Recruit Strategic Partners

Recruit Strategic Partners is a venture capital firm and the corporate venture capital arm of Recruit Holdings, established in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including education, financial technology, digital healthcare, and infrastructure. Additionally, it explores opportunities in business products and services, consumer products and services, information technology, smart cities, and industrial sectors. With a global reach, Recruit Strategic Partners aims to support emerging companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia, contributing to their growth and development.

Akihiko Okamoto

President and Managing Director

72 past transactions

Blacklane

Venture Round in 2021
Blacklane GmbH is a professional ground transportation service provider headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in a range of premium chauffeur services, including airport transfers, hourly bookings, and long-distance rides in luxury vehicles. Blacklane caters to both individual and corporate clients across major cities such as New York, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, and Paris, offering a seamless booking experience through its website and mobile application. With a commitment to sustainability, Blacklane provides carbon-neutral options, including hybrid and electric vehicles, and has been carbon-neutral since 2017. The company emphasizes reliability and professionalism, featuring services such as real-time flight tracking, meet-and-greet assistance, and tailored solutions for business travel and events, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

Steady

Series B in 2020
Steady removes barriers to earn through its income intelligence that supports over 3 million hourly, 1099 and mixed-earners in earning more, an average of over $5,500 per year. Steady's view of income also applies its technology for purposes of income measurement that fills the wage data gap for public and private sector entities that service this worker population in areas such as the administration of public sector benefits. Steady was founded in 2017.

ZenBusiness

Series A in 2019
ZenBusiness Inc. is a company that specializes in providing corporate entity creation and management services tailored for small business owners. Founded in 2015 and based in Austin, Texas, ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive platform that consolidates business formation, compliance, banking, bookkeeping, and marketing tools into an intuitive dashboard. This platform allows users to manage their business needs efficiently, including checking their company's status and filing necessary documents, all from a single login. What distinguishes ZenBusiness is its blend of innovative technology and live human support, offering customers access to expert guidance through various communication channels. The company is also dedicated to social impact, functioning as a Public Benefit Corporation and promoting employee volunteer work. ZenBusiness actively engages with diverse entrepreneurs and provides grant opportunities to support small business growth, further solidifying its role as a trusted partner in the business community.

Fundbox

Series C in 2019
Fundbox is an AI-powered financial platform based in San Francisco, established in 2013 by co-founders Eyal Shinar, Tomer Michaeli, and Yuval Ariav. The company provides small businesses with quick and intuitive access to credit, aiming to enhance customer growth within the small business economy. Fundbox utilizes machine learning and deep data analytics to offer invoice financing and lines of credit, allowing small and mid-sized enterprises to efficiently accelerate cash flow against outstanding invoices. This approach not only improves payment terms but also helps increase average order volumes and close rates for its clients.

PayMate

Series D in 2019
PayMate is a leader in B2B payments for Enterprise and SME across supply chains. The PayMate platform provides a comprehensive digital workflow tied to payments which enable greater control and transparency along with better cash flows and an end to end reconciliation for a superior experience for Enterprise and SME in closed-loop supply chains. PayMate works with leading Visa commercial card-issuing banks to facilitate credit for both payables and receivables across supply chains moving traditional cash, cheque and EFT to card streams with several built-in risk-mitigating benefits for banks and extended days payables for buyers. Platform features include Procure to Pay automation, credit evaluation, discount marketplace along with APIs for integration into existing accounts/ERP for minimal friction-based deployment. It is cloud-based and accessible across all form factors. PayMate has a presence in South Asia (India) and UAE and is actively expanding across CEMEA.

Breez

Seed Round in 2019
Breez is a developer of a cryptocurrency wallet that facilitates simple, fast, and secure bitcoin transactions. Leveraging the Lightning Network, Breez aims to transform bitcoin into a more functional currency, enhancing its usability for everyday commerce. The wallet allows users to easily accept and make payments in bitcoin, streamlining the payment process and expanding the capabilities of blockchain technology.

Coti

Seed Round in 2019
COTI Limited is a Gibraltar-based company that develops a blockchain protocol designed to optimize decentralized payment solutions for various users, including enterprises, merchants, and government institutions. Its white label wallet solutions facilitate the creation of advanced financial technology applications, supporting the use of stable coins and a range of payment methods. COTI’s platform incorporates a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) ledger, which addresses the limitations of traditional blockchain systems, allowing for secure and efficient financial transactions without lengthy clearing times. Additionally, COTI offers a unique dispute resolution system to safeguard users against errors and fraud. Its integrated payment solution, COTI Pay, accepts both online and offline transactions, including cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and merchant-specific coins, while also providing built-in financing options such as interest on deposits and business loans.

