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

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

Jiro Kumakura

General Partner and Board Member

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 Robotics

RLWRLD

Seed Round in 2025
RLWRLD is a robotics company that develops "Physical AI" solutions. It creates robotics foundation models (RFMs) which enable robots to operate autonomously in real-world environments. These models combine large language models with traditional robotics software, allowing robots to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and manipulate objects, much like humans do.

Aeronext

Series B in 2024
Aeronext Inc. is a Japanese startup focused on the research and development of drone technology. The company specializes in center of gravity control technology, which is designed to enhance the performance and stability of drones during flight. By optimizing the position of the center of gravity based on the drone's attitude and movements, Aeronext enables safer industrial applications of drone technology. The firm is also involved in sales and promotion activities related to its innovative drone solutions.

Turing

Seed Round in 2024
Turing develops and manufactures fully autonomous vehicles.

Pixie Dust Technologies

Post in 2023
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development of advanced phased array and digital fabrication technologies. The company’s flagship product is an ultrasonic phased array system that enables various innovative applications, such as generating force in mid-air, transporting objects without physical contact, and delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care tool utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. The company's offerings also include Vuevo, a service designed to visualize conversations among multiple people, and kikippa, a device focused on gamma wave sound care. Through its unique technological solutions, Pixie Dust Technologies aims to enhance social trust and improve user experiences across different domains.

Telexistence

Series B in 2023
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotic technologies that enable users to interact with remote environments through online remote control systems. By transmitting, accumulating, and analyzing visual, auditory, and tactile information, Telexistence enhances the ability of individuals to operate effectively from a distance. The company emphasizes systematic innovation in robotics, aiming to develop scalable and reproducible solutions that expand human presence in various settings.

GITAI

Series B in 2023
GITAI Inc. is a leading space robotics company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2016. The firm specializes in manufacturing humanoid telepresence robots to assist with tasks related to space exploration, particularly within space stations and lunar development. GITAI's product lineup includes the G1 robot, designed for general-purpose automation, the S1 robot for specific task automation, and the H1 manipulation system for remote operation of robots in space. By providing a reliable alternative to human labor, GITAI aims to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and significantly reduce operational costs in space activities. Their technology is intended to facilitate the construction and maintenance of satellites, space stations, and future habitats on the Moon and Mars, ultimately enabling more sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.

New Innovations

Series A in 2023
New Innovations Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in designing and developing artificial intelligence-driven robots specifically for cafes. Its flagship product, the unmanned cafe robot known as "√C," utilizes demand-supply forecasting AI to serve coffee tailored to individual customer preferences, taking into account factors such as taste, busyness, physical condition, and mood. This innovative approach allows for a more personalized coffee experience while enhancing operational efficiency in the food and beverage sector. The robot is positioned as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human workers, aiming to complement existing roles in the industry. In collaboration with Nankai Electric Railway, New Innovations began demonstration experiments for the √C robot at Namba Station in August 2019, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics into everyday cafe operations.

Toggle

Series A in 2023
Toggle is a company based in the United States that specializes in robotics and automation solutions for the construction industry. It offers a robotics as a service (RaaS) platform specifically designed for assembling rebar cages used in reinforced concrete applications. Utilizing advanced two-arm robotic platforms and proprietary jig designs, Toggle's technology enables the construction of rebar structures directly from computer blueprints, allowing for precise and efficient pre-assembly services.

Aeronext

Series A in 2022
Aeronext Inc. is a Japanese startup focused on the research and development of drone technology. The company specializes in center of gravity control technology, which is designed to enhance the performance and stability of drones during flight. By optimizing the position of the center of gravity based on the drone's attitude and movements, Aeronext enables safer industrial applications of drone technology. The firm is also involved in sales and promotion activities related to its innovative drone solutions.

Turing

Seed Round in 2022
Turing develops and manufactures fully autonomous vehicles.

SLAMcore

Series A in 2022
SLAMcore Limited specializes in developing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for various applications, including robotics, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016 and based in London, the company has created advanced SLAM software that enables robots and devices equipped with outward-facing sensors to understand and navigate unfamiliar environments. Their technology includes Visual SLAM, sensor fusion, and Event Camera SLAM, which collectively enhance real-time spatial understanding. By fusing data from multiple sensors, SLAMcore's platform utilizes computer vision and machine learning to improve the efficiency and accuracy of robotic systems. The company offers a software development kit (SDK) that facilitates rapid prototyping for commercial products, allowing for customization on standard computing platforms. Through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers, SLAMcore aims to integrate its core technology into everyday products, making spatial intelligence more accessible and practical in various industries.

RightHand Robotics

Series C in 2022
RightHand Robotics, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing of robotic order-picking systems designed to enhance supply chain logistics and order fulfillment across various industries, including e-commerce, food handling, and flexible manufacturing. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Frankfurt, Germany. RightHand Robotics offers innovative solutions like the ReFlex SF, which features a 3D-printed palm equipped with advanced servos and compliant fingers, and the ReFlex TakkTile, a tactile sensor that aids in gentle object handling. Their technology enables robots to automatically grasp a wide range of items from bins and cases without the need for extensive data entry or parameter tuning, making their systems cost-effective and adaptable to changing business needs.

