NOW

NOW, Inc is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on impact investments and technology sectors, seeking to invest in innovative entrepreneurs and their stories. NOW aims to support individuals and ideas that have the potential to create significant positive change, emphasizing the importance of both the people behind the ventures and the narratives that drive them.

Kazuma Ieiri

Co-Founder and General Partner

Ryosuke Kajitani

General Partner

Hiroki Nakajima

Director

54 past transactions

Nagaku

Seed Round in 2025
Nagaku is a web magazine that publishes about culture along with web development, PR, marketing, and consulting services.

Geofla

Venture Round in 2025
Geofla is a business that specializes in creating and planning products and applications designed to encourage physical activity and stimulate foot traffic in various spaces. The company's offerings include advertising and promotional services, incentivizing users to move around businesses through a points-based system.

Wellness

Series A in 2024
Wellness is a medtech company that provides a personalized healthcare platform, health support, preventive care, and testing services.

HIGHRESO

Venture Round in 2024
HIGHRESO is a pioneering GPU cloud service provider in Japan, recognized as the first company in the country to achieve the status of "NVIDIA Elite Partner" in the CSP Compute category. The firm specializes in delivering high-speed computing resources, including essential computing, storage, and networking capabilities, on demand. HIGHRESO's services are particularly valuable for applications requiring substantial computational power, such as AI and deep learning. The company has established a strong reputation and is widely utilized by a variety of clients, including university research institutes, large corporations, and AI venture firms, facilitating over 100 use cases annually. In 2022, HIGHRESO was honored with the "Best CSP Partner of the Year" award at the NVIDIA NPN Partner Awards, further solidifying its position as a leader in the GPU cloud computing sector.

Geofla

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Geofla is a business that specializes in creating and planning products and applications designed to encourage physical activity and stimulate foot traffic in various spaces. The company's offerings include advertising and promotional services, incentivizing users to move around businesses through a points-based system.

Aracan

Series B in 2023
Aracan is a provider of automotive solutions, operating an online platform called Kababa for evaluating and trading used vehicles. This platform facilitates direct transactions between individuals, addressing challenges associated with traditional car sales methods such as uncertainty in distribution structures and the need for intermediaries. Through Aracan's platform, users can conveniently buy, sell, or lend automobiles without requiring a third-party meeting.

FUNDiT

Seed Round in 2023
FUNDiT is an IT-focused M&A and business consolidation company that specializes in acquiring, managing, and scaling IT companies.

Vivid Garden

Series C in 2022
Vivid Garden Inc. is an agriculture company based in Minato, Japan, founded in 2016. It operates as an online marketplace that connects producers with consumers and restaurants, enabling direct sales of farm products, ingredients, and flowers. The company manages several platforms, including Tabe Choku, which facilitates consumer-to-consumer sales of agricultural products, and Tabe Choku Pro, a specialized service for restaurants to order ingredients. Additionally, Vivid Garden offers Eat Chok, a platform designed to support farmers in delivering their products to office locations. Through these initiatives, Vivid Garden aims to streamline the distribution of fresh produce while enhancing access for both consumers and businesses.

Be-A Japan

Venture Round in 2021
Bé-A Japan producer and distributor of fashion accessories. They provide products that include underwear, sanitary napkins, interior goods, fashion accessories, health foods, and cosmetic products. They offer products that are available for shopping online.

Sixty Percent

Venture Round in 2021
Sixty Percent is an international fashion e-commerce platform that specializes in curating and offering a diverse selection of street brands from various countries, with a particular emphasis on Asian fashion. The platform enables customers to access a range of products, including casual, designer, and lifestyle brands, all at local prices. By focusing on these unique fashion offerings, Sixty Percent aims to provide consumers with a distinct shopping experience that highlights the creativity and trends of Asian streetwear.

Ratel

Seed Round in 2021
Ratel is a company focused on enhancing the esports experience through the organization and broadcasting of large-scale tournaments for popular games such as Call of Duty Mobile, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Apex Legends, VALORANT, and Knives Out. In addition to tournament management, Ratel operates a multi-gaming platform that offers features for esports players, including tools for tracking battle history, searching for competitions, and managing teams. To further address the needs of the esports community, the company is also developing a voice chat application called VOLBOX, aimed at improving communication among players.

nanameue

Venture Round in 2021
Nanameue, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2013 that focuses on the development and service planning of smartphone applications and web graphic design. The company specializes in creating iOS applications aimed at facilitating social connections among users by allowing them to communicate about shared interests and experiences. One of its key offerings is an application that enables users to create slideshow-style movies using preselected digital photos and information, making it easy to share fun and memorable videos with friends and family. Nanameue aims to foster joyful experiences and a sense of belonging, providing individuals with a platform to express themselves and connect with others.

