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.
Investment Group Partner and Fellow Chief of Space Lab
Tatsunori Arai
Director
Megumi Asatsuma
Director
Anjani Bansal
Partner / India Office Representative
Brooke Beers
Partner
Takuji Chida
Director
Hogil Doh
General Partner
Thomas Duong
Principal
Brian Flucht
Partner / US Division Head
Hajime Furuya
Venture Partner
Kenji Hayashi
Principal
Shohei Hayashi
Partner
Harue Hayashi
Partner / Vice Chief Fund Management Officer
Jie He
Director China office Representative
Yosuke Hirai
Director
Joopyo Hong
Partner Investment Group
Naoki Horie
Principal
Jang Hyeokjin
Principal
Shohei Ichimiya
Partner / US Office
Sho Ikeda
Partner / Indonesia Office Representative
Nozomu Ikuta
Principal
Kotona Inaida
Director
Tomoaki Ishikure
Partner
Yoshinari Ito
Venture Partner
Yuki Ito
Director
Hiroyuki Izumi
Partner
Ken Kajii
General Partner
Daisuke Kashiro
General Partner
Kirin Kato
Principal
Takashi Kato
Partner, San Francisco Office Representative
Masaya Kawakami
Principal, Investment Group
Hiroyuki Kawamoto
Principal
Ko Kawaragi
Director
Maiko Kayata
Principal
ByeongJin Kim
Principal
Riichiro Kimura
Director / US NY Office
Issei Kokubu
Director
Yoshiomi Kubota
Principal
Jinya Kurita
Director
KyungHun Lee
Partner
YingQi Liang(Joy)
Principal
Chukaku Lin
Director
Atsushi Matsuda
Venture Partner
Tatsuya Matsumoto
Partner / Singapore Office Representative
Akira Matsumoto
Principal
Yuki Matsuo
Director
Natsumi Matsuoka
Principal
Tomoko Minagawa
Director
Ai Minamizaki
Principal
Shigeru Mitarai
Director
Shuhei Mori
Principal
Seiichiro Mukai
Director
Satoko Murata
Principal, Investment Group
Kohtaro Nagawa
Director
Tasuke Nakagawa
Partner / M&A
Mitsutaka Nakao
Principal, Investment Group
Shien Nakayama
Director
Yuya Namiki
Director
Ying Jian Ng
Director
Daisuke Nishida
General Partner
Yukari Nishiyama
Director, Investment Group
Akiko Noguchi
Director
Rina Obi
Investment Group Director, Berlin Office
Sho Ohtani
Principal
Tetsui Okada
Director
Mayu Okamoto
Director
Akane Okuyama
Director
Shingo Otaki
Partner
Rampalli Karthik
Principal
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
Masamune Shin
General Partner
Ayu Shinoyama
CFO and Board Member
Chisa Shinsakaue
Director
Divyansh Singh
Principal
Hiroto Sorita
Director
Sachiko Sugiura
Director
Yusuke Suzuki
Partner
Kazumo Tachibana
Director
Mana Takabayashi
Director
Hiroki Takai
Director
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
Kazunori Yamaguchi
Partner, Investment Group
Kazunor Yamaguchi
Partner
Ryozo Yamamoto
Partner
Michiko Yamazaki
Principal, Investment Group
Takuro Yoda
Principal, Investment Group
Sayaka Yoshino
Director
Miku Yoshio
Partner
Yasuhiko Yurimoto
Founder, Owner, CEO and General Partner
Miyazawa Yusuke
Venture Partner
Lusheng Zou
Director
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 through the development of a new VTuber project. The company aims to create a sustainable platform within the Web3 space, allowing users to express their identities and passions. By leveraging VTubing technology, AnotherBall provides opportunities for streamers, illustrators, and music and video producers to earn income from their creative endeavors. This approach fosters a community where participants can thrive while navigating the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and blockchain technology.
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 focused on the development of an entertainment platform that integrates web3 technologies. It specializes in creating crypto games and operates a marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), providing users with opportunities to engage in gamification while earning rewards. The company's offerings aim to enhance user engagement through innovative gaming experiences and a variety of crypto-related services.
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., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates in the fan economy by leveraging blockchain technology. The company has developed Gaudiy Fanlink, a platform that enhances fan engagement through Web3 innovations such as NFTs and distributed IDs (DIDs). Gaudiy's offerings include an IP community system that enables the tracking and accumulation of fan activity data, fostering an ecosystem that accurately recognizes and rewards fan contributions and enthusiasm. The company aims to digitize the entertainment sector by promoting community activities centered around manga, anime, games, sports, and idols, thereby creating a collaborative economic environment for these products.
Unbereal
Series C in 2022
Unbereal Inc. is a Japanese company founded on May 7, 2012, that specializes in the development and operation of Topia, a virtual karaoke distribution platform. The platform allows users to engage in karaoke while also offering features for creating customizable three-dimensional avatars. In addition to its karaoke services, Unbereal's application supports the development of various gaming experiences, including shooting battle and action games, enhancing user interaction within an augmented and virtual reality environment.
Asoview
Series E in 2021
Asoview is an online booking platform that specializes in providing services for tours, activities, and attractions. The platform allows users to easily book a diverse range of experiences, including water and motorsports, sightseeing tours, horse trekking, cooking classes, and cultural activities. By offering a comprehensive selection of options, Asoview enables individuals to discover and secure reservations for various activities that align with their interests, enhancing their travel experiences.
