Global Brain

Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.

Kaori Akiba

Principal, Corporate Management Group

Tatsunori Arai

Director, Investment Group

Megumi Asatsuma

Corporate Management Group, 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

Daisuke Furukawa

Venture Partner

Hajime Furuya

Venture Partner

Kenji Hayashi

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Hayashi

Partner

Harue Hayashi

Partner and Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Yosuke Hirai

Director

Joopyo Hong

Partner Investment Group

Naoki Horie

Principal, Investment Group

Jang Hyeokjin

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Ichimiya

Partner, US Office

Nozomu Ikuta

Principal

Kotona Inaida

Director, Fund Management Group

Tomoaki Ishikure

Investment Group Partner

Yoshinari Ito

Venture Partner

Yuki Ito

Director

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner, Investment Group

Ken Kajii

General Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Kamimaeda

Partner and Europe Division Head

Masaru Kaneshiro

Principal

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner, Investment Group

Kirin Kato

Principal

Takashi Kato

Partner, San Francisco Office Representative

Masaya Kawakami

Partner

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Ko Kawaragi

Director

Maiko Kayata

Principal

ByeongJin Kim

Principal, Fund Management Group

Jungyong Kim

Principal, Investment Group

Riichiro Kimura Ph.D

Director, Investment Group

Kenta Kitsuka

General Partner

Issei Kokubu

Principal, Investment Group

Yoshiomi Kubota

Principal

Jinya Kurita

Director

KyungHun Lee

Partner, South Korea Office Representative

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal, Investment Group

Chukaku Lin

Principal

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal, Investment Group

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Hiroshi Mihayashi

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director, Investment Group

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

Shigeru Mitarai

Principal

Kazuhiko Miyama

General Partner

Shuhei Mori

Principal

Seiichiro Mukai

Director

Satoko Murata

Principal, Investment Group

Kohtaro Nagawa

Director, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner / M&A

Mitsutaka Nakao

Principal, Investment Group

Shien Nakayama

Director, Investment Group

Yuya Namiki

Director

Ying Jian Ng

Director, Investment Group

Daisuke Nishida

Partner, Investment Group

Akiko Noguchi

Director, Corporate Management Group

Rina Obi

Investment Director

Sho Ohtani

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsui Okada

Director, Investments Group

Mayu Okamoto

Principal

Akane Okuyama

Director

Shingo Otaki

Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Sadakuni

Venture Partner

Enen Sai

Principal, Fund Management Group

Kazuki Sakuragawa

Partner and Editor in Chief, Corporate Management Group

Masumi Sato

Principal

Naoki Sato

Principal, Investment Group

Tomoki Sekiguchi

Principal

Rie Shibata

Director, Fund Management Group

Takeru Shigemura

Director

Miku Shimamura

Principal

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

Masamune Shin

General Partner, Investment Group

Ayu Shinoyama

CFO and Board Member

Chisa Shinsakaue

Director

Divyansh Singh

Principal

Hiroto Sorita

Director, Investment Group

Sachiko Sugiura

Principal

Yusuke Suzuki

Partner

Kazumo Tachibana

Director

Mana Takabayashi

Director, Investment Group

Hiroki Takai

Director, Investment Group London Office

Toko Takao

Principal

Hideyuki Tanaka

Principal

Marika Tazaki

Partner

Hirotaka Togashi

Director, Investment Group

Haruka Tsujii

Principal

Atsushi Ueda

Principal, Investment Group

Takuya Ukai

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsuya Urimoto

Director, Investment Group

Noriko Usui

Partner and Chief Fund Management Officer

Keita Washizu

Principal

Hirokazu Watanabe

Partner

Keita Wazhizu

Principal, Investment Group

Masao Yamada

Senior Partner, Investment Groups

Kazunori Yamaguchi

Partner, Investment Group

Ryozo Yamamoto

Partner, Investment Group

Michiko Yamazaki

Principal, Investment Group

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Takuro Yoda

Principal, Investment Group

Sayaka Yoshino

Director

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founder and President and CEO & Board Member

Miyazawa Yusuke

Venture Partner

Lusheng Zou

Director, Investment Group

Past deals in Retail Technology

New Innovations

Series A in 2023
New Innovations Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in designing and developing artificial intelligence-driven robots for the café industry. Their flagship product, the robot known as "√C," is equipped with demand forecasting capabilities, allowing it to offer personalized coffee selections based on individual preferences, busy schedules, and even the customer's mood. This innovation aims to enhance the café experience without displacing human workers, as the robots are designed to assist rather than replace them. The company recognizes the challenges posed by a talent shortage in the industry and seeks to integrate technology into the offline experience of food and beverage service. In collaboration with Nankai Electric Railway, New Innovations began demonstration experiments of the √C robot at Namba Station in August 2019, marking a significant step in providing a unique coffee experience tailored to consumer needs.

