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 Robotics

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.

Toggle

Series A in 2023
Toggle is a company based in the United States that specializes in robotics as a service (RaaS) for the construction industry, specifically focusing on the assembly of rebar cages for reinforced concrete. The company has developed two-arm robotic platforms and proprietary jig designs that enable the construction of rebar structures directly from computer blueprints, allowing for greater precision and efficiency in construction processes. By integrating industrial robotics and automation into traditional construction methods, Toggle aims to transform the way infrastructure and buildings are created, addressing the increasing complexity of modern construction projects.

Laboro.AI

Series A in 2022
Laboro AI Inc is a Provider of developing business solutions using artificial intelligence technology intended to connect technology and business. The company also provides consulting services related to the utilization of artificial intelligence which includes planning, introduction, and execution support for AI utilization.

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.

Slamcore

Series A in 2022
Slamcore Limited specializes in developing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions for applications in augmented and virtual reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016 and based in London, the company focuses on making commercial-grade spatial intelligence accessible. Its advanced SLAM software enables robots and drones to effectively navigate and comprehend their environment, utilizing methods such as Visual SLAM, sensor fusion, and Event Camera SLAM. These technologies allow for real-time processing and integration of data from various sensors, enhancing capabilities in areas like motion estimation and panorama reconstruction. Slamcore collaborates with partners to optimize the interplay between software and hardware, ensuring a balanced approach to performance and cost-effectiveness. By providing robust SLAM algorithms, the company aims to transform spatial AI into practical solutions for various industries, ultimately facilitating the integration of robots into everyday life.

Cloudpick

Series B in 2022
Yuna Technology is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the development of computer vision and artificial intelligence applications. The company is committed to leading the technological breakthrough of the core knowledge of artificial intelligence, and building an overall application solution for artificial intelligence and big data analysis in multiple industries.

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.

Humanising Autonomy

Series A in 2021
Humanising Autonomy is a predictive AI company focused on enhancing the interaction between vehicles and people across various environments. The company develops behavior artificial intelligence software that integrates behavioral psychology, computer vision, and large language models to predict human decision-making. Its platform analyzes camera data in real-time to interpret and forecast the behavior of pedestrians, passengers, and vehicles. This capability supports automated decision-making processes, improving driver alerts and vehicle motion response. By providing an end-to-end software solution for dashcam manufacturers, Humanising Autonomy aims to establish a global standard for safety and efficiency in vehicle operations.

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.

Telexistence

Series A in 2021
Telexistence Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2017, specializing in robotics and cloud data services. The company focuses on developing remote control technologies, exemplified by its production prototype, MODEL H. This technology integrates virtual reality, telecommunications, cloud computing, and haptics to allow users to interact effectively in remote environments. Telexistence aims to enhance human presence and capabilities through its innovative robotic solutions, which transmit and analyze visual, auditory, and tactile information. By pursuing systematic innovation in robotics, Telexistence seeks to create scalable and reproducible methodologies that advance the field.

Cognigy

Series B in 2021
Cognigy GmbH is an enterprise software provider specializing in conversational AI automation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, with offices in San Francisco, Sydney, Seoul, and Tokyo, Cognigy offers two primary products: Cognigy.AI, an enterprise conversational automation platform for customer and employee services, and Cognigy.VG, an AI-based voice gateway solution for deploying virtual voice agents in automated phone conversations. Cognigy.AI supports various conversational channels, including chatbots and virtual assistants, and is available in both on-premise and SaaS models. The platform aims to enhance service delivery and loyalty while reducing costs and resource demands for enterprises. Cognigy has received recognition in the industry, including being named a Cool Vendor by Gartner in 2018, and it serves a diverse client portfolio that includes numerous Global 2000 companies.