Beam

Corporate Round in 2019
Beam is a cryptocurrency company founded in 2017 and based in Tel-Aviv, Israel, specializing in the development of a confidential cryptocurrency wallet utilizing the MimbleWimble protocol. This wallet is designed for mobile and desktop use, catering to individual and small business users. Beam emphasizes user privacy, allowing individuals to control the information shared during transactions while ensuring confidentiality without compromising performance or scalability. The blockchain architecture supports various transaction types, such as escrow and atomic swaps, while maintaining a compact size through features like "cut-through," which significantly reduces data storage requirements. Additionally, Beam operates on a Proof-of-Work algorithm and follows a limited emission model, with a total of approximately 250 million coins. The platform is built from the ground up in C++ by a team of experienced developers, ensuring robust functionality without the need for a trusted setup or pre-mining.

BlockFi

Convertible Note in 2018
BlockFi, Inc. is a New York-based financial services company that specializes in providing wealth management products for cryptocurrency investors. Founded in 2017, it offers interest-bearing accounts that allow clients to earn yields on their Bitcoin, Ether, and Gemini Dollar holdings. The company also facilitates secured loans in USD, where clients can collateralize their loans with cryptocurrency assets. Additionally, BlockFi provides a trading platform for exchanging various cryptocurrency pairs and customizable lending options for institutions. By leveraging a sophisticated infrastructure that integrates with multiple blockchains, BlockFi aims to enhance liquidity and efficiency in digital financial markets, catering to the needs of both individual and institutional clients.

Veem

Series B in 2018
Veem Inc. is a payment service provider that offers a platform designed to simplify the process of sending and receiving payments for businesses. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate international payments, eliminating the need for intermediary banks and thereby reducing costs for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Veem's platform allows users to send and receive payments in local currency, track transactions in real time, generate invoices, and upload mass documents. Additionally, it integrates with various accounting platforms to streamline financial operations. With offices in Kanata, Canada, and Shanghai, China, Veem aims to create a user-focused financial ecosystem that enhances the efficiency of cross-border transactions.

Savioke

Series B in 2018
Savioke, Inc. is a company based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2013, that specializes in the development and deployment of autonomous robots aimed at enhancing service delivery in various industries. Its flagship product, Relay, is an innovative delivery robot designed to operate autonomously in busy environments such as hotels, residential buildings, industrial sites, and healthcare facilities. Relay combines simplicity with advanced technology, allowing it to work effectively alongside humans. The robots are built on the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS), which enhances their functionality and adaptability in diverse applications. Savioke is supported by a range of investors, including prominent names in technology and venture capital. The company's mission is to improve productivity and customer satisfaction through the use of robotics in everyday human environments.

Locus

Series A in 2018
Locus is a technology company based in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2015, that addresses challenges in last-mile logistics through its order-to-delivery dispatch management platform. The company offers automation and optimization solutions designed to enhance the efficiency of delivery operations for businesses. Its platform supports clients in managing deliveries, optimizing workflows, and improving customer experiences. Locus has successfully facilitated 650 million deliveries across over 30 countries, serving notable clients such as Unilever, Nestle, and BlueDart. The company’s solutions have resulted in significant cost savings, totaling $200 million in transit expenses, and have contributed to a reduction of 70 million kilograms in CO2 emissions while maintaining a high service level adherence rate of 99.5%. Locus is backed by prominent investors, including GIC Singapore, Qualcomm Ventures, Tiger Global, and Falcon Edge.

Open Financial Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Open is Asia’s first neobanking platform for SMEs that is fast changing the way businesses bank & manage their finances. At Open, we help SMEs run everything right from their banking, payments to accounting, & expense management — together. This way they can focus on doing things that matter the most — grow their business. We’re home to some of the smartest & brightest 250+ minds in the fintech space. We’re a tight-knit tribe of creators and makers who are shaking up the way business banking rolls for over 10,00,000 businesses. We’re backed by some of the leading global VC firms like Tiger Global, Speedinvest, Beenext, AngelList, Recruit, Tanglin Venture Partners, 3one4 Capital, Unicorn India Ventures to name a few.

Node

Venture Round in 2018
Node, recently acquired by SugarCRM, fuels Sugar's time-aware CX platform to help businesses by automatically forecasting expected outcomes and highlighting previously unforeseen challenges and opportunities. Extending Sugar’s time-aware CX platform, Node’s AI technology adds the most coveted element of time—the future. The combined solution offers wide-ranging capabilities for sales, marketing, and service teams. Node enables users of business applications to see into the future. Powered by Artificial Intuition™ technology, Node is the first turnkey AI-as-a-service platform focused on powering predictable business outcomes, which enterprises can use to quickly and seamlessly build advanced AI into both customer-facing and internal applications without investing years and millions of dollars on risky AI experiments. Applications powered by Node can deliver predictions that enable users to make smarter connections and decisions about how to engage with customers, employees, investors, and partners. Node was founded by Google's youngest employee, Falon Fatemi, and it's renowned technology team includes the Godfather of Search, Louis Monier who created Alta Vista, and Michael Radovancevich former CTO of Taleo and OpenX. Node is backed by Mark Cuban, NEA, Avalon Ventures, and JetBlue Technology Ventures.

