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
Geofra develops Planning and creation of items that rejuvenate the movement of people in physical areas, regional revitalization initiatives

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 operates as a GPU cloud service provider in Japan, specializing in high-speed calculations utilizing advanced GPU technology. Recognized as the first GPU cloud operator in the country to achieve "NVIDIA Elite Partner" status, it has also been honored with the "Best CSP Partner of the Year" award at the NVIDIA NPN Partner Award 2022. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including university research institutes, large corporations, and AI venture firms, facilitating over 100 distinct use cases annually. HIGHRESO's services enable clients to perform complex calculations essential for applications such as artificial intelligence and deep learning while optimizing their cloud storage and computing resources effectively.

Geofla

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Geofra develops Planning and creation of items that rejuvenate the movement of people in physical areas, regional revitalization initiatives

Aracan

Series B in 2023
Aracan is an automotive solutions provider that operates an online platform designed to facilitate the buying, selling, and lending of used cars. Through its innovative platform, known as kababa, Aracan creates a marketplace for users to evaluate and exchange vehicles directly, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This approach addresses the challenges of traditional car sales by providing a more streamlined and transparent process for individuals looking to engage in automotive transactions.

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 online marketplace based in Minato, Japan, that facilitates direct sales of farm products from producers to individuals and restaurants. Founded in 2016, the company operates several platforms, including Tabe Choku, which allows farmers to sell products directly to consumers, and Tabe Choku Pro, designed for restaurant orders. Additionally, Vivid Garden offers Eat Chok, a service that assists farmers in delivering products to offices. The company's focus on connecting producers with buyers aims to streamline the agricultural supply chain while promoting fresh and local produce.

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 operates as a multi-gaming platform focused on enhancing the esports experience. The company organizes and broadcasts large-scale tournaments for popular titles 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 is developing a voice chat application named VOLBOX, aimed at addressing communication challenges faced by esports players. The platform also offers features that allow users to track their esports battle history and manage teams, facilitating better participation in competitions and events.

nanameue

Venture Round in 2021
Nanameue, Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development and service planning for smartphone applications and web graphic design, with a focus on iOS applications. The company aims to foster connections among individuals by providing a platform for social interaction, enabling users to communicate about shared interests and experiences. One of its notable offerings allows users to create slideshow-style movies using their selected digital photos and information, facilitating the creation of engaging videos that can be shared with friends and family. Through its innovative services, Nanameue aspires to cultivate joyful experiences and a sense of belonging in the digital space.

Otetsutabi

Seed Round in 2020
Otetsutabi Co., Ltd. is a platform based in Tokyo, Japan, that focuses on regional revitalization by connecting travelers with rural communities in need of seasonal labor. Established in 2018, the company provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with local accommodations and breweries, helping to address labor shortages in these areas. Travelers can assist with various tasks in exchange for free lodging and meals, allowing them to experience Japan's rich culture and scenic landscapes while contributing to local economies. The service promotes tourism by facilitating meaningful interactions between visitors and residents, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Tsunagu.AI

Seed Round in 2020
Tsunagu.AI, Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on designing and developing an artificial intelligence-based software solution for front-end web development. Its primary product, Front-end.AI, is a low-code platform that streamlines the website development process by automating simple tasks. This software empowers web engineers to enhance their creativity by integrating and learning from multiple machine learning models, including deep learning techniques. Founded in 2017, Tsunagu.AI aims to optimize the coding workflow for website production, allowing users to focus on more complex and creative aspects of development.

Mellia

Venture Round in 2020
Mellia Inc. is a beauty company based in Chuo, Japan, founded in 2007. It specializes in providing a variety of cosmetics, body care products, and supplements, as well as feminine hygiene items designed to enhance women's confidence and freshness. The company's product offerings include intimate washes and wipes, which are available through various retailers and independent beauty supply stores. In addition to its product line, Mellia also offers public relations planning, business collaboration, and sales promotion services, further establishing its presence in the beauty and personal care industry.

