JR East Start Up

JR East Start Up is a corporate venture capital firm established in February 2018 and located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Operated by East Japan Railway, the firm focuses on providing incubator and accelerator services to support the growth of local startups. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the region, JR East Start Up aims to enhance the startup ecosystem and drive economic development in Japan.

Yutaka Shibata

President and CEO

42 past transactions

Yuime

Series B in 2025
Yuime is an HR consulting firm that offers agricultural staffing, contract farming, and recruitment services.

Ken Robotec

Series B in 2025
Ken Robotec provides labor-saving solutions that promote productivity improvement and reduce the burden on workers at construction sites. They contribute to the evolution and development of the construction industry. The objective of Ken Robotec is to create a joyful construction site where robots and humans may collaborate.

EMobi

Seed Round in 2024
EMoBi is a transportation company that provides freight transport, and electric vehicle services with reservation facilities.

YADOKARI

Series B in 2024
YADOKARI is a real estate consulting company specializing in the design and construction of mobile properties, tiny houses, and community buildings. The company focuses on optimizing idle real estate and creating movable structures, offering comprehensive planning and development services. Additionally, YADOKARI supports community development through events and provides facility management services. By connecting new space owners with operators, the company enhances regional development and offers business consulting, enabling clients to access a range of support and financial services tailored to their housing needs.

Mode

Series B in 2024
Mode, Inc. is a technology company that develops a cloud platform designed to facilitate the creation and operation of Internet of Things (IoT) products. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan, Mode provides end-to-end semi-custom IoT and artificial intelligence solutions. Its platform enables devices to communicate with mobile clients, allowing organizations to track and manage their devices and users effectively. Mode's innovative BizStack IoT and BizStack AI solutions utilize a continuous improvement technology stack that collects real-time data from various sources, including sensors and legacy systems. The platform sanitizes and structures this data, delivering it through customizable dashboards that offer powerful insights. By streamlining data integration and providing operational improvements, Mode's solutions can be implemented significantly faster and more cost-effectively than traditional development methods, supporting organizations in transforming innovative ideas into practical, sustainable applications.

Lineside Marugoto

Seed Round in 2023
Lineside Marugoto is a lineside rehabilitation company that entails converting derelict houses along railway lines into hotel rooms and treating the entire lineside neighborhood as a hotel.

Petokoto

Series B in 2023
Petokoto is a pet wellness company that creates and sells fresh food, runs pet media, and keeps pets happy. It is suitable to become an information source that combines accuracy, completeness, and updateability by utilizing the collective knowledge of experts both inside and outside the company and demonstrating their respective expertise. The company aims to develop a world where pets can be loved as family members.

ARK

Seed Round in 2022
ARK focuses on the research, development, and manufacturing of innovative aquaculture systems aimed at promoting sustainable fish farming. The company designs closed circulation land-based aquaculture systems that facilitate off-the-grid operations, utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This approach enables clients to engage in aquaculture practices with zero emissions, thereby democratizing access to sustainable fish farming solutions. Through its commitment to environmental sustainability, ARK seeks to transform the aquaculture industry by providing efficient and eco-friendly farming equipment.

Photosynth

Series A in 2021
Photosynth Inc. is an information technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the development of smart locks for residential properties. Founded on September 1, 2014, the company focuses on research and development in the realm of internet of things (IoT) devices and cloud-related technologies. Additionally, Photosynth designs and operates cloud-based entrance and exit management systems, enhancing security and access control for homes. Through its innovative solutions, Photosynth aims to improve the safety and convenience of modern living.

Good Aid

Venture Round in 2021
Good Aid is a Japanese company based in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, focused on transforming healthcare through innovative business models. The company operates pharmacies, home-visit nursing services, and a pharmaceutical e-commerce platform, aiming to provide new medical options in the evolving healthcare landscape. By allowing customers to purchase minimal amounts of medication without prescriptions, Good Aid seeks to enhance convenience and reduce medical costs, challenging traditional healthcare norms. In response to the societal changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the company is dedicated to developing solutions that align with the needs of the post-pandemic era, thereby contributing positively to society.