Otetsutabi

Seed Round in 2020
Otetsutabi Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates a unique platform that facilitates social connections through regional revitalization efforts. The company's service pairs travelers with rural communities across Japan, offering participants the opportunity to assist with seasonal labor shortages at local accommodations and breweries. In exchange for their help, participants receive transportation expenses and free lodging, enabling them to explore various parts of Japan while immersing themselves in local culture and contributing to community development.

Tsunagu.AI

Seed Round in 2020
Tsunagu.AI is a Japanese company based in Chiyoda, founded in 2017, specializing in artificial intelligence-based software solutions for web development. Their primary product, Front-end.AI, is a low-code service designed to streamline website development by automating simple tasks and enabling users to understand design through the combination of multiple machine learning models, including deep learning. This allows web engineers to focus on more complex aspects of their work, enhancing overall efficiency in front-end development.

Mellia

Venture Round in 2020
Mellia Inc., founded in 2007 and based in Chuo, Japan, specializes in the beauty and personal care sector. The company offers a diverse range of products, including cosmetics, body care items, and feminine hygiene products, such as intimate washes and wipes. Mellia is dedicated to empowering women by providing products that enhance personal freshness and confidence. In addition to its product offerings, the company also engages in public relations planning, business collaboration, and sales promotion services, while distributing its products through both online platforms and physical retail locations.

Vivid Garden

Series B in 2020
Vivid Garden Inc. is an agriculture company based in Minato, Japan, founded in 2016. It operates as an online marketplace that connects producers with consumers and restaurants, enabling direct sales of farm products, ingredients, and flowers. The company manages several platforms, including Tabe Choku, which facilitates consumer-to-consumer sales of agricultural products, and Tabe Choku Pro, a specialized service for restaurants to order ingredients. Additionally, Vivid Garden offers Eat Chok, a platform designed to support farmers in delivering their products to office locations. Through these initiatives, Vivid Garden aims to streamline the distribution of fresh produce while enhancing access for both consumers and businesses.

ATOMica

Seed Round in 2020
ATOMica Co. Ltd. is a company based in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in the planning, management, and expansion of co-working spaces and shared kitchen-cafe facilities. ATOMica provides versatile office space services that cater to various needs, including workspaces, conference rooms, event venues, and educational gatherings. By focusing on maximizing individual potential within collaborative environments, the company enables easy access to innovative spaces tailored to diverse requirements. Additionally, ATOMica offers event planning and management services to enhance the experience and functionality of its facilities.

Nulab

Series A in 2020
Nulab Inc. is a Japanese company founded in 2004 that specializes in developing web-based collaboration software solutions. Its primary products include Backlog, a project management tool that allows users to manage tasks and share project updates; Cacoo, an online drawing tool for creating and sharing visual plans and layouts; and Typetalk, a team communication platform designed for sharing information, ideas, and files. Nulab serves a diverse range of industries, including software, technology, education, advertising, marketing, healthcare, financial services, professional services, retail, and manufacturing. The company is headquartered in Fukuoka, Japan, and maintains additional offices in New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, Amsterdam, and Singapore, where it hosts NuSpace, a community space for startups and developers to collaborate on digital projects and engage in tech events.

Mellia

Venture Round in 2019
Mellia Inc., founded in 2007 and based in Chuo, Japan, specializes in the beauty and personal care sector. The company offers a diverse range of products, including cosmetics, body care items, and feminine hygiene products, such as intimate washes and wipes. Mellia is dedicated to empowering women by providing products that enhance personal freshness and confidence. In addition to its product offerings, the company also engages in public relations planning, business collaboration, and sales promotion services, while distributing its products through both online platforms and physical retail locations.

Vark

Venture Round in 2019
Vark is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that focuses on virtual reality technology and content creation. Established in 2017, it has developed a platform for virtual concert production, allowing users to engage in live performances within a Metaverse environment. This platform enables individuals to participate in events that occur at designated times, enhancing the experience of live entertainment through immersive virtual reality. By leveraging innovative technology, Vark aims to redefine how audiences access and enjoy events, providing a unique blend of entertainment and interactivity.