Vivid Garden

Series B in 2020
Vivid Garden Inc. is an online marketplace based in Minato, Japan, that facilitates direct sales of farm products from producers to individuals and restaurants. Founded in 2016, the company operates several platforms, including Tabe Choku, which allows farmers to sell products directly to consumers, and Tabe Choku Pro, designed for restaurant orders. Additionally, Vivid Garden offers Eat Chok, a service that assists farmers in delivering products to offices. The company's focus on connecting producers with buyers aims to streamline the agricultural supply chain while promoting fresh and local produce.

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 established in 2004, specializing in the development of web-based collaboration software solutions. Its primary offerings include Backlog, a project management tool that facilitates task management and project updates; Cacoo, an online drawing tool for sharing plans and layouts; and Typetalk, a business chat application designed for team communication. Nulab's software supports various industries, including technology, education, healthcare, marketing, and manufacturing. The company has its headquarters in Fukuoka, Japan, and operates additional offices in New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, Amsterdam, and Singapore. Nulab is also known for NuSpace in Singapore, a community space that fosters collaboration among startups and developers through events, seminars, and support for digital projects. The founders, Masanori Hashimoto and Shinsuke Tabata, were motivated by a desire to enhance communication and collaboration among software developers and users.

Mellia

Venture Round in 2019
Mellia Inc. is a beauty company based in Chuo, Japan, founded in 2007. It specializes in providing a variety of cosmetics, body care products, and supplements, as well as feminine hygiene items designed to enhance women's confidence and freshness. The company's product offerings include intimate washes and wipes, which are available through various retailers and independent beauty supply stores. In addition to its product line, Mellia also offers public relations planning, business collaboration, and sales promotion services, further establishing its presence in the beauty and personal care industry.

Vark

Venture Round in 2019
Vark is a company that specializes in virtual reality technology, focusing on the production of virtual concert experiences. Established in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, Vark has developed a platform that allows users to engage in live performances within a Metaverse environment. This innovative platform enables individuals to attend events at scheduled times, providing access to immersive entertainment content and opportunities to enjoy performances by various artists. Through its unique approach, Vark aims to enhance the way audiences experience live music events in a virtual setting.

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 develops a mobile application focused on influencer marketing and public relations services. Founded in 2019, Follop enables social media influencers to promote hotels, restaurants, beauty products, and leisure facilities through photos and videos on various platforms. The application serves as a marketing tool for brands, allowing them to collaborate with influencers to enhance their visibility. Additionally, Follop offers an in-app wallet, allowing users to manage their earnings from promoting products and services listed on the app. By facilitating the purchase of these items through social media marketing, Follop helps users monetize their online presence effectively.

Cynack

Venture Round in 2019
Cynack Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing collaboration software for the virtual reality and augmented reality sectors. The company aims to enhance AR infrastructure, providing a platform that facilitates intuitive communication through visual means. Utilizing object markup language, Cynack's technology centralizes content management and builds a social infrastructure using 3D tools. This approach allows users to deliver and engage with digital information more effectively, overcoming the limitations of traditional 2D displays by leveraging the advantages of 3D technology.

Fools

Seed Round in 2019
Fools Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2019 that specializes in the online retailing of footwear. The company designs, develops, imports, exports, and markets a diverse range of footwear products under its brands GIDDY and GIDDY UP. Through its operations, Fools aims to cater to various consumer preferences in the footwear market.

STUDIO

Seed Round in 2019
STUDIO is a web design & development platform that enables users to build websites from scratch without coding. Studio's AI-augmented design app helps users in highlighting an area where they are stuck, allows multi-step tasks to auto-populate, and helps to resize layouts automatically thanks to algorithms reflowing objects without disrupting the overall layout.

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 operates an online platform called Tabete, aimed at reducing food waste by connecting consumers with restaurants, take-out food stores, and bakeries that have excess food nearing expiration. Founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company facilitates the sale of this surplus food at discounted prices, promoting sustainability and minimizing waste. In addition to its platform, CoCooking organizes events and workshops focused on food conservation, fostering dialogue and creativity around food-related issues. Through these initiatives, CoCooking seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities while contributing to a positive social impact.

IJGN

Venture Round in 2019
IJGN Inc. is a company based in Oita, Japan, founded in November 2013. It operates the subscription platform 'always', which enables users to discover fixed-price services from various establishments, including cafes, fitness clubs, and amusement parks. Additionally, IJGN has developed AIRPO, an iOS application that rewards users with points simply for entering stores, utilizing iBeacon BLE technology. The company also offers guild, a photo-sharing app tailored for businesses, and SPOTSALE, a platform for issuing and exchanging coins to support local establishments. Through these services, IJGN aims to enhance customer engagement and assist businesses in maximizing their potential.