GITAI

Series B in 2021
GITAI Inc. is a Tokyo-based robotics company that specializes in manufacturing humanoid telepresence robots aimed at enhancing space exploration and development. Founded in 2016, GITAI develops a range of robots including the G1, a general-purpose robot designed for task automation internally and externally on space stations and lunar bases; the S1, which focuses on automating specific tasks in similar environments; and the H1, a robot manipulation system that allows for teleoperation of robots working in space. The company's technology enables remote control of robots, facilitating long-duration tasks in low Earth orbit while alleviating the workload on human astronauts, thereby reducing operational costs and improving efficiency in space missions.

Ridge-i

Venture Round in 2021
Ridge-i Co., Ltd., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in artificial intelligence and deep learning consulting and development services. The company offers tailored AI technology solutions designed to meet specific business needs. Ridge-i's expertise encompasses various phases of AI implementation, from consulting focused on machine learning and deep learning to the development of effective solutions. The firm is committed to delivering meaningful impact in business environments through its comprehensive understanding of AI technologies.

Cognigy

Venture Round in 2021
Cognigy GmbH is an enterprise software provider specializing in conversational AI automation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, with offices in San Francisco, Sydney, Seoul, and Tokyo, Cognigy offers two primary products: Cognigy.AI, an enterprise conversational automation platform for customer and employee services, and Cognigy.VG, an AI-based voice gateway solution for deploying virtual voice agents in automated phone conversations. Cognigy.AI supports various conversational channels, including chatbots and virtual assistants, and is available in both on-premise and SaaS models. The platform aims to enhance service delivery and loyalty while reducing costs and resource demands for enterprises. Cognigy has received recognition in the industry, including being named a Cool Vendor by Gartner in 2018, and it serves a diverse client portfolio that includes numerous Global 2000 companies.

Cognigy

Series A in 2020
Cognigy GmbH is an enterprise software provider specializing in conversational AI automation. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, with offices in San Francisco, Sydney, Seoul, and Tokyo, Cognigy offers two primary products: Cognigy.AI, an enterprise conversational automation platform for customer and employee services, and Cognigy.VG, an AI-based voice gateway solution for deploying virtual voice agents in automated phone conversations. Cognigy.AI supports various conversational channels, including chatbots and virtual assistants, and is available in both on-premise and SaaS models. The platform aims to enhance service delivery and loyalty while reducing costs and resource demands for enterprises. Cognigy has received recognition in the industry, including being named a Cool Vendor by Gartner in 2018, and it serves a diverse client portfolio that includes numerous Global 2000 companies.

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.

OptiMind

Series A in 2019
OPTIMIND.Inc. develops an artificial intelligence based platform for logistics delivery optimization. The company offers Loogia, a distribution and delivery planning system of the cloud by by SaaS model. It enables users to optimizes dispatch management and delivery route. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Nagoya-shi, Japan.

Connected Robotics

Series A in 2019
Connected Robotics Inc, founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic arms tailored for the food service industry. Their flagship product, OctoChef, addresses labor shortages in restaurants by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to streamline cooking processes. The company's solutions are aimed at a diverse clientele, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events. By enhancing kitchen efficiency and enabling the provision of healthy meals, Connected Robotics aims to improve the work environment for staff and contribute positively to society.

Humanising Autonomy

Seed Round in 2019
Humanising Autonomy is a predictive AI company focused on enhancing the interaction between vehicles and people across various environments. The company develops behavior artificial intelligence software that integrates behavioral psychology, computer vision, and large language models to predict human decision-making. Its platform analyzes camera data in real-time to interpret and forecast the behavior of pedestrians, passengers, and vehicles. This capability supports automated decision-making processes, improving driver alerts and vehicle motion response. By providing an end-to-end software solution for dashcam manufacturers, Humanising Autonomy aims to establish a global standard for safety and efficiency in vehicle operations.