Element

Series A in 2018
Element Inc. specializes in developing and distributing mobile-based platforms for biometric identity solutions. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York, the company focuses on enhancing digital identity access, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa where many individuals lack proper identification. Element's innovative approach leverages mobile deep learning technology to create efficient and inclusive systems. The company's offerings include the development of immunization platforms, connected diagnostics, digital identity services for healthcare providers, and access to financial services and digital payments. By collaborating with partners worldwide, Element aims to promote sustainable development and improve access to essential services for underserved populations.

2Boss

Series B in 2018
2Boss is a chinese mobile app that provides housing information, and prices, and makes recommendations for house buyers.

Fortella

Seed Round in 2017
Fortella is a cloud-based revenue-driven marketing platform designed for B2B companies, headquartered in Redwood City, California. Established in 2016, the platform integrates marketing planning and execution with corporate revenue objectives, allowing businesses to assess marketing's contribution to their overall performance. It consolidates first-party marketing data into a unified repository, which supports various business functions, including finance, product, sales, and customer success. By leveraging its AI-based revenue intelligence capabilities, Fortella enables Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Revenue Officers, demand generation teams, and revenue operations professionals to enhance their effectiveness in meeting revenue targets.

ShoCard

Series A in 2017
ShoCard, Inc. offers a digital identity card accessible through a mobile application, designed to streamline identity verification while ensuring consumer privacy. Founded in 2015 and based in Palo Alto, California, ShoCard employs advanced security measures including public/private key encryption, data hashing, out-of-band communication, data matching, and two-factor authentication. This comprehensive identity verification system allows individuals, businesses, and governments to establish, verify, and exchange identity information securely. The technology is robust enough for use in sensitive environments, such as banking, making it a reliable solution for identity protection. As of March 2020, ShoCard operates as a subsidiary of Ping Identity Corporation.

Simpl

Series A in 2017
Simpl Technologies Private Limited, established in 2015 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, operates a leading online payments platform that enhances the e-commerce experience. The company has developed a market-leading Pay-Later platform, allowing merchants to offer consumers a seamless 1-click checkout experience and a line of credit at the point of sale. Simpl's innovative approach streamlines the payment process by using algorithms and payment engineering to consolidate transactions, enabling users to avoid repetitive payments. Additionally, the platform provides full buyer protection, ensuring secure monetary transactions between customers and merchants. Through its services, Simpl aims to simplify and automate the online payment experience for all parties involved.

Dispatch

Series A in 2017
Dispatch is the operating system that empowers modern service experiences for the world’s largest service brands. Our platform connects the enterprise, service provider, and customer together to create a world-class service experience that surpasses the rising expectations of the modern-day market.

Conversica

Series B in 2016
Conversica, Inc. is a provider of cloud-based automated sales conversion management software that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance lead engagement for sales and marketing organizations. Its flagship product, the Conversica AI Sales Assistant, automates the process of contacting, engaging, qualifying, and following up with leads through natural, two-way email conversations until they convert into opportunities or opt out. The software supports multi-channel communication and operates in various languages, catering to industries such as automotive, education, finance, insurance, real estate, and technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Foster City, California, with additional offices in Bellingham, Seattle, and Kansas City, Conversica also has a strategic partnership with LeadFabric. The company was previously known as AVA.ai LLC before rebranding in 2014.

Brickwork

Series A in 2016
Brickwork is a retail technology company that offers a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance the pre-visit experience for customers of major brands and retailers. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, Brickwork's platform provides accurate store information, access to events and promotions, and personal assistance, ensuring customers are well-informed before visiting stores. The solution aims to bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping by managing critical store data and content, which helps brands improve decision-making and overall customer experience. Additionally, Brickwork's innovative approach includes measuring Digital-to-Store Conversion, allowing marketers and store teams to drive traffic, engagement, and increase sales.

Space Market

Series A in 2016
Space Market is a Japan-based online platform that facilitates the rental of unused or idle spaces for various purposes. Founded in 2014, the company provides a marketplace where customers can search for and reserve venues suitable for events such as parties, business meetings, photo shoots, sports activities, and more. The platform also supports the lending and borrowing of conference rooms and other types of spaces, including off-season ballparks and wedding halls. By offering a user-friendly app, Space Market makes it easier for individuals and organizations to find the right space for their specific needs, enhancing the accessibility and utilization of available venues.

Alignable

Venture Round in 2016
Alignable, Inc. operates a social networking platform tailored for local business communities, facilitating networking, marketing, and growth opportunities. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alignable has grown to over 6 million members across more than 30,000 local communities in North America. The platform allows small business owners to generate leads, referrals, and new business opportunities while fostering trusted relationships and sharing advice. Users can connect with other business owners based on location, industry, and specific needs, gaining valuable insights to enhance their operations and revenue. Alignable officially launched its services in 2014 and is supported by notable venture capital firms.

ShipBob

Series A in 2016
ShipBob Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing online shipping and fulfillment services tailored for small e-commerce businesses. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, ShipBob offers an end-to-end fulfillment solution that includes warehousing, order management, and package delivery, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to ship products within 1-2 business days. Its platform integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, allowing merchants to manage orders, track inventory, and communicate with customers effectively. ShipBob's services encompass pickup, packaging, batch fulfillment, and returns, supported by a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a key facility in Dallas, Texas. The company also provides a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments.

