood City, California.
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