LinkWiz

Series B in 2019
LinkWiz, Inc. is a Japanese company that specializes in the development and sale of intelligent robot system software for industrial and manufacturing applications. Founded in 2015 and based in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, the company offers two primary products: L-ROBOT, an automatic control solution for robots engaged in tasks such as welding and coating, and L-QUALIFY, a production-line inspection software that enhances quality assurance. These solutions utilize proprietary algorithms to automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and consistency in operations. LinkWiz also provides technical consulting services to assist clients in optimizing their use of robotic systems. The company has successfully established partnerships with major industries, including automotive manufacturers, demonstrating the effectiveness of its technology in enhancing productivity and profitability.

Ridge-i

Venture Round in 2019
Ridge-i Co., Ltd., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in artificial intelligence and deep learning consulting and development services. The company offers tailored AI technology solutions designed to meet specific business needs. Ridge-i's expertise encompasses various phases of AI implementation, from consulting focused on machine learning and deep learning to the development of effective solutions. The firm is committed to delivering meaningful impact in business environments through its comprehensive understanding of AI technologies.

Telexistence

Series A in 2018
Telexistence Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2017, specializing in robotics and cloud data services. The company focuses on developing remote control technologies, exemplified by its production prototype, MODEL H. This technology integrates virtual reality, telecommunications, cloud computing, and haptics to allow users to interact effectively in remote environments. Telexistence aims to enhance human presence and capabilities through its innovative robotic solutions, which transmit and analyze visual, auditory, and tactile information. By pursuing systematic innovation in robotics, Telexistence seeks to create scalable and reproducible methodologies that advance the field.

StradVision

Series A in 2018
StradVision, Inc. specializes in developing perception algorithms for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with additional offices in South Korea, Germany, India, Japan, and China, the company offers various products including SVNet External for external vehicle perception and SVNet Internal for monitoring driver and passenger status. StradVision's technology utilizes artificial intelligence and deep learning to enhance vehicle safety features such as lane detection, object recognition, and real-time environmental analysis. The firm also provides an Auto Labeling Tool for automatic annotation of key objects and road elements. With a strong emphasis on innovation, StradVision holds over 60 patents and has more than 150 pending, positioning itself as a significant player in the automotive technology sector, particularly in the transition towards autonomous driving solutions.

exiii

Seed Round in 2018
exiii Inc. develops functional prosthetic hands. The company was founded on October 29, 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Telexistence

Seed Round in 2017
Telexistence Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2017, specializing in robotics and cloud data services. The company focuses on developing remote control technologies, exemplified by its production prototype, MODEL H. This technology integrates virtual reality, telecommunications, cloud computing, and haptics to allow users to interact effectively in remote environments. Telexistence aims to enhance human presence and capabilities through its innovative robotic solutions, which transmit and analyze visual, auditory, and tactile information. By pursuing systematic innovation in robotics, Telexistence seeks to create scalable and reproducible methodologies that advance the field.

LifeRobotics

Series B in 2016
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

LifeRobotics

Series A in 2016
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

LifeRobotics

Series A in 2015
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

Jibo

Series A in 2015
Jibo, Inc. specializes in the manufacture and sale of social robots designed for home use. The company's flagship product, Jibo, is engineered to interact with users using advanced Natural Language Understanding, speech recognition, and facial recognition technologies. This robot serves as an electronic companion, capable of learning user preferences, assisting with daily tasks, and providing reminders for important events. Jibo communicates through natural social and emotive cues, enhancing the user experience and facilitating meaningful interactions. Founded in 2012 and launched publicly in 2017, Jibo, Inc. operates from its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, serving a diverse market that includes the United States, Canada, various European countries, and parts of Asia and South America. The company's goal is to improve human-robot interaction, making everyday life simpler and more engaging for individuals of all ages.

16Lab

Seed Round in 2014
16Lab Inc. designs and develops a personal computing wearable device OZON. It allows users to control computers, smartphones, tablets, cameras, televisions, lighting fixtures, and other electrical appliances. 16Lab Inc. is based in Kamakura, Japan.

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.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.