Keio Innovation Initiative

Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) is a venture capital fund established by Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the university's research outcomes. KII focuses on fostering societal development by investing in startups that leverage these research results, thereby contributing to the creation of new industries. The fund primarily targets sectors such as software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, robotics, and healthcare, with investments ranging from JPY 40 million to JPY 1 billion across up to 19 companies. KII addresses Japan's challenges in investment efficiency in research and development, as well as its low entrepreneurial activity rate compared to other developed nations, positioning itself as a key player in Japan's future growth strategy.

Ruka Matsubara

Senior Associate

Naoji Nomura

Principal

Ryo Ohtake

Principal

Yusuke Satake

Principal

Yuto Torii

Principal

Kotaro Yamagishi

Chief Executive Officer

Hirofumi Yamashita

Senior Associate

Past deals in Tokyo

LIFESCAPES

Seed Round in 2022
LIFESCAPES is a researcher and manufacturer of brain-computer interface equipment. LIFESCAPES aims to use BMI technology to help stroke patients solve problems and improve their quality of life. LIFESCAPES uses BMI to bring out the plasticity of the brain and help people who are in trouble to be free of their limitations and to live their lives normally.

Modulus Co., Ltd.

Series C in 2022
Modulus Discovery is a private Tokyo-based preclinical stage drug discovery company focused on rapid design and generation of small molecule clinical candidates for a range of high-value disease targets through the use of its cutting-edge computational drug discovery expertise and unique biology insights. The international team at Modulus is comprised of drug design and disease biology experts with previous R&D experience at global pharmaceutical, biotechnology , and computational technology firms.

Cellusion

Venture Round in 2022
Cellusion is a regenerative medicine startup from Keio University. The mission of Cellusion is to deliver novel therapies for all bullous keratopathy patients by our iPS cells origin corneal endothelial cells mass culture system.

Luxonus

Series B in 2021
Luxonus is a product development of a new imaging device using optical ultrasonic technology.

Grace imaging

Venture Round in 2021
Grace Imaging specializes in advanced fatigue measurement services that utilize lactate sensing in sweat and MRI technologies. The company has developed a device designed to measure lactic acid concentration in sweat, allowing for precise fatigue analysis. By integrating sweat lactate sensors and MRI techniques, Grace Imaging offers users insights into exercise load and muscle changes, enhancing the understanding of athletic performance and recovery.

Heartseed

Series C in 2021
Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company aims to advance the clinical application of regenerative medicine specifically for treating heart disease. Heartseed is dedicated to creating cardiomyocyte replacement therapies derived from iPS cells to address advanced heart failure, aspiring to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from this condition.

AdipoSeeds

Venture Round in 2020
AdipoSeeds, though a novel technology, creates platelets from mesenchymal stem cells without a complex and costly gene transfer. It aims to invent new blood supply system to solve the shortage of platelets in the world, and to create a future where a platelet-related treatment will be cheaply and safely provided.

Skygate Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Founded in 2020, Skygate Technologies is building a network to deliver a large volume of data from observation satellites around the Earth to the ground and integrating the network into the web architecture. “Make Space accessible on the Web” is its motto, and the ability to develop both hardware and software is its strength. More information about Skygate Technologies can be found at www.skygate-tech.com.

Modulus Co., Ltd.

Series B in 2020
Modulus Discovery is a private Tokyo-based preclinical stage drug discovery company focused on rapid design and generation of small molecule clinical candidates for a range of high-value disease targets through the use of its cutting-edge computational drug discovery expertise and unique biology insights. The international team at Modulus is comprised of drug design and disease biology experts with previous R&D experience at global pharmaceutical, biotechnology , and computational technology firms.

Bonx

Series C in 2020
BONX Inc. plans, designs, and develops wearable devices. The company offers BONX Grip, a Bluetooth earpiece with music, calls, and group-talks snowboarding, cycling, SUP, and fishing sports persons. It sells its products online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

APB Japan

Venture Round in 2020
APB Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the research, development, manufacture, and sales of advanced lithium-ion batteries. The company focuses on creating next-generation lithium-ion and all-polymer batteries designed to address existing challenges in battery technology. Through its innovative approach, APB aims to enhance battery performance and reliability, catering to various sectors that require efficient energy storage solutions.

Cellusion

Series A in 2020
Cellusion is a regenerative medicine startup from Keio University. The mission of Cellusion is to deliver novel therapies for all bullous keratopathy patients by our iPS cells origin corneal endothelial cells mass culture system.

Luxonus

Series A in 2019
Luxonus is a product development of a new imaging device using optical ultrasonic technology.

