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, Investment Group

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

Partner, Investment Group

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, Investment Group

KyungHun Lee

Partner

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal

Chukaku Lin

Director

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal

Yuki Matsuo

Director

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

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, Investment Group

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

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

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 Sustainability

Creatura

Series A in 2025
Creatura assists companies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating and distributing carbon credits and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Symbiobe

Series A in 2024
Symbiobe is a company that focuses on developing a resource-recycling material production platform aimed at promoting sustainability. By utilizing underexploited natural biomass resources and photosynthetic organisms, the platform offers innovative solutions for greenhouse gas fixation and the production of industrial biopolymers, nitrogen fertilizers, and aquaculture feed. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of these materials but also supports environmental start-up businesses in obtaining natural and sustainable products. Symbiobe's mission is to advance manufacturing practices globally to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Sagri

Series A in 2024
Sagri, Inc. is a Japan-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in developing agriculture software aimed at addressing challenges faced by farmers. The company leverages satellite data analysis and machine learning to create a data platform that provides insights into the status of agricultural land. By collaborating with regional financial institutions and local governments, Sagri enables agricultural committees to identify abandoned cultivated land through a digital mapping system, thereby alleviating the investigative burden typically associated with these assessments. The company's innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices for experienced farmers.

Newmo

Seed Round in 2024
Newmo is a technology company that specializes in sustainable local public transportation. It develops a ride-sharing service platform, enabling drivers to work flexibly using their free time, and providing passengers with a safe, secure, and comfortable user experience.

CleanFiber

Venture Round in 2024
CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Windfall Bio

Series A in 2024
Windfall Bio is a company focused on developing a sustainable technology that captures and transforms methane emissions into organic fertilizer, addressing significant environmental issues associated with methane and synthetic fertilizers. Founded in 2022 and based in San Mateo, California, Windfall Bio utilizes methane-eating microbes to convert methane from various sources, including agriculture, oil and gas, and waste management, into valuable soil nutrients. This innovative solution not only helps industries reduce their methane footprint but also enhances operational efficiency and profitability, benefiting the planet and consumers alike. The company is backed by prominent venture capital firms, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its mission to tackle climate change through nature-based agricultural technology.

Trove

Series E in 2023
Trove is a technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Brisbane, California. It operates two distinct businesses: a SaaS platform that uses AI to analyze teams' email connections, providing insights to help build and leverage professional networks; and a leading platform for branded resale and trade-in, enabling brands to launch, manage, and scale their resale programs efficiently. The latter offers advanced tools for in-store and digital trade-ins, returns processing, inventory management, resale site building, and analytics, serving prominent brands like Canada Goose, Carhartt, and Patagonia. Trove's resale platform aims to drive sustainability in retail by promoting a circular economy.

Elephantech

Series D in 2023
Elephantech Inc., founded in January 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacturing of electronic circuits with a focus on sustainability. The company utilizes innovative metal inkjet printing technology to produce flexible printed circuit boards, employing silver nano ink and electroless copper plating. This advanced manufacturing process allows Elephantech to offer clients cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, the company develops application products using flexible substrates, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable practices in the electric industry.

Connect Earth

Seed Round in 2023
Connect Earth, founded in 2021 and based in London, is an environmental data company focused on providing accessible sustainability information. The company has developed a carbon tracking API that enables users to understand the environmental impact of their purchases, offering detailed insights into carbon emissions and facilitating the calculation of carbon footprints. By partnering with financial institutions, Connect Earth empowers consumers to make informed, sustainable choices in their daily spending and promotes transparency regarding the climate effects of financial activities. The company's mission is to bridge the gap between environmental intent and actionable knowledge, thereby driving sustainable finance and helping both individuals and businesses reduce their carbon emissions.

Cierpa & Company

Venture Round in 2023
Cierpa & Company specializes in developing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management software aimed at enhancing corporate sustainability practices. Their cloud-based platform centralizes ESG information, facilitating seamless communication between departments and optimizing workflows. The software enables organizations to efficiently collect, analyze, and disclose ESG-related data, thereby improving sustainability scores and promoting effective ESG management. Through their innovative solutions, Cierpa & Company assists businesses in navigating the complexities of sustainability evaluation and reporting.

Visolis

Seed Round in 2023
Visolis is a bioengineering company based in Berkeley, California, that specializes in the development of carbon-negative and sustainable chemicals. Established in 2012, the company employs a systems approach that combines innovations in synthetic biology, chemical catalysis, and process scale-up to create new bio-based manufacturing platforms. Visolis' technology enables the production of chemicals for performance polymers, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel through straightforward and cost-effective chemical transformations. The company's focus on achieving true carbon-negative chemical synthesis positions it as a leader in sustainable chemical manufacturing.

CleanFiber

Series B in 2023
CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Neutral

Series A in 2022
Neutral is a carbon-neutral food company based in Portland, Oregon, established in 2018. The company focuses on creating a sustainable food ecosystem, starting with its offerings of organic milk and half-and-half. Neutral aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production by utilizing a carbon-neutral process, which includes sourcing products from pasture-raised cows. Their product line not only emphasizes nutritional value, featuring high levels of omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), but also encourages consumers to participate in environmental sustainability by opting for products that contribute to lower carbon emissions.