SQUEEZE

Venture Round in 2021
SQUEEZE Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in providing innovative solutions for the lodging business. Founded in 2014, SQUEEZE develops a range of software products aimed at enhancing the management of vacation rentals, hotels, and ryokans. Its offerings include Mister Suite, a comprehensive management system; SuiteBook, which facilitates operations for vacation and short-term rental properties; and Mister Suite Lab, a demand analysis tool that leverages market data for improved decision-making. Additionally, SQUEEZE provides the igloohome smart keybox, a Bluetooth-enabled device designed for secure key exchanges in various settings, and Minn, a hospitality technology platform that enhances guest accommodation experiences. The company focuses on streamlining operations for the hospitality industry, allowing operators to efficiently manage guest information and service requests while optimizing revenue.

TENT Japan

Venture Round in 2021
TENT Japan operates an online platform that specializes in the rental of outdoor equipment and camping tents. The company focuses on providing a comprehensive product management and distribution system, alongside a rental-only inventory management tool that employs Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This innovative approach aims to reduce the barriers to purchasing outdoor gear, promote sustainable consumption, and help minimize waste of goods and resources. Through its services, TENT Japan seeks to facilitate outdoor experiences while encouraging environmentally responsible practices.

Sonas

Venture Round in 2021
Sonas Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the planning, design, manufacturing, and sale of innovative hardware and software solutions for sensing and measurement. The company is developing its UNISONet technology, which aims to enhance the Internet of Things (IoT) by providing high-quality wireless sensing capabilities. This technology addresses traditional challenges in IoT communications by utilizing advanced features such as power-saving mechanisms, high-speed data acquisition, low-latency bidirectional communication, and robust retransmission controls to prevent data loss. Sonas's solutions enable the sensing of various parameters, from small-scale measurements like temperature and humidity to larger-scale data such as acceleration and images, thereby positioning the company as a key player in the evolving IoT landscape.

Fermenstation

Venture Round in 2021
Fermenstation Co., Ltd. is a consulting firm based in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, specializing in the utilization of unused biomass and fermentation technology. Established in 2009, the company offers a range of services, including feasibility studies, product development, and consultation for creating aromatic products and animal feed. Fermenstation also engages in brand consulting, logo and packaging design, website development, and public relations. In addition to its consulting services, the company manufactures various products such as rice-based home ethanol, Komesshu air fresheners, and Oshu soap. By focusing on sustainable practices and local resource utilization, Fermenstation aims to help clients develop innovative products that minimize waste and enhance value.

Connected Robotics

Venture Round in 2020
Connected Robotics Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic arms for enterprises. Their flagship product, OctoChef, is a cooking robot designed to address labor shortages in the restaurant industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, image processing, and robot control technologies, OctoChef aims to enhance efficiency and worker satisfaction by automating kitchen tasks. The company serves a variety of clients, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, stations, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events, providing fun and healthy meal options while contributing to societal improvements.

Photosynth

Grant in 2020
Photosynth Inc. is an information technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the development of smart locks for residential properties. Founded on September 1, 2014, the company focuses on research and development in the realm of internet of things (IoT) devices and cloud-related technologies. Additionally, Photosynth designs and operates cloud-based entrance and exit management systems, enhancing security and access control for homes. Through its innovative solutions, Photosynth aims to improve the safety and convenience of modern living.

DennoKotsu

Venture Round in 2020
DennoKotsu Inc. is a Japanese company based in Tokushima, established in 2015, that specializes in the development and provision of cloud-based taxi dispatch systems. The company operates call centers for taxi companies, offering a contract dispatch service that streamlines operations for multiple operators. Its platform is designed to enhance dispatch efficiency by providing drivers with navigation maps through vehicle-mounted tablets. DennoKotsu's solutions aim to improve regional transportation services, delivering cost-effective and customized dispatch systems that cater to the evolving needs of the taxi industry.

