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 Virtual Reality

Brave Group

Series D in 2024
Brave Group, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in intellectual property development services tailored for the entertainment industry. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Unlimited.Co., Ltd., Brave Group focuses on creating and distributing various forms of media, including videos, music, and online events. The company leverages animation production technology to offer marketing and production support services, aiming to transform the local entertainment market. Additionally, Brave Group develops innovative intellectual property, such as virtual reality content, facilitating advertising opportunities for businesses while enhancing entertainment options for consumers.

AnotherBall

Seed Round in 2023
AnotherBall is a blockchain startup focused on digital entertainment, specifically through the development of a new VTuber project. The company aims to create a sustainable platform within the Web3 space, allowing users to express their identities and passions. By leveraging VTubing technology, AnotherBall provides opportunities for streamers, illustrators, and music and video producers to earn income from their creative endeavors. This approach fosters a community where participants can thrive while navigating the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and blockchain technology.

Activ8

Venture Round in 2023
Activ8 Inc. is a content development company based in Minato, Japan, founded in 2016. It specializes in designing and developing virtual content, including the creation of 3D models, 2D illustrations, and 2D animations. The company's offerings encompass virtualization, metaverse production, and the development of a virtual talent platform that facilitates job matching for virtual talent and the sale of original goods. Activ8 also provides services such as event sponsorship and operates tools like Bizfolio, which serves as a management system, and STAR TIMES, a media outlet showcasing professionals in animation, web development, and graphic design.

Kreation

Seed Round in 2023
Kreation operates a global platform focused on gaming and cyber fashion, facilitating connections between fashion brands, creators, metaverses, and consumers. The platform aims to foster a new digital fashion culture by leveraging technology, allowing users to express their creativity and personal style in virtual environments. Through its innovative approach, Kreation enables clients to engage with digital services that blend self-expression and fashion, enhancing the overall experience in the evolving landscape of cyber fashion.

Cluster

Series D in 2023
Cluster, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that has developed a virtual reality application called Cluster. This platform allows users to host various events, including live music performances and conferences, in a virtual environment. By connecting thousands of participants simultaneously, Cluster facilitates large-scale virtual events that provide an engaging experience. Users can create customized rooms within the virtual space, enabling them to interact with others while enjoying live video content. The company, initially known as Fictbox Inc., rebranded to Cluster, Inc. in April 2016 and aims to expand its business through enhanced product development and marketing efforts.

Neurable

Series A in 2023
Neurable Inc. is a neurotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company focuses on developing artificial intelligence software that translates brain activity into actionable insights, allowing users to control software and devices solely with their thoughts. Neurable's technology facilitates various applications, including gaming, operating toys, and driving vehicles, as well as enhancing experiences in virtual and augmented reality. By leveraging patented signal processing methods and a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscience, biology, statistics, and machine learning, Neurable aims to create high-performance brain-computer interfaces that are accessible and user-friendly.

Unbereal

Series C in 2022
Unbereal Inc. is a Japanese company founded on May 7, 2012, that specializes in the development and operation of Topia, a virtual karaoke distribution platform. The platform allows users to engage in karaoke while also offering features for creating customizable three-dimensional avatars. In addition to its karaoke services, Unbereal's application supports the development of various gaming experiences, including shooting battle and action games, enhancing user interaction within an augmented and virtual reality environment.

DataMesh

Series B in 2022
DataMesh is a leading company focused on advanced digital twin and mixed reality solutions that enhance operations, training, and maintenance across various industries. Its flagship platform, FactVerse, combines real-time data with immersive 3D environments to create precise simulations and effective workflows. This innovative approach allows businesses in manufacturing, construction, and facility management to significantly improve productivity and streamline processes. DataMesh offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including DataMesh Director, Checklist, Inspector, and Simulator, which facilitate seamless implementation and robust performance. By leveraging technologies such as AI, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things, DataMesh is at the forefront of digital transformation, driving innovation and efficiency in its target sectors.

Psychic VR Lab

Venture Round in 2021
Psychic VR Lab is a startup company that handles fashion VR and MR shopping service STYLY. They are creating a future where they will live in space.

Synamon

Series B in 2020
Synamon Inc. is a Japanese company specializing in the development and management of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) products. Founded in 2016 and based in Shinagawa, Synamon focuses on creating immersive solutions that enhance user experiences in virtual environments. Its flagship product, NEUTRANS, offers a comprehensive VR space construction solution that enables users to connect in real-time, share resources, and collaborate on design decisions as if they were physically together. The company provides a range of services, including VR/AR development, consulting, and the creation of 3D models, ensuring a one-stop solution from initial planning through to development and delivery. By leveraging intuitive user interfaces and multi-device compatibility, Synamon aims to continuously improve its offerings based on user feedback, thereby refining the virtual space experience for various applications.