DataRobot

Series B in 2016
DataRobot, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in developing an automated machine learning platform aimed at empowering enterprises to construct predictive models efficiently. Its offerings include DataRobot Cloud, a cloud-based platform for predictive analytics, and DataRobot MLOps, which facilitates the deployment, monitoring, and management of machine learning models across organizations. Additionally, DataRobot Enterprise provides features tailored for large organizations, such as flexible deployment options, governance, and comprehensive support. The company's solutions cater to a diverse clientele, including business analysts, data scientists, executives, and IT professionals across various sectors such as banking, healthcare, and manufacturing. Founded in 2012, DataRobot has expanded its operations internationally, with locations in London, Paris, Kyiv, Tokyo, and Singapore, and maintains a strategic partnership with Snowflake to enhance its offerings.

CareGuardian

Series B in 2016
CareGuardian, founded in 2014, specializes in providing caregiver services for elderly patients, emphasizing the importance of both professional and family caregivers in delivering exceptional support for older adults. The company offers a user-centric technology platform developed in-house, which connects caregivers, clinicians, and care managers. This innovative approach aims to empower caregivers and ensure that seniors can age safely and remain engaged with their communities while receiving the necessary care at home. By focusing on training and support, CareGuardian seeks to enhance the visibility and recognition of caregivers, fostering a more effective caregiving environment.

Shiprocket

Series B in 2016
Shiprocket is an eCommerce shipping platform based in New Delhi, India, that was founded in 2017. The company specializes in providing cost-effective shipping solutions for direct-to-consumer retailers. Shiprocket's platform utilizes a machine-learning-based data engine to recommend appropriate courier services, select courier companies, print shipping labels, and track orders from a unified interface. This functionality allows businesses to efficiently manage their shipping and returns processes. Additionally, Shiprocket Packaging offers high-quality packaging materials with a focus on on-time delivery across India, catering to brands and businesses of all sizes.

Veem

Series A in 2015
Veem Inc. is a payment service provider that offers a platform designed to simplify the process of sending and receiving payments for businesses. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate international payments, eliminating the need for intermediary banks and thereby reducing costs for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Veem's platform allows users to send and receive payments in local currency, track transactions in real time, generate invoices, and upload mass documents. Additionally, it integrates with various accounting platforms to streamline financial operations. With offices in Kanata, Canada, and Shanghai, China, Veem aims to create a user-focused financial ecosystem that enhances the efficiency of cross-border transactions.

Tokyo Otaku Mode

Venture Round in 2015
Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is a platform dedicated to Japanese otaku culture, providing a wide array of content including news, event reports, and user-generated contributions related to anime, manga, and cosplay. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with a branch in Mitaka-shi, Japan, the company operates the website otakumode.com, which features English-language articles on otaku topics and showcases artwork and photos from fans. Tokyo Otaku Mode also supports creators by promoting their works globally, offering services such as English translation and international portfolios. In addition, the company runs an e-commerce site that facilitates access to Japanese pop culture merchandise for fans around the world, thereby bridging the gap between Japan's otaku goods and international enthusiasts. The brand enjoys a significant following, with over 10 million fans on its Facebook page, solidifying its position as a key player in the global dissemination of Japanese pop culture.

EWeLL

Venture Round in 2015
eWeLL is a company that specializes in providing comprehensive cloud-based business support services for the home-based care industry, particularly focusing on visiting nursing homes. The company's offerings include software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools designed to enhance the operations of home-visit nursing stations. By delivering innovative solutions, eWeLL aims to improve the quality of home care services and contribute to the development of a society where individuals can live comfortably and receive the care they need.

Kabbage

Series E in 2015
Kabbage, Inc. is a financial technology company that provides small businesses with automated access to funding through its online lending platform. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Kabbage simplifies the loan application process, allowing businesses to apply online and receive approval in minutes. The platform leverages various data sources, including revenue, accounting, and business transactions, to assess a company's financial health and determine appropriate credit lines, which can reach up to $250,000. Kabbage also offers a mobile application that enables users to manage their accounts and withdraw funds conveniently. In addition, the Kabbage Card allows businesses to make purchases directly from their credit lines at point-of-sale locations. Over the years, Kabbage has expanded its services to support both online and brick-and-mortar businesses and has gained recognition for its innovation in the lending industry.

Fishbrain

Series A in 2015
Fishbrain is a mobile application and commerce platform designed for fishing enthusiasts. It serves as a social network that connects anglers globally, allowing users to share information about catches and fishing techniques. The app features an interactive map that helps users discover new fishing locations and see what other anglers are catching, including details on bait used and specific locations. Fishbrain promotes responsible fishing practices, encouraging catch and release as well as the sustainable harvest of fish species. Additionally, the platform offers tools and insights to enhance the fishing experience, supporting users in their pursuit of successful fishing adventures.