SCHOL

Seed Round in 2019
SCHOL provides solutions using distributed ledger technology and machine learning technology.

Mdawn

Venture Round in 2019
EmDoon consisting of people from major IT companies, we will create new value in the entertainment x digital domain. EmDoon will enhance the entertainment scene with the two pillars of the talent management business, which runs from audition to development, and the event business, which was launched to enliven the men's scene.

Follop

Venture Round in 2019
Follop, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in influencer marketing and public relations services through its mobile application. Founded in 2019, Follop enables social media influencers to promote hotels, restaurants, beauty products, and various leisure facilities by posting content on social media platforms. The application also serves as a marketing platform for brands, facilitating connections between companies and influencers to enhance their marketing efforts. Additionally, Follop includes an in-app wallet feature that allows influencers to monetize their posts by earning revenue for the products and services they promote. Through its innovative approach, Follop aims to streamline the process of turning social media engagement into financial gain for both influencers and brands.

Cynack

Venture Round in 2019
Cynack Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development of collaboration software focused on virtual and augmented reality. The company's mission is to support augmented reality infrastructure through its innovative platform, which enhances communication by using object markup language to manage diverse content. This platform enables the creation of 3D tools that facilitate the integration of digital information, allowing users to engage with and understand data more intuitively than traditional 2D displays. By leveraging 3D technology, Cynack aims to improve the accessibility and clarity of information, fostering a more effective social infrastructure.

Fools

Seed Round in 2019
Fools Inc. is a footwear company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the design, development, import, export, and marketing of a diverse array of footwear. Founded in 2019, the company operates its own brands, GIDDY and GIDDY UP, focusing on online retailing to reach its customers. Through its innovative approach and commitment to quality, Fools aims to establish a strong presence in the competitive footwear market.

STUDIO

Seed Round in 2019
STUDIO, Inc., established in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing code-based design tools for digital services. The company's primary product is a web design and development platform that empowers users to create websites from scratch without requiring coding expertise. STUDIO's AI-augmented design app offers features such as task assistance, automatic layout resizing, and multi-step task auto-population, enhancing the user experience and streamlining the web design process.

STUDIO Japan

Series A in 2019
STUDIO is a development and operation of the next-generation design tool.

CoCooking

Venture Round in 2019
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.

IJGN

Venture Round in 2019
IJGN Inc., founded in November 2013 and based in Oita, Japan, develops and operates a subscription platform known as 'always'. This service facilitates users in discovering fixed-price offerings from various establishments, including cafes, fitness clubs, and amusement parks. The company also created AIRPO, an iOS application that rewards users with points for simply entering stores, leveraging iBeacon BLE technology. Additionally, IJGN develops guild, a photo-sharing application for businesses, and SPOTSALE, a platform for issuing and exchanging coins to support local enterprises. Through these initiatives, IJGN aims to enhance customer engagement and support local commerce.

Yutori

Venture Round in 2019
Yutori Inc, founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates an online community focused on the sale of second-hand apparel. The company engages in both retail and wholesale activities, creating brands that reflect the diversity of digital culture through media and personal narratives. Yutori manages all aspects of its operations, from product planning to sales, without relying on intermediary distributors or retailers. In addition to its core apparel business, Yutori is involved in the intellectual property sector, specifically managing virtual influencers. As of August 2020, Yutori operates as a subsidiary of ZOZO, Inc. and is working towards expanding its presence across Asia.

Cocktail Make

Series A in 2019
Cocktail Make, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in video production services for businesses. Established in 2014, the company has developed and operates a video generation tool known as "RICHKA." This innovative platform enables users to create high-quality video content efficiently, catering to the growing demand for engaging visual media in various industries. By combining technology with creative expertise, Cocktail Make aims to enhance the video production process and help businesses effectively communicate their messages through dynamic visual storytelling.

Gaia Japan

Seed Round in 2019
Gaia Inc. is a financial services company based in Chuo, Japan, established in 2017. It specializes in providing a cryptocurrency trading platform that facilitates virtual currency investments, including bitcoin. The company offers a unique follow-trade feature, allowing users to replicate the trades of successful investors easily. In addition to its trading platform, Gaia Inc. is involved in the development and operation of related digital services, including mobile applications and blockchain technologies, aimed at enhancing the user experience in the financial market.