Estate Technologies

Series B in 2022
Estate Technologies Inc. operates a sophisticated platform that analyzes real estate price, life, and risk from a multi-layered perspective. Founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company offers tools such as the Dr. Asset Checker, which provides real-time property value analysis, and the Dr. Asset Recommender, which suggests potential property purchases. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the platform collects data on comparable properties by considering factors like room size, proximity to transit, and property age, allowing users to derive objective and detailed insights from extensive property data. In addition to its analytical tools, Estate Technologies provides information system design, development, and consulting services that integrate IT technology with real estate expertise.

Mazin

Series A in 2022
Provider of research and development of smart factory system services intended to solve the shortage of technicians. The company specializes in the use of artificial intelligence that automates machining operations and the development of industrial IoT service that measures the conversion of factories, enabling factories to function efficiently.

HataLuck

Series C in 2022
Developer of a store management platform designed to solve the problems faced by service industries. The company's platform utilizes machine learning technology to contribute to the productivity improvement of managers, employees, and part-timers of in-store services such as restaurants and retail by seamlessly connecting and analyzing data, enabling retail stores to improve customer experience and employee satisfaction levels.

RightHand Robotics

Series C in 2022
RightHand Robotics, Inc. specializes in manufacturing robotic order-picking systems designed for various industrial applications, including e-commerce, food handling, and flexible manufacturing. The company offers innovative products such as the ReFlex SF, which features a 3D-printed palm equipped with servos and compliant fingers, and the ReFlex TakkTile, a tactile sensor that enhances the robots' ability to grasp items gently and make adjustments to avoid errors. Their technology allows robots to automatically grasp a wide range of items from bins and cases, eliminating the need for extensive data-entry or parameter-tuning, thereby making the systems cost-effective and adaptable to the evolving needs of businesses. Founded in 2015, RightHand Robotics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a sales and business development office located in Frankfurt, Germany.

Rentio

Series E in 2021
Rentio Inc. is an online platform based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the leasing and rental of cameras and home appliances. Founded in 2015, the company offers a subscription-based service that allows customers to access a wide range of products without the need for outright purchases. Users can rent various items, including cameras and strollers, through monthly subscription packages, which also include options for unlimited exchanges. This model enables customers to try products before committing to a purchase, reducing the risk of buying items that may not meet their needs. Rentio aims to provide an affordable and flexible consumption system, making it easier for individuals to access high-quality equipment and appliances.

Touch To Go

Series B in 2021
Operator of unmanned payment stores intended to eliminate labor shortage. The company offers full-scale commercialization of unmanned artificial intelligence payment stores that solves solve issues such as labor shortages at retail stores and maintenance of regional stores, thus improving customer service, reforming employee work styles.

iStore iSend

Series B in 2021
iStore iSend is a comprehensive fulfillment solution provider that specializes in warehouse management systems. The company develops software designed to automate eCommerce operations, streamlining the logistics process for sellers. By offering an omnichannel experience, iStore iSend enables businesses to enhance their market entry capabilities and expand regionally with ease. The advanced technology and services provided by iStore iSend facilitate efficient inventory management and order processing, positioning the company as a key player in the eCommerce logistics sector.

Railsr

Private Equity Round in 2020
Railsbank Technology Ltd is a London-based company that offers an open banking API and banking-as-a-service platform, enabling both regulated and unregulated businesses to access global banking solutions. Founded in 2016, the platform connects a network of partner banks with companies, allowing them to leverage wholesale banking services through a simplified integration process. Users can create bank accounts, manage transactions, issue cards, and handle various financial operations using a comprehensive set of APIs. Railsbank's services are designed to assist fintech companies and other businesses in developing, launching, and scaling financial products efficiently. With additional offices in Singapore, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Railsbank is positioned to support a diverse range of clients in navigating the complexities of modern banking and compliance.