Cluster

Series C in 2020
Cluster, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that has developed a virtual reality application called Cluster. This platform allows users to host various events, including live music performances and conferences, in a virtual environment. By connecting thousands of participants simultaneously, Cluster facilitates large-scale virtual events that provide an engaging experience. Users can create customized rooms within the virtual space, enabling them to interact with others while enjoying live video content. The company, initially known as Fictbox Inc., rebranded to Cluster, Inc. in April 2016 and aims to expand its business through enhanced product development and marketing efforts.

PlaceHolder

Series B in 2019
Placeholder, Inc. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that operates a digital theme park designed for both children and adults, utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Founded in 2016, Placeholder offers a variety of interactive products and experiences, including sand party, spray painting, draw your world, paper rikishi, planet portal, little builders, world adventure, number splash, and ar quest. The company focuses on creating inspiring and engaging experiences by combining digital technology with real-world environments.

PlaceHolder

Venture Round in 2019
Placeholder, Inc. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that operates a digital theme park designed for both children and adults, utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Founded in 2016, Placeholder offers a variety of interactive products and experiences, including sand party, spray painting, draw your world, paper rikishi, planet portal, little builders, world adventure, number splash, and ar quest. The company focuses on creating inspiring and engaging experiences by combining digital technology with real-world environments.

Synamon

Series A in 2019
Synamon Inc. is a Japanese company specializing in the development and management of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) products. Founded in 2016 and based in Shinagawa, Synamon focuses on creating immersive solutions that enhance user experiences in virtual environments. Its flagship product, NEUTRANS, offers a comprehensive VR space construction solution that enables users to connect in real-time, share resources, and collaborate on design decisions as if they were physically together. The company provides a range of services, including VR/AR development, consulting, and the creation of 3D models, ensuring a one-stop solution from initial planning through to development and delivery. By leveraging intuitive user interfaces and multi-device compatibility, Synamon aims to continuously improve its offerings based on user feedback, thereby refining the virtual space experience for various applications.

Cluster

Series B in 2018
Cluster, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that has developed a virtual reality application called Cluster. This platform allows users to host various events, including live music performances and conferences, in a virtual environment. By connecting thousands of participants simultaneously, Cluster facilitates large-scale virtual events that provide an engaging experience. Users can create customized rooms within the virtual space, enabling them to interact with others while enjoying live video content. The company, initially known as Fictbox Inc., rebranded to Cluster, Inc. in April 2016 and aims to expand its business through enhanced product development and marketing efforts.

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.

Hacosco

Venture Round in 2017
Hacosco Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, planning, sales, and management of virtual reality services. The company provides accessible VR experiences through its smartphone-based VR service, which utilizes a simple viewer compatible with mobile devices. This innovation allows users to experience virtual reality without the need for expensive head-mounted displays or complex setups, making VR more approachable for the general public. Hacosco's product offerings include VR goggles and 360-degree cameras, catering to a growing demand for immersive technology that is both user-friendly and affordable.

Tricol

Venture Round in 2017
Tricol Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based software development company that specializes in creating virtual reality (VR) games. Founded in 2016, the company offers a diverse portfolio of VR content, including titles such as PLANNES, a zero-gravity tennis game; Counter Fight, a cooking simulation where players prepare dishes for quirky customers; and Free Throw Bomber, a ball-throwing game. Tricol focuses on delivering high-quality VR experiences that can be enjoyed quickly, aiming to enhance the global appeal of virtual reality and foster its development. The company also emphasizes local multiplayer features, allowing gamers to enjoy interactive experiences together.

Hacosco

Venture Round in 2016
Hacosco Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, planning, sales, and management of virtual reality services. The company provides accessible VR experiences through its smartphone-based VR service, which utilizes a simple viewer compatible with mobile devices. This innovation allows users to experience virtual reality without the need for expensive head-mounted displays or complex setups, making VR more approachable for the general public. Hacosco's product offerings include VR goggles and 360-degree cameras, catering to a growing demand for immersive technology that is both user-friendly and affordable.

Plumzi

Seed Round in 2013
Plumzi, Inc. is a provider of a story-driven entertainment technology platform designed for tablets and smartphones. Founded in 2012 and based in Redwood City, California, Plumzi enables children to engage with characters and influence the narrative through interactive features such as touch, voice, and tilt. The platform facilitates studios and creators in authoring and streaming appisodes, a novel form of interactive entertainment that can be experienced on various devices, including tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and virtual reality headsets.
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