Richka

Series A in 2019
Richka is a technology company that focuses on creative technologies, specializing in digital advertising and marketing solutions. The company leverages its robust software development capabilities to address challenges in automatic advertisement generation and video mass production using artificial intelligence. Richka offers a cloud service that facilitates the mass production and enhancement of marketing videos and images, tailored to specific customer needs. The company emphasizes the importance of understanding client issues from a medium- to long-term perspective, providing a specialized team and software to ensure optimal communication for various audiences and viewing environments. Its video creation platform enables clients to produce professional-quality videos through an integrated creative studio, streamlining the video generation process.

Tsunagu.AI

Venture Round in 2019
Tsunagu.AI is a Japanese company based in Chiyoda, founded in 2017, specializing in artificial intelligence-based software solutions for web development. Their primary product, Front-end.AI, is a low-code service designed to streamline website development by automating simple tasks and enabling users to understand design through the combination of multiple machine learning models, including deep learning. This allows web engineers to focus on more complex aspects of their work, enhancing overall efficiency in front-end development.

Onepair

Venture Round in 2019
Onepair Co., Ltd., established in 2018 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates a platform that facilitates career transitions. It offers a solution, also named Onepair, which helps users find suitable workplaces and colleagues who align with their preferences, fostering a more satisfying professional environment.

Kakedas

Venture Round in 2019
Kakedas operates a corporate career counseling platform focused on establishing a consultation infrastructure that supports professional development. The company provides a range of services, including career counseling and training, aimed at helping individuals enhance their career prospects. Kakedas caters to both businesses and educational institutions, offering tailored counseling services that empower clients to navigate their career paths effectively. By fostering a supportive environment for career growth, the company seeks to enable individuals to take charge of their professional lives.

noFRAME schools

Angel Round in 2019
noFRAME schools is an EdTech startup is a mission to reinvent a textbook.

Meily

Venture Round in 2019
Meily Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that operates a social network platform focused on beauty care. The platform serves as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking information on cosmetic surgeries, allowing users to connect with one another and share experiences. It facilitates the booking of various cosmetic and beauty care treatments, while also providing insights and information related to cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic dentistry. By creating a supportive community, Meily aims to empower users in making informed decisions about their appearance, offering them the option to explore alternatives to surgery or treatments when needed.

PoliPoli

Venture Round in 2019
PoliPoli is an innovative political co-creation platform based in Japan that facilitates social decision-making for political parties. It allows politicians to present their policies in a clear and accessible format, encouraging public engagement. Users can participate by supporting these policies and taking part in "missions" aimed at bringing them to fruition. The platform also enables users to ask questions and provide suggestions, fostering a collaborative environment between politicians and the public. By gamifying the political process, PoliPoli enhances civic involvement and empowers citizens to play an active role in shaping policy decisions.

You.JAPAN

Venture Round in 2018
You.JAPAN Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2016 that specializes in tourism services through its online platform, wafoo. The company enhances travel experiences by offering a combination of travel planning tools and engaging video media. In addition to its digital offerings, You.JAPAN provides photography services tailored for travelers, allowing them to capture and share their experiences. Through these innovative solutions, You.JAPAN aims to enrich the way people explore and document their journeys.

Crosshare

Seed Round in 2018
Crosshare Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing e-mode, a web service aimed at enhancing the experience of e-sports players and enthusiasts. The company focuses on creating a platform that facilitates communication and connection among gamers, allowing them to find friends and improve team management with ease. By promoting electronic sports and providing tools for effective interaction, Crosshare seeks to maximize the overall value of the player experience in the rapidly growing e-sports industry.

BlockBase

Seed Round in 2018
BlockBase, Inc. is a consulting firm based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in blockchain technology. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of services aimed at helping clients develop prototype products that leverage blockchain capabilities. By focusing on consultation and product planning, BlockBase assists organizations in navigating the complexities of implementing blockchain solutions effectively, ensuring they can harness the potential of this innovative technology for their specific needs.

BoostIO

Venture Round in 2018
MAISIN&CO makes meetings efficient. MAISIN&CO was founded in 2014.