Telexistence

Series A in 2021
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotic technologies that enable users to interact with remote environments through online remote control systems. By transmitting, accumulating, and analyzing visual, auditory, and tactile information, Telexistence enhances the ability of individuals to operate effectively from a distance. The company emphasizes systematic innovation in robotics, aiming to develop scalable and reproducible solutions that expand human presence in various settings.

GITAI

Series B in 2021
GITAI Inc. is a leading space robotics company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2016. The firm specializes in manufacturing humanoid telepresence robots to assist with tasks related to space exploration, particularly within space stations and lunar development. GITAI's product lineup includes the G1 robot, designed for general-purpose automation, the S1 robot for specific task automation, and the H1 manipulation system for remote operation of robots in space. By providing a reliable alternative to human labor, GITAI aims to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and significantly reduce operational costs in space activities. Their technology is intended to facilitate the construction and maintenance of satellites, space stations, and future habitats on the Moon and Mars, ultimately enabling more sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.

Swift Navigation

Series C in 2021
Swift Navigation, Inc. is a technology company specializing in precise global positioning system (GPS) solutions, founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, with an additional location in Melbourne, Australia. The company develops hardware and software that provide centimeter-level accuracy through real-time kinematics (RTK) technology. Its product lineup includes the Piksi Multi GNSS Module, a versatile RTK receiver, and the Duro Ruggedized Receiver, designed for various industrial applications such as agriculture and robotics. Additionally, Swift Navigation offers the Skylark cloud corrections service and the Starling GNSS positioning engine, which caters to automotive and autonomous vehicle needs. The company's innovative solutions, characterized by their affordability and high accuracy—100 times better than standard GPS—serve multiple industries, including unmanned aerial vehicles, surveying, and space applications. Swift Navigation's commitment to making advanced positioning technology accessible is recognized by notable accolades, including mentions in Inc. and Forbes 30 Under 30 lists.

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.

Pixie Dust Technologies

Series A in 2019
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development of advanced phased array and digital fabrication technologies. The company’s flagship product is an ultrasonic phased array system that enables various innovative applications, such as generating force in mid-air, transporting objects without physical contact, and delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care tool utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. The company's offerings also include Vuevo, a service designed to visualize conversations among multiple people, and kikippa, a device focused on gamma wave sound care. Through its unique technological solutions, Pixie Dust Technologies aims to enhance social trust and improve user experiences across different domains.

Araya

Series B in 2019
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing services, enabling the identification of various individuals and objects in images and videos. Araya's technology also includes deep reinforcement learning, allowing for the autonomous movement of drones and robots. Additionally, the company has developed a unique deep learning compression technology that enhances the efficiency of its algorithms, making them smaller and faster while maintaining accuracy. By aiming to advance the capabilities of artificial intelligence towards potential artificial consciousness, Araya seeks to address the diverse needs of its clients through innovative AI services.

Connected Robotics

Series A in 2019
Connected Robotics Inc, founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, designs and manufactures robotic arms tailored for the food service industry. Its flagship product, OctoChef, addresses the labor shortages faced by restaurants by utilizing artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to streamline cooking processes. The company serves a diverse clientele, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, stations, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events. By integrating intelligent robotics into kitchen operations, Connected Robotics aims to enhance the dining experience while promoting efficiency and quality in meal preparation.

Araya

Series C in 2019
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing services, enabling the identification of various individuals and objects in images and videos. Araya's technology also includes deep reinforcement learning, allowing for the autonomous movement of drones and robots. Additionally, the company has developed a unique deep learning compression technology that enhances the efficiency of its algorithms, making them smaller and faster while maintaining accuracy. By aiming to advance the capabilities of artificial intelligence towards potential artificial consciousness, Araya seeks to address the diverse needs of its clients through innovative AI services.

LinkWiz

Series B in 2019
LinkWiz, Inc. is a Japanese company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. It specializes in developing and selling intelligent robot system software tailored for industrial and manufacturing applications. The company's flagship products include L-ROBOT, a control software that automates operations like welding and coating, and L-QUALIFY, a solution designed for production-line inspections. These products utilize proprietary algorithms to enhance robot functionality, facilitating visual inspections and quality assessments while optimizing automation processes. LinkWiz also offers technical consulting services to assist clients in implementing these solutions. The company has gained recognition in the industry, with its software being adopted by major players, including automobile manufacturers, to improve efficiency and productivity.

Telexistence

Series A in 2018
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotic technologies that enable users to interact with remote environments through online remote control systems. By transmitting, accumulating, and analyzing visual, auditory, and tactile information, Telexistence enhances the ability of individuals to operate effectively from a distance. The company emphasizes systematic innovation in robotics, aiming to develop scalable and reproducible solutions that expand human presence in various settings.

