SBI Investment, established in 1986, is a pioneering venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in supporting the growth and development of private venture companies through fund investments. With a track record of investing in 986 companies, 169 of which have exited via IPO or M&A, SBI Investment plays a comprehensive role in providing services such as funding, technology, marketing, and legal support. Its investment focus spans across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, entertainment, ICT, manufacturing, AI, blockchain, fintech, biotechnology, and environmental energy, among others.
Managing Director and Head of Venture Investment Division I
Past deals in Robotics
Studio Lab
Seed Round in 2025
Studio Lab specializes in artificial intelligence technology tailored for the fashion industry. The company has developed software that automates content creation for e-commerce fashion brands, enhancing their online presence and operational efficiency. This software includes features that generate product descriptions and utilize a photo robot for automatic shooting of clothing and product images. By streamlining content generation, Studio Lab enables fashion brands to focus on growth and improve their overall business performance in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Medipixel
Series B in 2023
Medipixel, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in developing artificial intelligence-based diagnostic software and semi-autonomous surgical tools for lung cancer and cardiac disease interventions. The company employs a team of experts in computer vision, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, collaborating with leading healthcare institutions to enhance diagnostic and surgical processes. Medipixel offers several innovative solutions, including an AI-based diagnosis tool that assists doctors in identifying lesions during coronary angiography, a guide and planning solution that visualizes hidden coronary artery segments to facilitate guidewire manipulation, and an automated navigation engine that optimizes robotic control for surgical procedures. By integrating advanced AI technologies, Medipixel aims to improve the quality of medical care and patient outcomes in the field of surgery.
EdgeCortix
Venture Round in 2023
EdgeCortix is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in artificial intelligence processors that provide near-cloud performance for edge devices. The company employs a software-centric approach with its patented "hardware and software co-exploration" system, which facilitates the design of AI-specific runtime reconfigurable accelerator processors. By focusing on advancements in AI accelerators, EdgeCortix aims to enhance the capabilities of connected devices within the realm of intelligent edge computing. Its products include AI processing software and compiler technology, which cater to low-latency and real-time applications across various sectors, including defense, robotics, and telecommunications.
Mujin
Series C in 2023
Mujin Inc. specializes in providing solutions for industrial robotics and factory automation, with a focus on enhancing productivity in manufacturing and logistics. Founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, the company offers a range of products including the Mujin Controller Sim for programming industrial robots, Mujin Scanner for 3D modeling, Pick Worker for bin-picking with real-time motion planning, and Laser Worker for laser cutting applications. Mujin's intelligent robot controllers address common limitations faced by traditional robots, enabling better adaptability in dynamic environments. The company also provides comprehensive services such as robot system design, controller design, and motion planning, which are crucial for automating both heavy and repetitive tasks. With its advanced motion planning technology, Mujin aims to simplify factory automation and facilitate the integration of robots into complex real-time systems, ultimately streamlining operations that were previously reliant on human labor.
EVAR
Series B in 2023
EVAR is focused on advancing electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions through the development of autonomous robotic chargers. The company addresses social and environmental concerns related to EV charging by offering a comprehensive system that includes both chargers and autonomous recharging robots. These robots are designed to navigate independently, detect hazards, and recognize vehicles in need of charging through license plate or QR code identification. This innovative approach provides electric car owners with a convenient and flexible charging infrastructure, allowing them to recharge their vehicles at any time and place.
LexxPluss
Series A in 2023
LexxPluss develops advanced automated transport robot systems tailored for logistics warehouses, addressing the ongoing labor shortage exacerbated by the surge in online shopping. The company's robots employ both autonomous and guided driving modes, allowing them to navigate complex environments with precision. By focusing on cost-effectiveness, on-site safety, and user experience, LexxPluss aims to help businesses automate operations that have traditionally relied heavily on human labor. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves the safety of essential workers in the field, ultimately supporting the logistics industry’s evolving needs.