Ratel

Venture Round in 2018
Ratel is a company focused on enhancing the esports experience through the organization and broadcasting of large-scale tournaments for popular games such as Call of Duty Mobile, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Apex Legends, VALORANT, and Knives Out. In addition to tournament management, Ratel operates a multi-gaming platform that offers features for esports players, including tools for tracking battle history, searching for competitions, and managing teams. To further address the needs of the esports community, the company is also developing a voice chat application called VOLBOX, aimed at improving communication among players.

Yutori

Venture Round in 2018
Yutori Inc, founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates an online community focused on the sale of second-hand apparel. The company engages in both retail and wholesale activities, creating brands that reflect the diversity of digital culture through media and personal narratives. Yutori manages all aspects of its operations, from product planning to sales, without relying on intermediary distributors or retailers. In addition to its core apparel business, Yutori is involved in the intellectual property sector, specifically managing virtual influencers. As of August 2020, Yutori operates as a subsidiary of ZOZO, Inc. and is working towards expanding its presence across Asia.

Lyact

Corporate Round in 2018
Lyact is a startup focused on developing an audio novel delivery platform. The company operates an audiobook conversion service that allows voice actors to transform text novels into audio format. This innovative platform enables writers to publish their works as voice novels, providing users with the opportunity to listen to these audio adaptations. By bridging the gap between text and audio, Lyact aims to enhance the accessibility and enjoyment of literature through auditory experiences.

Toremoro

Seed Round in 2018
Toremoro Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2018. It specializes in designing and developing a music application that captures and enhances a wide array of sounds, including natural noises, electronic sounds, instrumental music, and ASMR. The app serves as a platform for users to explore and interact with diverse auditory experiences from around the world, catering to growing interests in unique soundscapes.

Rym

Venture Round in 2018
Rym & Co., Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates Potluck, a flat-rate monthly subscription service for lunch take-out reservations. Users pay a fixed monthly fee to secure daily lunch options from participating restaurants, with each reservation valid for 30 days.

Cocktail Make

Seed Round in 2018
Cocktail Make, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in video production services for businesses. Established in 2014, the company has developed and operates a video generation tool known as "RICHKA." This innovative platform enables users to create high-quality video content efficiently, catering to the growing demand for engaging visual media in various industries. By combining technology with creative expertise, Cocktail Make aims to enhance the video production process and help businesses effectively communicate their messages through dynamic visual storytelling.

CoCooking

Seed Round in 2018
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.

Yoki

Venture Round in 2018
Yoki Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of robot hardware and software. Founded in 2017, it offers products such as HACO, a robot utilizing digital fabrication technologies including laser cutting and 3D printing. In addition to its hardware, Yoki provides HACREW, a software solution designed to support the operation of HACO by integrating libraries and external service application programming interfaces. The company operates as a subsidiary of Daiki Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd.

Best Beer Japan

Seed Round in 2018
Best Beer Japan, founded in 2018, specializes in developing a comprehensive platform aimed at enhancing the distribution of craft beer. The company's offerings include a barrel management system tailored for breweries, barrel-sharing services, and a commercial ordering system designed specifically for brewery sales. This platform enables businesses to streamline operations by saving time and reducing costs associated with orders from restaurants and retail stores. Additionally, it facilitates efficient inventory management for breweries, making it easier for them to navigate the complexities of beer distribution.

Richka

Seed Round in 2018
Richka is a technology company that focuses on creative technologies, specializing in digital advertising and marketing solutions. The company leverages its robust software development capabilities to address challenges in automatic advertisement generation and video mass production using artificial intelligence. Richka offers a cloud service that facilitates the mass production and enhancement of marketing videos and images, tailored to specific customer needs. The company emphasizes the importance of understanding client issues from a medium- to long-term perspective, providing a specialized team and software to ensure optimal communication for various audiences and viewing environments. Its video creation platform enables clients to produce professional-quality videos through an integrated creative studio, streamlining the video generation process.

PoliPoli

Venture Round in 2018
PoliPoli is an innovative political co-creation platform based in Japan that facilitates social decision-making for political parties. It allows politicians to present their policies in a clear and accessible format, encouraging public engagement. Users can participate by supporting these policies and taking part in "missions" aimed at bringing them to fruition. The platform also enables users to ask questions and provide suggestions, fostering a collaborative environment between politicians and the public. By gamifying the political process, PoliPoli enhances civic involvement and empowers citizens to play an active role in shaping policy decisions.
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