Soft Gear
Series B in 2021
Soft Gear is a comprehensive service provider focused on technology development for the entertainment sector, particularly in Japan. The company specializes in online game development, offering contract-based services that include game design, debugging, and operational support. With expertise in in-game debugging and the development of essential high-speed network functions, Soft Gear enables clients to efficiently create, develop, and publish their video game projects. The company's approach caters to the specific needs of the gaming industry, ensuring a streamlined process for clients looking to enhance their online gaming offerings.
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.
FIREBUG
Venture Round in 2020
FIREBUG Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2016, specializes in media content creation and marketing services. The company offers comprehensive solutions including marketing planning for mass and digital platforms, public relations support, TV commercial production, media buying, event planning, and smartphone video distribution. FIREBUG also facilitates talent development for comedians, actresses, models, artists, and creators by arranging production plans and creating IP and advertising items based on their social networking sites. Additionally, they provide basic marketing assistance and advertising services for businesses.
SHOWROOM
Venture Round in 2020
SHOWROOM Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates a live video streaming platform. The company specializes in broadcasting live shows, primarily featuring Japanese idols and voice actors. SHOWROOM also offers program production and video content services, positioning itself as a comprehensive media company. It functions as a subsidiary of DeNA Co., Ltd.
Livestreamers
Venture Round in 2020
Livestreamers operate as production agencies focused on delivering specialized live streaming content. They provide a range of services, including video production and the live distribution of online content. Additionally, these agencies create and distribute media for promotional purposes, as well as manage processes and events. By leveraging these services, they enable businesses and customers to engage in new forms of live entertainment, enhancing the overall experience for audiences.
4DReplay
Venture Round in 2019
4DReplay, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing visual processing systems for creating dynamic video content in sports and entertainment. Established in 2016, the company offers a unique 4D video solution that utilizes a set of 4K cameras and advanced video editing software to produce time-sliced videos. This technology allows for the generation of highlights that can be viewed from multiple angles with exceptional detail. 4DReplay's systems enable remote control and synchronization of high-speed visual processing, providing clients with the capability to deliver immersive video experiences across various platforms, including mobile devices. The company's focus on innovative video production techniques positions it as a leader in enhancing the way audiences engage with sports and events.
Realeyes
Series B in 2019
Realeyes is a pioneering company specializing in computer vision and emotion AI. It helps businesses enhance customer experiences and drive growth by measuring human responses to video content at scale and speed. Using webcams and advanced machine learning techniques, Realeyes' platform analyzes facial expressions to quantify emotional reactions, enabling clients like Mars Inc., P&G, and Netflix to create targeted, optimized content. Over 200 leading brands and media companies rely on Realeyes for these insights.
Livestreamers
Venture Round in 2019
Livestreamers operate as production agencies focused on delivering specialized live streaming content. They provide a range of services, including video production and the live distribution of online content. Additionally, these agencies create and distribute media for promotional purposes, as well as manage processes and events. By leveraging these services, they enable businesses and customers to engage in new forms of live entertainment, enhancing the overall experience for audiences.
4DReplay
Venture Round in 2018
4DReplay, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing visual processing systems for creating dynamic video content in sports and entertainment. Established in 2016, the company offers a unique 4D video solution that utilizes a set of 4K cameras and advanced video editing software to produce time-sliced videos. This technology allows for the generation of highlights that can be viewed from multiple angles with exceptional detail. 4DReplay's systems enable remote control and synchronization of high-speed visual processing, providing clients with the capability to deliver immersive video experiences across various platforms, including mobile devices. The company's focus on innovative video production techniques positions it as a leader in enhancing the way audiences engage with sports and events.
4DReplay
Series A in 2017
4DReplay, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing visual processing systems for creating dynamic video content in sports and entertainment. Established in 2016, the company offers a unique 4D video solution that utilizes a set of 4K cameras and advanced video editing software to produce time-sliced videos. This technology allows for the generation of highlights that can be viewed from multiple angles with exceptional detail. 4DReplay's systems enable remote control and synchronization of high-speed visual processing, providing clients with the capability to deliver immersive video experiences across various platforms, including mobile devices. The company's focus on innovative video production techniques positions it as a leader in enhancing the way audiences engage with sports and events.
Soft Gear
Venture Round in 2015
Soft Gear is a comprehensive service provider focused on technology development for the entertainment sector, particularly in Japan. The company specializes in online game development, offering contract-based services that include game design, debugging, and operational support. With expertise in in-game debugging and the development of essential high-speed network functions, Soft Gear enables clients to efficiently create, develop, and publish their video game projects. The company's approach caters to the specific needs of the gaming industry, ensuring a streamlined process for clients looking to enhance their online gaming offerings.
Live Aid
Venture Round in 2015
Live Aid is a provider of web and application services for smartphones, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in developing applications for devices such as iPhones and Androids, as well as web applications and system contract development. Live Aid enhances advertisement delivery services on smartphones through its product, AID, which focuses on delivering the latest information and engaging content across various genres, including virtual reality. Additionally, the company offers services that include verifying guest identities and managing check-in tasks.
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 provider of a story-driven entertainment technology platform designed for tablets and smartphones. Founded in 2012 and based in Redwood City, California, Plumzi enables children to engage with characters and influence the narrative through interactive features such as touch, voice, and tilt. The platform facilitates studios and creators in authoring and streaming appisodes, a novel form of interactive entertainment that can be experienced on various devices, including tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and virtual reality headsets.
ZOZI
Series A in 2010
ZOZI designs and develops a web-based bookings, payments, and customer management software for tour, activity, and event businesses. It offers introductory flight lessons, vineyard tours and wine tasting by horseback, diving for abalone, ice climbing frozen waterfalls, celebrity and athlete experiences, and various accessible adventures. The company also provides weekend getaways and vacation packages for customers. ZOZI was founded in 2007 and is based in San Francisco, California.
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