Zirtual

Debt Financing in 2015
Zirtual Inc. is a provider of dedicated virtual assistant services aimed at busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and small teams. Founded in 2011 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Zirtual offers a range of services including inbox and calendar management, travel planning, research, copywriting, and marketing support. The company emphasizes a relationship-based model, allowing clients to develop lasting connections with their assigned virtual assistants. Zirtual operates on a flexible pricing structure with flat rate, monthly, and annual plans, which do not require long-term commitments. As of December 2015, Zirtual is a subsidiary of Startups.co.

Xica

Venture Round in 2015
Xica Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in applied data science and information technology systems. Founded in February 2012, it focuses on the development of tools and consulting services aimed at enhancing marketing effectiveness. Xica is known for MAGELLAN, a leading Marketing Mix Modeling tool in Japan that supports over 200 major brands. This tool enables clients to quantify the impact of both offline and online advertising campaigns by integrating and analyzing promotional data. By automating and visualizing complex data, Xica helps advertisers optimize their marketing strategies without requiring extensive analytical expertise.

Xica

Series B in 2015
Xica Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in applied data science and information technology systems. Founded in February 2012, it focuses on the development of tools and consulting services aimed at enhancing marketing effectiveness. Xica is known for MAGELLAN, a leading Marketing Mix Modeling tool in Japan that supports over 200 major brands. This tool enables clients to quantify the impact of both offline and online advertising campaigns by integrating and analyzing promotional data. By automating and visualizing complex data, Xica helps advertisers optimize their marketing strategies without requiring extensive analytical expertise.

Gengo

Series C in 2015
Gengo, Inc. operates a professional human translation platform that connects individuals and businesses with a community of over 18,000 qualified translators from 114 countries, covering 37 languages and 64 language pairs. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in Silicon Valley, Gengo provides its services through an accessible website and API, allowing clients to order translations for various types of content. The platform is designed to deliver higher quality translations compared to machine translation and offers faster turnaround times than traditional providers. Gengo serves a diverse range of industries, including e-commerce, travel, and media, helping companies publish content such as product descriptions and user reviews in multiple languages. The company has collaborated with notable clients, including JTB, TripAdvisor, BuzzFeed, and Rakuten. As of December 31, 2018, Gengo operates as a subsidiary of Lionbridge Technologies, Inc.

Sprinklr

Series A in 2015
Sprinklr, Inc. is an enterprise software company specializing in customer experience management through its comprehensive social software platform. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York City, Sprinklr provides a suite of tools designed to help brands manage social conversations, engage with customers, and execute social campaigns across various digital channels. Its offerings include Social CRM, Social Analytics, and Social Listening, enabling businesses to gain insights into customer behavior and market trends. The platform facilitates collaboration across customer-facing functions such as Marketing and Customer Care, fostering a unified approach to managing customer experiences. Sprinklr serves a diverse range of industries, including technology, automotive, and retail, and supports over 1,200 global brands like Microsoft and McDonald's. With a strong international presence, the company operates in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, and employs more than 1,300 professionals worldwide.

99designs

Series B in 2015
99designs is a global creative platform that facilitates collaboration between designers and clients to produce appealing designs. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with additional offices in Oakland, California, and Berlin, Germany, the company offers a range of design services, including logos, business cards, web pages, packaging, t-shirts, and book covers. It employs a unique creative process that has become a preferred solution for businesses, agencies, and individuals seeking high-quality design work. By connecting a community of talented designers with entrepreneurs and small business owners, 99designs aims to empower creativity and provide opportunities for growth in the design industry.

BitFlyer

Series B in 2015
BitFlyer, Inc. is a virtual currency exchange and blockchain development service provider based in Minato-ku, Japan. Established in 2014, it specializes in facilitating transactions in various digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, among others. BitFlyer offers a comprehensive platform that enables customers to buy, sell, and spend cryptocurrencies securely. It features multiple markets, including a Bitcoin marketplace and altcoin exchanges, along with advanced services such as an application programming interface for custom account management. Additionally, BitFlyer provides e-commerce payment solutions that allow businesses to accept Bitcoin, enhancing the overall trading experience. The company also operates fundFlyer, a crowdfunding platform designed to support projects through Bitcoin funding.

Fitmob

Venture Round in 2014
Fitmob is a provider of an online fitness platform aimed at promoting wellness within a global community. The platform offers a variety of group workouts led by trainers and conducted in partnership with gyms and studios. This enables consumers to engage in fitness activities designed to help them maintain their health and well-being. Through its services, Fitmob seeks to create an inclusive environment that encourages individuals to pursue their fitness goals collectively.

Teleborder

Seed Round in 2014
Teleborder is a provider of human resource management solutions focused on immigration services for companies hiring international employees. The company's software platform streamlines the management of immigration processes, compliance, and reporting, allowing businesses to handle these complexities in one centralized location. Teleborder serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small startups to large corporations, and facilitates access to a network of service providers that support related needs. The company has garnered investment from notable venture firms, including Y Combinator and Khosla Ventures.