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., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in video production services tailored for businesses. The company is known for its development and operation of "RICHKA," a video generation tool that enhances the efficiency and quality of video content creation. Through its innovative approach, Cocktail Make aims to support businesses in effectively communicating their messages using engaging video formats.

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 solutions for digital advertising and marketing. It specializes in the development of a video creation platform that harnesses artificial intelligence to automate advertisement generation and facilitate the mass production of high-quality marketing videos and images. By providing a cloud-based service, Richka enables clients to efficiently produce and enhance visual content tailored to their specific needs. The company emphasizes a customer-centric approach, working closely with clients to understand their challenges and delivering comprehensive services through a specialized team and advanced software. This ensures optimal communication and effective marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

Tsunagu.AI

Venture Round in 2019
Tsunagu.AI, Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on designing and developing an artificial intelligence-based software solution for front-end web development. Its primary product, Front-end.AI, is a low-code platform that streamlines the website development process by automating simple tasks. This software empowers web engineers to enhance their creativity by integrating and learning from multiple machine learning models, including deep learning techniques. Founded in 2017, Tsunagu.AI aims to optimize the coding workflow for website production, allowing users to focus on more complex and creative aspects of development.

Onepair

Venture Round in 2019
Onepair Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates a platform designed to facilitate job changes for individuals. The company's primary offering, Onepair, serves as a solution that helps users identify suitable workplaces, preferred job roles, and compatible colleagues. By focusing on personalized job consulting and recruiting, Onepair aims to enhance the career development process, emphasizing meaningful conversations about real-world experiences in the workforce.

Kakedas

Venture Round in 2019
Kakedas operates a platform for corporate career counseling, focusing on developing a robust consultation infrastructure. The company provides a range of career counseling and professional development services through education and training, aimed at enhancing client capabilities. Kakedas offers specialized counseling services for businesses and maintains a career counseling center for educational institutions, facilitating a supportive environment where individuals can take charge of their professional journeys.

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 that operates a social network platform focused on beauty care. Founded in 2017, Meily offers a web application that facilitates the search for information on cosmetic surgeries, allowing users to connect with others who have undergone similar procedures. The platform features a comprehensive listing of cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic dentistry clinics, enabling users to make informed decisions about their beauty care options. Additionally, Meily provides a booking service for various cosmetic treatments, helping users manage their appearance concerns while empowering them to choose whether to pursue surgery or treatment.

PoliPoli

Venture Round in 2019
PoliPoli is an innovative political co-creation platform in Japan that facilitates user engagement in the political process. It allows politicians to present their policies in a straightforward manner, making them accessible to the public. Users who resonate with these policies can actively participate by working on specific tasks, referred to as "missions," that contribute to the realization of these initiatives. Additionally, the platform enables political parties to post policies and decisions as easily comprehensible essays, encouraging users to support, inquire, and provide feedback on the proposed policies. This approach enhances social decision-making and fosters a more interactive and participatory political environment.

You.JAPAN

Venture Round in 2018
You.JAPAN Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2016 that operates an online platform called wafoo, which provides tourism services through online videos. The company focuses on enhancing travel experiences by offering innovative solutions, including a travel planning app and photography services for travelers. Through its digital offerings, You.JAPAN aims to enrich the way people explore and engage with Japan's diverse cultural and scenic attractions.

Crosshare

Seed Round in 2018
Crosshare Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that develops an online platform focused on enhancing the e-sports experience for players. The platform, known as e-mode, serves as a social network, allowing e-sports enthusiasts to connect and find friends within the gaming community. By facilitating communication and team management, Crosshare aims to promote collaboration among gamers, companies, and students, ultimately maximizing the value of player experiences in the electronic sports industry.

BlockBase

Seed Round in 2018
BlockBase, Inc. is a consulting firm based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2018. The company specializes in providing consulting and planning services focused on blockchain technology. BlockBase assists clients in the development of prototype products that leverage blockchain solutions, ensuring that businesses can effectively integrate this innovative technology into their operations.