AmicaTerra

Series C in 2022
AmicaTerra is a supplier and manufacturer of biomass products aimed at addressing environmental pollution. The company specializes in creating plant-derived, biodegradable fiber ceramic products, including tableware and straws. These items are designed to decompose naturally without releasing toxic chemicals, providing consumers with eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic cutlery. By focusing on sustainability, AmicaTerra contributes to reducing waste and promoting a healthier environment.

Clean Energy Connect

Series A in 2022
Clean Energy Connect Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2020 that specializes in providing renewable energy solutions to corporate clients. The company focuses on generating and delivering green energy while ensuring minimal environmental impact. It invests in its own generation capacity to ensure a stable electricity supply and connects distributed renewable energy resources with businesses seeking to adopt sustainable practices. Clean Energy Connect offers advisory services and tailored arrangements to facilitate the transition to renewable energy, including optimal solutions for energy introduction and procurement. By offering cost-effective proposals and combinations of renewable energy sources, the company enables clients to switch to greener energy options seamlessly.

SANU

Series A in 2022
Sanu is a home subscription service that provides customers with access to a unique hotel and residence platform, emphasizing a lifestyle that integrates nature into urban living. By offering a monthly subscription model, Sanu allows individuals to experience the tranquility of a second home in natural settings, promoting a harmonious coexistence between people and the environment. The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating an increasing number of subscribers who seek regular escapes to nature as an extension of their city life.

Social Interior

Series B in 2020
Social Interior is a furniture design platform that specializes in subscription services for new furniture and home appliances. The company aims to promote a sustainable lifestyle by offering a diverse range of furniture for rent, including chairs, tables, sofas, and kitchen storage. Through its online platform, customers can conveniently book sustainable furniture for specific periods, aligning with the company's goal of fostering a recycling society that values long-lasting products. Social Interior's services cater to the growing demand for flexible and eco-friendly home furnishing options.

Manebi

Venture Round in 2020
Manebi specializes in the production and distribution of handmade espadrilles, a traditional Spanish footwear. The company employs skilled craftsmen to create these shoes using natural jute, which is known for its durability and sustainability. To enhance the longevity of its products, Manebi incorporates a thin rubber layer that protects the jute from humidity and water contact. This focus on quality and craftsmanship allows the brand to offer fashionable and reliable footwear and beachwear accessories, appealing to customers seeking both style and functionality.

Lime

Series C in 2019
Lime is a transportation company that focuses on providing sustainable solutions for urban mobility by offering electric scooters and bike-sharing services. The company partners with cities to deploy a fleet of electric bikes and scooters equipped with GPS and self-activating locks, which allows users to access affordable and reliable transportation options. Lime aims to address the first- and last-mile transportation challenges, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives that help reduce carbon footprints. By encouraging a shift in transportation behavior, Lime seeks to empower future generations to contribute to a more sustainable planet.

PERL.eco

Venture Round in 2018
PERL.eco is a company focused on creating a dedicated blockchain platform for trading real-world ecological assets, specifically carbon credits and biodiversity. By leveraging decentralized finance, PERL.eco aims to democratize the trading of these assets through innovative features such as decentralized liquidity pools and synthetic asset generation. The platform is designed to facilitate efficient and equitable marketplaces, allowing users to trade ecological credits and various assets while benefiting from incentivized liquidity mining. Through its efforts, PERL.eco seeks to enhance the accessibility and transparency of ecological asset trading, thereby contributing to a more sustainable economic environment.

Enlighted

Series C in 2017
Enlighted Inc. is a company that specializes in manufacturing advanced lighting control systems for commercial environments, serving both domestic and international markets. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Enlighted develops a range of products including Enlighted Sensors, which gather data on occupancy, ambient light, temperature, and energy consumption, and Enlighted Room Control devices that allow users to adjust lighting levels in their spaces. Additionally, the Enlighted Gateway aggregates data from multiple sensors, facilitating comprehensive energy management through a web-based interface known as the Energy Manager. The company's technology is designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy costs—reportedly by up to 70% in some cases—and improve workspace comfort. Enlighted's solutions have been adopted by numerous Fortune 1000 companies, with sensors deployed in over 70,000 square feet of commercial real estate. As of May 2018, Enlighted operates as a subsidiary of Siemens Industry, Inc.

Material Concept

Corporate Round in 2016
Material Concept specializes in the manufacturing of copper paste designed for use in electrical components and solar panels. Their product offers conductivity comparable to silver while significantly reducing raw material costs. This innovative paste is suitable for forming wires and electrodes in solar cells and electronic devices, providing industries with an effective alternative to silver pastes. The company is committed to sustainable development and aims to bridge the technology gap through its research and development efforts, manufacturing capabilities, and human resource initiatives. Material Concept's focus on creating multifunctional interface layer materials supports the development of a sustainable society.

SANU

Sanu is a home subscription service that provides customers with access to a unique hotel and residence platform, emphasizing a lifestyle that integrates nature into urban living. By offering a monthly subscription model, Sanu allows individuals to experience the tranquility of a second home in natural settings, promoting a harmonious coexistence between people and the environment. The service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating an increasing number of subscribers who seek regular escapes to nature as an extension of their city life.

SUN METALON

SUN METALON specializes in innovative technology aimed at decarbonizing metal manufacturing through processes such as recycling, refining, and forming. The company also manufactures three-dimensional printers designed for local production of metal parts, allowing for on-site fabrication. This approach enables clients to efficiently create metal products in various environments while reducing costs. By combining advanced manufacturing techniques with a focus on sustainability, SUN METALON aims to transform the metal industry and promote more environmentally friendly practices.
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