Blacklane

Series B in 2014
Blacklane GmbH is a professional ground transportation service provider headquartered in Berlin, Germany, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in a range of premium chauffeur services, including airport transfers, hourly bookings, and long-distance rides in luxury vehicles. Blacklane caters to both individual and corporate clients across major cities such as New York, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, and Paris, offering a seamless booking experience through its website and mobile application. With a commitment to sustainability, Blacklane provides carbon-neutral options, including hybrid and electric vehicles, and has been carbon-neutral since 2017. The company emphasizes reliability and professionalism, featuring services such as real-time flight tracking, meet-and-greet assistance, and tailored solutions for business travel and events, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

FLENS

Series B in 2014
FLENS Inc., established in August 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in tablet-based eLearning services and platform development. The company focuses on creating an engaging and accessible educational experience through its platform, which features interactive lessons and straightforward content. Additionally, FLENS provides a real-time progress tracking system that allows parents to monitor their children's educational advancement while they study, enhancing the overall learning process.

Treatwell

Series C in 2014
Treatwell is an online platform specializing in bookings for beauty and wellness services, including hair, spa, and health treatments. Catering primarily to the Benelux region, it features over 2,500 salons and studios across 60 cities, such as Amsterdam, Cologne, and Berlin. The platform facilitates the discovery and comparison of beauty services through user reviews, enhancing the customer experience while providing salon owners with tools to attract and retain clientele. By offering a seamless online booking system, Treatwell empowers users to schedule appointments at their convenience, while also helping businesses increase revenue through improved customer engagement. The company operates offices in Amsterdam and Berlin and is part of the Wahanda Group, a leading marketplace for beauty services in Europe.

Loco Partners

Series A in 2014
Loco Partners, Inc. operates an online marketplace for Japanese inns, specifically through its accommodation reservation service known as Relux. Founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, the company specializes in curating a selection of prestigious hotels and ryokans, allowing clients to search and book accommodations conveniently. In addition to its reservation platform, Loco Partners provides social media marketing services and media content consulting for hotels, further enhancing its offerings within the hospitality industry. The company's focus on high-quality inns and dining experiences positions it as a notable player in Japan's travel sector.

Fishtree

Series A in 2014
Fishtree Ltd is an education technology company based in Dublin, Ireland, that provides an online platform designed to deliver personalized learning materials for K-12 and higher education students. Founded in 2012, Fishtree allows teachers to easily align educational resources with various standards and tailor them to meet individual student needs. The platform offers access to a wide range of resources, including real-time media and publisher content, while enabling educators to monitor and track student progress through robust analytics. Fishtree operates as a subsidiary of Follett Corporation, collaborating globally to empower educators and enhance the learning experience for students.

Ossia

Series C in 2014
Ossia is a company focused on transforming the concept of wireless power through its innovative technology, Cota. This patented system uses smart antenna technology to deliver remote and targeted energy to devices at a distance, functioning similarly to Wi-Fi. Cota enables multiple devices to charge automatically without any user intervention, facilitating a truly wire-free environment. By providing efficient wireless power transmission, Ossia aims to enhance connectivity and convenience for users, allowing them to keep their devices powered and connected seamlessly.

Freee

Series B in 2014
Freee is a developer of cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses in Japan. Launched in March 2013 and originally named CFO K.K., the company was founded by Daisuke Sasaki, who previously led SMB marketing for Google in the Asia Pacific region. Freee's automated online accounting software seamlessly syncs with bank accounts, allowing users to automatically categorize entries and generate financial reports. In addition to its core accounting product, Freee also offers cloud-based HR labor software and cloud ERP solutions for midsize companies. The company operates on a freemium model, with paid plans starting at approximately 980 JPY per month. Freee gained recognition by winning the Invinity Ventures Summit Launch Pad in 2013, a prestigious demo event in Japan.

Crowdworks

Series C in 2014
CrowdWorks Inc. is a prominent crowdsourcing service provider based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2011. The company operates a platform that connects businesses with individuals seeking freelance work, facilitating a wide range of projects including software development, graphic design, and writing. Through its main platform, CrowdWorks, and its project matching service, Crowdtech, the company caters to over 130,000 users and serves more than 25,000 clients, including government ministries and publicly traded companies. CrowdWorks offers specialized services tailored to the needs of freelancers, such as part-time work opportunities and matching services for high-value professionals. Recognized for its influence in the Japanese market, CrowdWorks has gained a reputation for facilitating innovative work styles and enhancing job accessibility for a diverse range of professionals.

Hachimenroppi

Venture Round in 2014
Hachimenroppi Inc. is a fish delivery service based in Chuo, Japan, that specializes in supplying fresh seafood to Japanese restaurants and diners. Established in 2007 and rebranded in 2011, the company sources fish from markets and brokers, ensuring quality and freshness in its offerings. In addition to its core fish delivery service, Hachimenroppi operates an e-commerce platform that caters to the needs of restaurants by providing a variety of fresh and frozen foods, including marine products, fruits, vegetables, meat, cereals, and noodles. The platform leverages technology to understand market demands, allowing for efficient and affordable delivery of high-quality ingredients to its customers.