Synspective

Series A in 2019
Synspective Inc. provides data by utilizing and integrating data from synthetic aperture radar satellite constellations, big data, and machine learning. It serves urban design, infrastructure, energy, insurance, and finance markets. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

instalimb

Venture Round in 2019
Instalimb, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the development of low-cost prosthetics through advanced technologies such as 3D computer-aided design, 3D printing, and machine learning. As the world's first business focused on 3D printed prostheses, Instalimb aims to make prosthetic devices more accessible and affordable for individuals in need. The innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with a commitment to improving the quality of life for users, setting a new standard in the prosthetic industry.

xenodata lab

Venture Round in 2019
xenodata lab., In the mission "Technology proposal suggests naturally after five years", in order to make the shape of the future financial industry with novel technology, ideas February 2016 It was founded in. xenodata is a coined word that spells the idea of ​​creating heterogeneous creatures according to data, and by means of the intelligence created by the data, the meaning to pursue the substitution of human actions to the utmost is put in the meaning.

Luxonus

Venture Round in 2019
Luxonus is a product development of a new imaging device using optical ultrasonic technology.

Himuka AM Pharma

Venture Round in 2018
Himuka AM Pharma is a pharmaceutical company based in Miyazaki City, Japan, founded in February 2017. The company focuses on the research, development, and discovery of new drug seeds aimed at enhancing adrenomedullin, a peptide involved in various physiological processes. Through its innovative approach, Himuka AM Pharma seeks to contribute to advancements in medical treatments and improve health outcomes.

CureApp

Series B in 2018
CureApp is a digital health startup.The firm is one of the leading players in the medical app vertical under the theme of “app exhibits therapeutic effects against diseases” and launched a nicotine addiction treatment app in February 2015, which was jointly developed with Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Keio University’s School of Medicine. It is currently conducting clinical trials in many locations.

Bonx

Series A in 2018
BONX Inc. plans, designs, and develops wearable devices. The company offers BONX Grip, a Bluetooth earpiece with music, calls, and group-talks snowboarding, cycling, SUP, and fishing sports persons. It sells its products online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Tsubota Laboratory

Venture Round in 2018
Tsubota Laboratory, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2015 that focuses on research and development aimed at treating dry eye symptoms. The company specializes in creating dietary supplements designed to alleviate the discomfort associated with dry eye, myopia, and presbyopia. Through its innovative approach, Tsubota Laboratory seeks to provide effective solutions for individuals suffering from these conditions.

Institution for a Global Society

Corporate Round in 2017
Institution for a Global Society is a a French graduate school with students from 70 countries around the world

IDAC Theranostics

Venture Round in 2017
IDAC Theranostics, Inc. engages in research, development, and production of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), inflammation diseases, diagnostics, and other diseases. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Generic Solution

Venture Round in 2017
Generic Solution Corporation provides software distribution services. The company also provides data analytics and artificial intelligence services. Generic Solution Corporation was founded in 2006 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Bonx

Venture Round in 2017
BONX Inc. plans, designs, and develops wearable devices. The company offers BONX Grip, a Bluetooth earpiece with music, calls, and group-talks snowboarding, cycling, SUP, and fishing sports persons. It sells its products online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

CureApp

Series A in 2017
CureApp is a digital health startup.The firm is one of the leading players in the medical app vertical under the theme of “app exhibits therapeutic effects against diseases” and launched a nicotine addiction treatment app in February 2015, which was jointly developed with Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Keio University’s School of Medicine. It is currently conducting clinical trials in many locations.

AdipoSeeds

Seed Round in 2017
AdipoSeeds, though a novel technology, creates platelets from mesenchymal stem cells without a complex and costly gene transfer. It aims to invent new blood supply system to solve the shortage of platelets in the world, and to create a future where a platelet-related treatment will be cheaply and safely provided.

Quan

Venture Round in 2017
Quan Inc. develops content for smartphone applications and web. The company develops characters contents such as Betakkuma, Sugar Cubs, Business Fish, Piyomaru, sticker shop for au Smartpass, Mr.Egg, Elice, Kawaii Kaomoji Book, handwritten stickers, AIS MystickerShop and game contents that includes emotipon. The company offers characters for mobile carriers, chatting applications and platforms of Japan and Southeast Asian nations. Quan Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

SENSY

Venture Round in 2016
SENSY Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in November 2011 that focuses on personal artificial intelligence designed to enhance user experiences by understanding individual sensitivities. The company offers business-to-consumer and business-to-business services, as well as support for launching new business-related offerings. By leveraging its AI technology, SENSY aims to create meaningful and transformative interactions that cater to the diverse lifestyles of its users.