BizteX

Series C in 2020
BizteX, Inc. is a software company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in cloud-based robotic process automation (RPA) solutions. Founded in 2015, the company develops software designed to automate routine operations through its flagship product, BizteX Cobit. This digital robot utilizes artificial intelligence to execute repetitive tasks, allowing businesses to streamline their operations and focus on more creative and strategic activities. By offering its services globally, BizteX aims to enhance productivity and efficiency for various organizations, enabling them to optimize their resources effectively.

Railsr

Series A in 2020
Railsbank Technology Ltd is a London-based company that offers an open banking API and banking-as-a-service platform, enabling both regulated and unregulated businesses to access global banking solutions. Founded in 2016, the platform connects a network of partner banks with companies, allowing them to leverage wholesale banking services through a simplified integration process. Users can create bank accounts, manage transactions, issue cards, and handle various financial operations using a comprehensive set of APIs. Railsbank's services are designed to assist fintech companies and other businesses in developing, launching, and scaling financial products efficiently. With additional offices in Singapore, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Railsbank is positioned to support a diverse range of clients in navigating the complexities of modern banking and compliance.

REGALI

Seed Round in 2020
REGALI, Inc. develops, offers, and operates a social network and fashion e-commerce application “PARTE”, to share shoppable photos of the outfits and items that are tagged and directly linked to e-commerce stores. REGALI, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Gtriip

Series B in 2020
GTRIIP is a digital identity platform for global citizens. Its products use machine learning to verify photo IDs automatically, and biometric sensors on smartphones to identify owners for contactless check-in and access at commercial properties. GTRIIP serves 25,000 rooms and access points of customer hotels and offices, and is backed by Global Brain, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, Keppel Corporation, M1 Limited, and Accord Ventures.

Realeyes

Series B in 2019
Realeyes Data Services Ltd., an emotions research company, provides web-based facial expression measurement solutions for video advertisements. The company’s solutions enable users to read how people feel about their video advertisements using computer vision. It offers Tentpole Creative, Digital Content, Live Interaction, consumer insight, and creative performance. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom with additional offices in New York, New York; Tokyo, Japan; and Budapest, Hungary.

Okage

Venture Round in 2019
Okage K.K. develops mobile automation solutions for restaurants that can manage mobile orders and mobile POS in the cloud. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Vue.ai

Series B in 2019
Vue.ai is an end-to-end retail automation platform that is redesigning the future of fashion retail with Artificial Intelligence. Using Image Recognition and Data Science - we extract catalog data, analyze it with user behavior and help your marketing, product and cataloging teams get actionable insights that improve customer experiences, drive conversions and reduce costs. We help you digitally maps your products' DNA to create one-of-a-kind retail experiences for your customers and translate product information into the language that your teams can understand and make business decisions with.

Aspectiva

Venture Round in 2019
Aspectiva’s AI solution turns product Reviews into a smart shopping experience, helping online shoppers find the products that best fit their needs. Our unique NLP technology analyzes massive amounts of reviews and surfaces what people say about any product in any category to enable shoppers make informed decisions and buy with confidence.

Aspectiva

Series A in 2017
Aspectiva’s AI solution turns product Reviews into a smart shopping experience, helping online shoppers find the products that best fit their needs. Our unique NLP technology analyzes massive amounts of reviews and surfaces what people say about any product in any category to enable shoppers make informed decisions and buy with confidence.

Aspectiva

Series A in 2017
Aspectiva’s AI solution turns product Reviews into a smart shopping experience, helping online shoppers find the products that best fit their needs. Our unique NLP technology analyzes massive amounts of reviews and surfaces what people say about any product in any category to enable shoppers make informed decisions and buy with confidence.

Aspectiva

Venture Round in 2017
Aspectiva’s AI solution turns product Reviews into a smart shopping experience, helping online shoppers find the products that best fit their needs. Our unique NLP technology analyzes massive amounts of reviews and surfaces what people say about any product in any category to enable shoppers make informed decisions and buy with confidence.

Channel Talk

Series B in 2017
Channel Corporation Co., Ltd. develops and operates a platform, which offers live chat, marketing, and team chat services. It provides live chat, marketing, and team chat services. Channel Corporation Co., Ltd. is based in Seoul, South Korea.

Beer and Tech

Series A in 2017
Beer and Tech Inc. operates an e-commerce website to sell plants and flowers. The company also offers flower delivery services. Beer and Tech Inc. was founded in 2014 and is based in Saitama, Japan.

Near Pte.

Series B in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

Near Pte.