Life is Tech

Venture Round in 2014
Life is Tech is an educational platform focused on enhancing the skills of elementary and junior high school students in coding and information technology. The company organizes coding camps and collaborates with local governments to implement various programs such as Tech for Local, Be Startup, Code Girls, and Tech for Teachers. These initiatives aim to foster students' creativity and improve their proficiency in coding, preparing them for future opportunities in technology.

Paidy

Series A in 2014
Paidy Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2008, specializing in a cardless real-time payment network that simplifies online transactions for consumers. Formerly known as Exchange Corporation K.K., the company rebranded in 2018 to reflect its focus on providing an efficient payment solution that does not require credit cards or pre-registration. Paidy's software platform allows users to make purchases online and pay for them through a consolidated monthly bill, leveraging proprietary technology to assess creditworthiness and guarantee payments to merchants. This approach caters particularly to Japanese consumers, many of whom prefer avoiding credit cards for online shopping. By facilitating cardless payments, Paidy helps eCommerce operators enhance their conversion rates, increase average order values, and boost repeat purchases.

CareGuardian

Series A in 2014
CareGuardian, founded in 2014, specializes in providing caregiver services for elderly patients, emphasizing the importance of both professional and family caregivers in delivering exceptional support for older adults. The company offers a user-centric technology platform developed in-house, which connects caregivers, clinicians, and care managers. This innovative approach aims to empower caregivers and ensure that seniors can age safely and remain engaged with their communities while receiving the necessary care at home. By focusing on training and support, CareGuardian seeks to enhance the visibility and recognition of caregivers, fostering a more effective caregiving environment.

Wanderlust

Venture Round in 2014
Wanderlust Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates an online social travel guide called Compathy. This platform allows local users to recommend their favorite places, enabling travelers to discover unique experiences. The company's mission is to foster connections between diverse cultures by facilitating exchanges of recommendations and travel tips. Additionally, Wanderlust encourages offline events where individuals from different backgrounds can share insights about their home countries, promoting meaningful interactions. Through its travel magazine and experience logbook service, Wanderlust aims to create a collaborative environment where users can plan itineraries, share travel experiences, and ultimately contribute to stronger cross-border relationships.

Element

Seed Round in 2014
Element Inc. specializes in developing and distributing mobile-based platforms for biometric identity solutions. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York, the company focuses on enhancing digital identity access, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa where many individuals lack proper identification. Element's innovative approach leverages mobile deep learning technology to create efficient and inclusive systems. The company's offerings include the development of immunization platforms, connected diagnostics, digital identity services for healthcare providers, and access to financial services and digital payments. By collaborating with partners worldwide, Element aims to promote sustainable development and improve access to essential services for underserved populations.

Noom

Series A in 2013
Noom, Inc. is a digital health company that specializes in mobile health coaching solutions aimed at helping individuals manage and prevent chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York City, Noom offers a psychology-based platform that integrates evidence-based curricula with trained cognitive behavior coaches, mobile tracking, and scalable coaching tools. The platform empowers users to achieve their personal health and wellness goals, including weight management and stress reduction. Noom has received multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and is recognized as a certified diabetes prevention program by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to serving individual users, Noom also partners with businesses to promote health and wellness initiatives. The company has additional offices in Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan.

Directly

Seed Round in 2013
Directly Software, Inc. is a company that develops and operates a platform designed to enhance and automate customer experience (CX) operations for businesses in the United States. The platform facilitates self-service, ticket resolution, and offers integrations through APIs with various customer relationship management (CRM) applications, such as Microsoft Dynamics and Salesforce Service Cloud. By leveraging artificial intelligence and expert networks, Directly's solution enables companies to handle customer inquiries effectively, balancing automation with human support. This approach has been adopted by prominent organizations, including Airbnb and Microsoft, to improve customer satisfaction and reduce operational costs. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Directly Software, Inc. also maintains a location in Palo Alto, California. The company was previously known as Directly, Inc. before its name change in December 2016.

Muzy

Angel Round in 2013
Muzy is an online platform designed for creative individuals to create customizable blogs where they can post, enhance, and share a variety of content including photos, drawings, animations, and written thoughts. The platform offers a range of user-friendly applications that facilitate the editing and enhancement of visual content, allowing users to apply photo effects, create collages, and add captions. By providing tools for both artistic expression and social sharing, Muzy caters to those seeking a vibrant space to showcase their creativity and connect with others.

Ardent Capital

Series A in 2013
Ardent Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Bangkok, Thailand. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies throughout Southeast Asia. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs who have a track record of successful exits in the region and beyond, Ardent Capital focuses on combining essential elements such as team dynamics, strategic planning, operational efficiency, marketing expertise, technological innovation, and financial backing to foster the growth of promising startups. The firm is actively engaged in the technology revolution occurring in Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a key player in the development of the region's entrepreneurial landscape.