CoCooking

Venture Round in 2020
CoCooking Co.Ltd is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that operates the online platform Tabete, aimed at reducing food wastage. The platform connects users with restaurants, take-out food stores, and bakeries that have excess food nearing expiration, allowing them to sell it at discounted prices rather than disposing of it. This approach helps both consumers and businesses reduce global food waste while promoting sustainability and creating a positive social impact. Additionally, CoCooking organizes events and workshops focused on food conservation and uses food and cooking as a means to foster creativity, diversity, and well-being within individuals and communities.

VILLAGE

Venture Round in 2020
Village Inc., headquartered in Shimoda City, Japan, specializes in outdoor experiential learning and operates camping facilities, restaurants, and commercial spaces. The company offers training programs and events for businesses and organizations, focusing on nature-based learning experiences. Additionally, it manages and produces private campsites for various purposes.

Asulabo

Venture Round in 2020
Asulabo Co., Ltd., founded in June 2010 and based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, operates primarily in property management and consulting services for business development. The company focuses on creating innovative mechanisms and environments, offering services that include human resources development through share houses, as well as revitalizing regional central cities and managing commercial facilities. Asulabo also engages in the rental, purchase, sale, and appraisal of real estate. In addition, it has developed a dining establishment called Yokocho, which highlights local ingredients and cuisine, promoting regional charm on a national scale.

Hmcomm

Venture Round in 2019
Hmcomm Co. Ltd., established in 2012 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing and providing AI-driven voice recognition solutions. The company's core business involves creating a cloud-based platform for speech recognition, natural language processing, and automatic summarization. Hmcomm serves a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, financial institutions, and IoT and robotics companies, offering services such as speech recognition engine development, IoT device-oriented FOTA/IoT systems, and abnormal sound detection. With additional offices in China and India, Hmcomm aims to enhance business efficiency through its innovative voice recognition and processing technologies.

Timee

Venture Round in 2019
Timee, established in 2017 and headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Japan, specializes in developing and operating applications. Its flagship product is a work sharing platform that connects available workers with businesses facing labor shortages, addressing the issue of fluctuating work demands. As Japan's leading gig work platform, Timee aims to expand work opportunities and alleviate labor market imbalances.

Address Japan

Venture Round in 2019
Address Japan is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in co-living services, offering a diverse range of luxurious residences across urban and rural areas in Japan. The company provides an online property rental marketplace that allows users to access a variety of comfortable properties equipped with essential amenities. With a fixed-price membership service, Address Japan enables individuals to enjoy flexible living arrangements without the complexities of traditional rental agreements. This model facilitates a flat-rate system, making it easy for people to live in different locations throughout the country.

CBcloud

Corporate Round in 2019
CBcloud Co., Ltd., founded in 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates a crowdsourcing platform designed to connect shippers with drivers. The company's innovative use of technology addresses inefficiencies within the logistics industry, enhancing the delivery experience for both shippers and consumers. By optimizing operations, CBcloud aims to improve the working environment for drivers and elevate consumer satisfaction. The platform facilitates and automates logistics processes, helping clients navigate delivery challenges while fostering new services for shippers. Through its efforts, CBcloud is committed to transforming the logistics landscape and creating a more convenient world.

Al Travel

Venture Round in 2019
Al Travel is a next-generation cloud-type business travel arrangement and management system (BTM). AI Travel reduces business travel arrangements by up to 90% and simplifies application and reporting operations and significantly cuts operations that do not generate profits in the batch settlement.

Pixie Dust Technologies

Venture Round in 2019
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. It specializes in the development of advanced computational technologies, particularly in phased array and digital fabrication. The company’s notable product is its ultrasonic phased array system, which enables the generation of force in mid-air, allowing for unique applications such as transporting objects without physical contact, delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd, and directing guide dogs. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates innovative devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care device utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. Other products include Vuevo, a service that visualizes conversations among multiple participants, and kikippa, a device designed for gamma wave sound therapy. Through its diverse offerings, the company aims to integrate technology seamlessly into everyday life, enhancing communication and interaction.