StradVision

Series A in 2018
StradVision, Inc. specializes in developing advanced perception algorithms designed to enhance the capabilities of vehicles in recognizing and understanding their surroundings. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with additional offices in California, Japan, India, China, and Germany, the company provides solutions such as SVNet External for external vehicle perception and SVNet Internal for monitoring driver and passenger status. StradVision's technology supports advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle applications, utilizing camera-based perception AI and LiDAR to ensure safety and accuracy in real-time object detection and classification. The company has achieved notable rankings in technology evaluations and holds over 60 issued patents, with more than 150 pending, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the automotive sector. Its auto labeling tool enhances data training efficiency, minimizing the need for human intervention and facilitating the development of reliable self-driving capabilities.

exiii

Seed Round in 2018
exiii Inc., founded on October 29, 2014, and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing functional prosthetic hands and wearable robotic devices. The company's signature product, EXOS, is a haptic device designed for extended reality (XR) applications, which enhances the virtual experience by reproducing a sense of touch. By simulating pivotal and radicular flexion, exiii's technology provides realistic tactile feedback, allowing users to engage more fully with virtual environments. This innovation not only benefits individuals requiring prosthetics but also enables businesses to create more immersive VR experiences for their clients.

Seismic

Series A in 2017
Seismic, established in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, specializes in the production and development of custom garments equipped with built-in flexible electric motors. These garments, known as Powered Clothing, are designed to assist wearers in everyday tasks by providing intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints. Seismic's team comprises experts in textiles, industrial design, robotics, biomechanics, and data science, working together to create lightweight, connected apparel that can be comfortably worn under any outfit. The company's technology was initially developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program aimed at reducing injury risk and enhancing soldier endurance. Seismic spun out of SRI to explore the technology's potential for consumer applications, initially focusing on the aging market due to its size and need.

Araya

Series A in 2017
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing services, enabling the identification of various individuals and objects in images and videos. Araya's technology also includes deep reinforcement learning, allowing for the autonomous movement of drones and robots. Additionally, the company has developed a unique deep learning compression technology that enhances the efficiency of its algorithms, making them smaller and faster while maintaining accuracy. By aiming to advance the capabilities of artificial intelligence towards potential artificial consciousness, Araya seeks to address the diverse needs of its clients through innovative AI services.

Telexistence

Seed Round in 2017
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotic technologies that enable users to interact with remote environments through online remote control systems. By transmitting, accumulating, and analyzing visual, auditory, and tactile information, Telexistence enhances the ability of individuals to operate effectively from a distance. The company emphasizes systematic innovation in robotics, aiming to develop scalable and reproducible solutions that expand human presence in various settings.

Seismic

Series A in 2017
Seismic, established in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, specializes in the production and development of custom garments equipped with built-in flexible electric motors. These garments, known as Powered Clothing, are designed to assist wearers in everyday tasks by providing intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints. Seismic's team comprises experts in textiles, industrial design, robotics, biomechanics, and data science, working together to create lightweight, connected apparel that can be comfortably worn under any outfit. The company's technology was initially developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program aimed at reducing injury risk and enhancing soldier endurance. Seismic spun out of SRI to explore the technology's potential for consumer applications, initially focusing on the aging market due to its size and need.

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.

Araya

Venture Round in 2016
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software solutions. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing services, enabling the identification of various individuals and objects in images and videos. Araya's technology also includes deep reinforcement learning, allowing for the autonomous movement of drones and robots. Additionally, the company has developed a unique deep learning compression technology that enhances the efficiency of its algorithms, making them smaller and faster while maintaining accuracy. By aiming to advance the capabilities of artificial intelligence towards potential artificial consciousness, Araya seeks to address the diverse needs of its clients through innovative AI services.

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. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the development and sale of social robots designed to enhance human-robot interaction. The flagship product, Jibo, is the first social robot intended for home use, equipped with advanced Natural Language Understanding, speech, and facial recognition capabilities. Jibo interacts with users by learning their preferences, assisting with everyday tasks, and providing reminders for important events. It aims to foster relationships with users, including adults, seniors, children, and teens. Since its public launch in 2017, Jibo has been marketed across various regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Latin America. The company, incorporated in 2010, focuses on creating electronic companions that simplify daily life and provide emotional engagement.

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.

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.

New Innovations

New Innovations Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in designing and developing artificial intelligence-driven robots specifically for cafes. Its flagship product, the unmanned cafe robot known as "√C," utilizes demand-supply forecasting AI to serve coffee tailored to individual customer preferences, taking into account factors such as taste, busyness, physical condition, and mood. This innovative approach allows for a more personalized coffee experience while enhancing operational efficiency in the food and beverage sector. The robot is positioned as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human workers, aiming to complement existing roles in the industry. In collaboration with Nankai Electric Railway, New Innovations began demonstration experiments for the √C robot at Namba Station in August 2019, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics into everyday cafe operations.
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