Wongnai

Series A in 2013
Wongnai is a Thailand-based restaurant review platform that operates both a website and a mobile application, similar to Yelp in the United States. The name "Wongnai" translates to "insider" in Thai, reflecting its focus on providing insider knowledge about dining options. Users can search for restaurants by location or category, accessing information, user reviews, and photos from a vast database of over 100,000 establishments across Thailand. In addition to restaurant reviews, Wongnai also features customer feedback on salons and detailed menus, enriching the user experience. The application is available on multiple smartphone platforms, including iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Loco Partners

Seed Round in 2013
Loco Partners, Inc. operates an online marketplace for Japanese inns, specifically through its accommodation reservation service known as Relux. Founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, the company specializes in curating a selection of prestigious hotels and ryokans, allowing clients to search and book accommodations conveniently. In addition to its reservation platform, Loco Partners provides social media marketing services and media content consulting for hotels, further enhancing its offerings within the hospitality industry. The company's focus on high-quality inns and dining experiences positions it as a notable player in Japan's travel sector.

SkimaTalk

Seed Round in 2012
SkimaTalk, Inc. is an online language-learning platform based in Berkeley, California, that was founded in 2012. The platform connects language students with native speakers from top universities worldwide, facilitating language acquisition through one-on-one interactions via Skype. SkimaTalk aims to make language learning accessible, enjoyable, and affordable, breaking down traditional barriers associated with the process. The platform serves as a global skill-sharing marketplace, allowing individuals to exchange knowledge and experiences, regardless of language, culture, or nationality. By promoting direct communication between learners and educators, SkimaTalk enhances the learning experience and fosters a diverse educational community.

Labit

Venture Round in 2012
Labit is a developer of the mobile application Timetable Wow that is used by college students.

LeadGenius

Seed Round in 2012
LeadGenius, Inc. is a lead generation and outreach company that serves businesses, nonprofits, development organizations, and researchers both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2011 and based in Berkeley, California, LeadGenius specializes in producing targeted lists of leads and customers through comprehensive customer research. The company enhances lead quality by auditing and enriching data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date contact information. Additionally, LeadGenius qualifies leads by assessing their viability and conducts follow-ups via email and phone. Their end-to-end sales solution allows organizations to effectively generate, qualify, and convert leads, making it easier for sales teams to scale their efforts. The company was previously known as MobileWorks, Inc.

Richmedia

Seed Round in 2011
Rich Media offers media portal, web creation, and search engine optimization services.

WePow

Seed Round in 2011
WePow, Inc. is a provider of web and mobile video interviewing platforms, designed to enhance the recruitment process for various industries in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2010 and based in Sunnyvale, California, the company connects recruiters, job candidates, and employers through its user-friendly solutions. WePow's platform includes features such as video interviewing, video screening, and mobile recruiting, which help organizations improve recruiter productivity and create engaging candidate experiences. Notable clients include Adidas, Lenovo, and Box, who utilize WePow's services to streamline their hiring processes, reduce costs, and make informed hiring decisions. In September 2013, WePow changed its name from Wowzer, Inc., and as of December 31, 2018, it operates as a subsidiary of OutMatch, Inc.

KPI Management Solutions

Venture Round in 2009
Corporate Performance Management and Business Intelligence KPI helps their customers to implement strategies through identifying and aligning the organization around critical KPI’s.

KPI Solutions

Seed Round in 2009
KPI Solutions Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in developing email marketing software. The company operates a marketing platform that facilitates collaboration and value sharing between consumers and marketers. Its platform features tracking technology for identification, as well as big data analytics and optimization tools to enhance consumption activities and security. This enables clients to attract customers more effectively and efficiently.

Scigineer

Venture Round in 2009
Scigineer Inc. is a company that specializes in internet marketing support services and operates within the internet media and advertising sectors. The firm offers a range of services, including personalized recommendation and advertising solutions. In addition to its marketing services, Scigineer is involved in the planning and development of computer systems, as well as the sale and maintenance of information systems. The company also engages in research and development in both computer science and artificial intelligence, providing consulting and management services related to information processing.

Sansan

Angel Round in 2009
Sansan Inc, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in cloud-based contact management solutions for both corporate and individual users. The company offers its flagship service, Sansan, which is designed for businesses, and the Eight app, aimed at individuals, transforming traditional business cards into valuable digital connections. Since its inception, Sansan has experienced significant growth, with over 7,000 premium corporate users including notable clients such as the Japanese Government. The company has also expanded its reach internationally, establishing a subsidiary in Singapore in 2015. With more than 1.5 million registered users on its Eight platform, Sansan continues to set the standard for contact management services in Japan and seeks to enhance networking through innovative technology.

ZIGExN

Angel Round in 2006
ZIGExN operates a life media platform business in Japan, offering a range of internet media services through various segments, including Human Resource, Real Estate, and Lifestyle. The company runs multiple EX sites, such as Job change EX for employment opportunities, Dispatch EX for staffing agency information, and Part-timer EX for part-time job recruitment. In the real estate sector, it provides platforms like Lease Smocker for rental housing searches and Mysumi EX for real estate sales and management. Other services include Nurse recruitment EX, Pharmacist recruitment EX, and various platforms for moving estimates and comparing high-speed mobile communication plans. Additionally, ZIGExN offers sites for used car information, marriage activities, domestic travel, and an online shopping platform for overseas fashion items. By consolidating information from multiple media, ZIGExN aims to facilitate user access to essential services related to everyday life.
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