Nature Innovation Group

Venture Round in 2019
Nature Innovation Group Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that operates i-kasa, a mobile-based umbrella-sharing platform. The platform allows customers in Japan to easily search for and rent umbrellas through a mobile application, providing a convenient solution for inclement weather. Users can access umbrellas from various rental spots, helping to ensure they stay dry and comfortable during rainy days. By combining technology with a practical service, the company addresses the everyday needs of individuals seeking shelter from the rain.

Tripla

Series C in 2019
Tripla is a prominent IT service provider in Japan, specializing in solutions for various industries including hospitality, transportation, and retail. The company focuses on enhancing the travel experience for tourists by offering a platform that allows for seamless reservations in multiple languages through chat and voice interfaces. Tripla's AI-driven chatbot delivers effective BPO services, facilitating cost reduction in daily inquiries while providing multilingual support. This service has gained popularity among clients, which include hotels and transportation companies. Additionally, Tripla offers a hotel reservation engine that features an OTA price comparison tool and an automatic best rate adjustment function. This innovation has led to a notable increase in in-house reservations and has positively impacted profitability for its customers.

Vacan

Venture Round in 2019
VACAN, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2016. It specializes in creating a digital platform that offers real-time vacancy information for restaurants, cafes, and parking lots. Utilizing advanced sensor technology, VACAN monitors open seats and dynamically updates digital displays and mobile applications with relevant information, such as advertisements, coupons, and announcements. This functionality allows customers to efficiently check current vacancies at dining establishments, enhancing their overall experience and helping them save time. Through its innovative approach, VACAN aims to streamline the process of finding available seating in busy urban areas.

WAmazing

Series B in 2019
WAmazing, founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a travel service company that caters to foreign tourists visiting the country. It offers free subscriber identification module (SIM) cards that allow travelers to register prior to their arrival, ensuring they can access essential services upon landing. Through its app, WAmazing provides users with free internet services of up to 500MB, addressing common barriers such as language difficulties and the requirement of a local phone number for accessing free Wi-Fi. In addition to SIM cards, the company's platform includes a multilingual tourist guide, tour guide applications, and information on reservations. WAmazing also collaborates with local governments and tourism associations, offering consulting services and inbound marketing solutions for domestic businesses, thereby facilitating a seamless experience for international visitors in Japan.

Foodison

Venture Round in 2019
Foodison, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the distribution of fresh seafood and related food products. Founded in 2013, it operates the UOPOCHI platform, which allows customers to order fish and other marine products from a variety of listed restaurants. In addition to its digital platform, Foodison runs a specialty fish shop called Sakana bacca, which offers a selection of marine products sourced from various origins. The company also provides a wholesale service, Fish Poti, tailored for restaurants, enhancing its reach within the food distribution sector.

Pocket Change

Venture Round in 2019
Pocket Change Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in converting leftover coins, bills, and foreign currency into electronic money, gift codes, and coupons. The company operates through kiosks strategically placed at airports and train stations, offering a convenient service for travelers to exchange their unused currency into more usable forms.

WAmazing

Venture Round in 2019
WAmazing, founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a travel service company that caters to foreign tourists visiting the country. It offers free subscriber identification module (SIM) cards that allow travelers to register prior to their arrival, ensuring they can access essential services upon landing. Through its app, WAmazing provides users with free internet services of up to 500MB, addressing common barriers such as language difficulties and the requirement of a local phone number for accessing free Wi-Fi. In addition to SIM cards, the company's platform includes a multilingual tourist guide, tour guide applications, and information on reservations. WAmazing also collaborates with local governments and tourism associations, offering consulting services and inbound marketing solutions for domestic businesses, thereby facilitating a seamless experience for international visitors in Japan.