BoostIO

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

Ratel

Venture Round in 2018
Ratel operates as a multi-gaming platform focused on enhancing the esports experience. The company organizes and broadcasts large-scale tournaments for popular titles 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 is developing a voice chat application named VOLBOX, aimed at addressing communication challenges faced by esports players. The platform also offers features that allow users to track their esports battle history and manage teams, facilitating better participation in competitions and events.

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 that facilitates the conversion of text novels into audio formats. The company's service allows voice actors to transform written content into narrated audio novels, enabling users to enjoy literature in an audio format. This platform aims to enhance the accessibility of novels by providing a unique listening experience for audiences, thus bridging the gap between traditional reading and modern audio consumption.

Toremoro

Seed Round in 2018
Toremoro Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in designing and developing a music application. This innovative platform is capable of recognizing various sounds, including natural, electronic, instrumental, and ASMR. By targeting a diverse range of auditory experiences from around the world, Toremoro aims to enhance the way users interact with sound, making it a unique offering in the music application market.

Rym

Venture Round in 2018
RYM & CO. Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a monthly flat-rate lunch take-away reservation service called POTLUCK. This service enables customers to take out lunch from various partner restaurants by purchasing a ticket, which is valid for 30 days and available for a monthly fee. Through this innovative approach, RYM & CO. aims to simplify the lunch experience for consumers while providing a flexible dining option.

Cocktail Make

Seed Round in 2018
Cocktail Make, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in video production services tailored for businesses. The company is known for its development and operation of "RICHKA," a video generation tool that enhances the efficiency and quality of video content creation. Through its innovative approach, Cocktail Make aims to support businesses in effectively communicating their messages using engaging video formats.

CoCooking

Seed Round in 2018
CoCooking Co. Ltd operates an online platform called Tabete, aimed at reducing food waste by connecting consumers with restaurants, take-out food stores, and bakeries that have excess food nearing expiration. Founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company facilitates the sale of this surplus food at discounted prices, promoting sustainability and minimizing waste. In addition to its platform, CoCooking organizes events and workshops focused on food conservation, fostering dialogue and creativity around food-related issues. Through these initiatives, CoCooking seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities while contributing to a positive social impact.

Yoki

Venture Round in 2018
Yoki Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the manufacture and sale of robotic hardware and software. Founded in 2017, Yoki's product lineup includes HACO, a robot that utilizes digital fabrication technologies such as laser cutters and 3D printers. Complementing this hardware, Yoki offers HACREW, a software solution that facilitates the operation of HACO and supports integration with external application programming interfaces (APIs). Yoki operates as a subsidiary of Daiki Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd., enhancing its capabilities in the robotics sector.

Best Beer Japan

Seed Round in 2018
Best Beer Japan, founded in 2018, specializes in providing a comprehensive platform for the craft beer industry, focusing on improving beer distribution. The company offers a barrel tracking software that includes a barrel management system tailored for breweries, along with barrel-sharing services. Additionally, its platform features a commercial ordering system that streamlines brewery sales. This integrated approach helps businesses save time and reduce costs by simplifying inventory management and facilitating orders from restaurants and retail stores.

Richka

Seed Round in 2018
Richka is a technology company that focuses on creative solutions for digital advertising and marketing. It specializes in the development of a video creation platform that harnesses artificial intelligence to automate advertisement generation and facilitate the mass production of high-quality marketing videos and images. By providing a cloud-based service, Richka enables clients to efficiently produce and enhance visual content tailored to their specific needs. The company emphasizes a customer-centric approach, working closely with clients to understand their challenges and delivering comprehensive services through a specialized team and advanced software. This ensures optimal communication and effective marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.

PoliPoli

Venture Round in 2018
PoliPoli is an innovative political co-creation platform in Japan that facilitates user engagement in the political process. It allows politicians to present their policies in a straightforward manner, making them accessible to the public. Users who resonate with these policies can actively participate by working on specific tasks, referred to as "missions," that contribute to the realization of these initiatives. Additionally, the platform enables political parties to post policies and decisions as easily comprehensible essays, encouraging users to support, inquire, and provide feedback on the proposed policies. This approach enhances social decision-making and fosters a more interactive and participatory political environment.
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