Venture Round in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

iRidge

Series A in 2013
iRidge is a company focused on providing online-to-offline (O2O) solutions through the development and management of internet services. One of its key offerings is popinfo, a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) designed to deliver location-based information to users via their smart devices. This service utilizes GPS and Wi-Fi technology to identify users' locations, enabling the dissemination of relevant information to those near specific shops. In addition to popinfo, iRidge is involved in O2O application development, big data analysis, position information marketing, and creating AI speaker skills, all aimed at enhancing next-generation O2O solutions.

Apparel Web

Venture Round in 2013
Apparel-Web provides IT support and marketing support for the apparel and fashion industry. Its services include web marketing and access analysis, web production, web promotion, and Chosa. The company is driven by a mission to innovate the Japanese fashion industry, focusing on WEB marketing specializing in the apparel and fashion industry.

Apparel Web

Venture Round in 2013
Apparel-Web provides IT support and marketing support for the apparel and fashion industry. Its services include web marketing and access analysis, web production, web promotion, and Chosa. The company is driven by a mission to innovate the Japanese fashion industry, focusing on WEB marketing specializing in the apparel and fashion industry.

Origami

Series A in 2013
Origami Labs operates a mobile platform focused on cashless payments, aiming to innovate the future of money, payment, and commerce. Established in 2012, Origami Pay has expanded its services nationwide, enabling transactions at convenience stores, international fast food chains, taxis, department stores, and various retail outlets. Additionally, Origami offers families a private and customizable website that facilitates the sharing of daily updates and cherished memories through photos, videos, and quotes. This dual approach positions Origami Labs at the intersection of financial technology and personal connection, catering to both commercial and familial needs.

iRidge

Series A in 2013
iRidge is a company focused on providing online-to-offline (O2O) solutions through the development and management of internet services. One of its key offerings is popinfo, a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) designed to deliver location-based information to users via their smart devices. This service utilizes GPS and Wi-Fi technology to identify users' locations, enabling the dissemination of relevant information to those near specific shops. In addition to popinfo, iRidge is involved in O2O application development, big data analysis, position information marketing, and creating AI speaker skills, all aimed at enhancing next-generation O2O solutions.

Origami

Series A in 2013
Origami Labs operates a mobile platform focused on cashless payments, aiming to innovate the future of money, payment, and commerce. Established in 2012, Origami Pay has expanded its services nationwide, enabling transactions at convenience stores, international fast food chains, taxis, department stores, and various retail outlets. Additionally, Origami offers families a private and customizable website that facilitates the sharing of daily updates and cherished memories through photos, videos, and quotes. This dual approach positions Origami Labs at the intersection of financial technology and personal connection, catering to both commercial and familial needs.

RealGlobe

Venture Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.

Retailigence

Series A in 2011
Retailigence Corporation is a hyperlocal marketing platform that focuses on converting online consumers into offline buyers by utilizing real-time inventory data from retailers. Founded in 2009 and based in Redwood City, California, the company provides a mobile advertising solution that enhances the shopping experience by delivering location-based user interactions through various digital advertising mediums. Its products include the adPOP Engine, which integrates data into programmatic advertising, and a mobile application that displays local store-level product availability. Retailigence serves a diverse clientele, including advertising solutions providers, application developers, marketing agencies, and brick-and-mortar retailers across the United States. The company operates as a subsidiary of ShopAdvisor, Inc. and has established a strategic partnership with Gimbal, Inc.

Hunglead

Venture Round in 2011
Hunglead specializes in developing cloud-based systems that streamline the operations of online stores. Their primary offering, known as the Robot Series, provides a centralized management platform that simplifies various tasks associated with running multiple web stores. This includes enhancing efficiency in inventory management, product management, order management, customer management, and advertisement management. By focusing on these key areas, Hunglead aims to alleviate the complexities faced by online retailers, allowing them to operate more effectively and efficiently.

RealGlobe

Seed Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.

Retailigence

Seed Round in 2010
Retailigence Corporation is a hyperlocal marketing platform that focuses on converting online consumers into offline buyers by utilizing real-time inventory data from retailers. Founded in 2009 and based in Redwood City, California, the company provides a mobile advertising solution that enhances the shopping experience by delivering location-based user interactions through various digital advertising mediums. Its products include the adPOP Engine, which integrates data into programmatic advertising, and a mobile application that displays local store-level product availability. Retailigence serves a diverse clientele, including advertising solutions providers, application developers, marketing agencies, and brick-and-mortar retailers across the United States. The company operates as a subsidiary of ShopAdvisor, Inc. and has established a strategic partnership with Gimbal, Inc.
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