TBM

Venture Round in 2019
TBM Co., Ltd. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the research, production, and sale of LIMEX, a limestone-based material serving as an alternative to paper and plastics. Founded in 2011, TBM offers a diverse range of products, including LIMEX sheets for menus, business cards, displays, maps, and bags, as well as LIMEX plastic alternatives for containers, posters, and stationary goods. The company distributes its innovative products globally, contributing to environmentally friendly solutions in various sectors. TBM also has additional offices in Kyoto, Japan, and San Francisco, California, and operates as a subsidiary of ZERO Co., Ltd.

WAmazing

Venture Round in 2019
WAmazing, founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a travel service company that caters to foreign tourists visiting the country. It offers free subscriber identification module (SIM) cards that allow travelers to register prior to their arrival, ensuring they can access essential services upon landing. Through its app, WAmazing provides users with free internet services of up to 500MB, addressing common barriers such as language difficulties and the requirement of a local phone number for accessing free Wi-Fi. In addition to SIM cards, the company's platform includes a multilingual tourist guide, tour guide applications, and information on reservations. WAmazing also collaborates with local governments and tourism associations, offering consulting services and inbound marketing solutions for domestic businesses, thereby facilitating a seamless experience for international visitors in Japan.

Sirc

Venture Round in 2019
Sirc, established in 2015 and based in Osaka-shi, Japan, specializes in manufacturing sensors and other electrical components. These components are integral to various devices, enabling and enhancing their functionalities.

PicoCELA

Corporate Round in 2018
PicoCELA Inc. is a Japanese company that specializes in manufacturing advanced wireless backhaul technology, which enhances the establishment of multicell wireless networks. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Itoshima, PicoCELA has developed the PicoCELA Backhaul Engine, a Linux-based application that enables multi-hop communication capabilities and creates MIMOZONES—areas of complete coverage formed by aggregating numerous super small cells. The company's technology employs a unique protocol suite that utilizes dynamic tree routing and wireless frame transfer to minimize radio wave interference, supported by over 20 registered patents globally. PicoCELA's systems have been deployed in more than 100 sites across Japan, with over 3,000 units operating daily, significantly reducing LAN cabling by over 70% at many installations. The company caters to various sectors, including enterprise, healthcare, education, and smart cities, and recently introduced the PCWL-0400, an edge computer designed to optimize wireless connectivity and data management.

Showcase Gig

Venture Round in 2018
Showcase Gig Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in omni-channel marketing services through its innovative mobile wallet solution, O:der. The company develops a mobile platform that focuses on the planning and development of digital services tailored for small-sized retailers. Its offerings include smartphone applications designed for next-generation IoT stores, alongside a customer relationship management suite that facilitates enhanced consumer engagement. By enabling retailers to accept credit card payments via a mobile wallet before product pickup, Showcase Gig enhances the shopping experience, allowing for a seamless integration of technology in retail environments.

Metro Engines

Venture Round in 2018
Metro Engines is a remote sensing company that specializes in LIDAR technology and atmospheric measurement devices. The company leverages its expertise to provide meteorological information and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. By integrating advanced sensing technologies, Metro Engines aims to enhance data collection and analysis, facilitating improved decision-making processes across various applications.

Akippa

Venture Round in 2018
Akippa Inc. is a Japanese company that operates a parking lot reservation application designed to facilitate the sharing of parking spaces. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Osaka, with an additional office in Tokyo, Akippa enables users to make online reservations for available parking options, including private garages, vacant lots, and commercial facilities. The platform connects individuals and businesses with unoccupied parking spaces, allowing space owners to monetize their vacancies while providing users with convenient parking solutions. The company's focus is on enhancing the parking experience through its innovative mobile app, which supports peer-to-peer reservations and offers additional services related to parking and car rentals. Akippa was formerly known as Galaxy Agency Inc. before rebranding in February 2015.

BackTech

Seed Round in 2018
BackTech Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Kyoto, Japan, specializes in developing health management solutions tailored to improve workplace well-being. The company's flagship product, Pocket Therapist, is designed to measure and address shoulder stiffness and back pain, aiming to reduce medical expenses and enhance productivity. BackTech provides comprehensive support for organizations, focusing on visualizing productivity and offering solutions to common health issues among working individuals.
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