Flyability
Series C in 2023
Flyability SA is a Swiss company founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, specializing in the development and manufacturing of flying robots designed for industrial inspections in inaccessible and confined spaces. The company’s flagship product, Elios, is a collision-tolerant flying robot that allows for safe inspections in complex environments, such as within buildings and urban areas, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous situations. Flyability’s technology addresses critical issues in the rapidly growing drone industry, particularly concerning collision and injury risks. Its applications extend beyond industrial inspections to include search and rescue operations and security assessments, enabling professionals to gather vital data while ensuring safety. The company has received numerous accolades, including the Drones for Good Award, reflecting its commitment to innovation and societal impact.
Flyability
Series C in 2022
Flyability SA is a Swiss company founded in 2014 and based in Lausanne, specializing in the development and manufacturing of flying robots designed for industrial inspections in inaccessible and confined spaces. The company’s flagship product, Elios, is a collision-tolerant flying robot that allows for safe inspections in complex environments, such as within buildings and urban areas, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous situations. Flyability’s technology addresses critical issues in the rapidly growing drone industry, particularly concerning collision and injury risks. Its applications extend beyond industrial inspections to include search and rescue operations and security assessments, enabling professionals to gather vital data while ensuring safety. The company has received numerous accolades, including the Drones for Good Award, reflecting its commitment to innovation and societal impact.
Exosystems
Series A in 2021
Exosystems specializes in providing innovative IoT rehabilitation solutions aimed at enhancing recovery for rehabilitation patients. Their offerings include a comprehensive rehabilitation program that utilizes data analysis to tailor exercise plans to individual needs, ensuring both effectiveness and engagement. By integrating robotics and artificial intelligence, Exosystems delivers wearable devices designed for muscle strengthening and pain relief, facilitating rehabilitation in both home and hospital settings through telerehabilitation. This approach significantly reduces the costs associated with traditional rehabilitation methods, which were often limited to specific locations like hospitals. Consequently, Exosystems allows for more accessible and efficient rehabilitation, promoting quicker recovery for patients without the constraints of time and location.
AEye
Post in 2021
AEye, Inc. develops advanced vision hardware, software, and algorithms for autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance systems. Based in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of products including the 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform, which integrates solid-state lidar with low-light cameras and artificial intelligence to provide precise and reliable perception of surroundings. AEye's unique software-defined lidar solutions are designed for dynamic applications in vehicle autonomy, smart infrastructure, and logistics, focusing on delivering faster and more accurate information. The company's notable products include the 4Sight A and 4Sight M sensors, as well as the AE100 and AE200 robotic perception systems, which cater to the mobility market. AEye operates globally, with offices in Germany, Korea, and the United States, and primarily generates revenue from customers in the United States, followed by Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Ispace Technologies
Series C in 2021
Ispace Technologies is a Tokyo-based company specializing in space resource exploration, particularly focused on developing micro-robotic technology to facilitate the identification, extraction, and transportation of lunar resources, such as ice, essential for sustaining human life in space. Founded in 2013, Ispace is recognized for its innovative approach, utilizing 3D printing and commercially available products to create efficient and cost-effective solutions. The company is also involved in the Google Lunar XPRIZE Competition through its Team HAKUTO, which has gained recognition for its advancements in mobility and aims to land a privately funded robot on the Moon. Ispace’s micro-robots are designed to explore larger lunar areas quickly and economically, making significant strides towards establishing a sustainable presence in outer space.
CMES Robotics
Series B in 2021
CMES Robotics is an AI-powered robotics company that enables 3D vision for factory robots. CMES AI vision software includes high-precision vision sensors, robot calibration, a processing core, a simulator, and robot control. It enables robots to pick up objects that are unstructured, flexible, or deformed, as well as load and unload them. CMES Vision software has been used in void-filling and random depalletization applications all over the world.
DeepX
Venture Round in 2020
DeepX, Inc. is an artificial intelligence startup based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2016 by graduates from the University of Tokyo. The company specializes in developing software that enhances mechanization and automation across various industries, including construction, food processing, manufacturing, port transport, and agriculture. By leveraging deep learning and machine control technologies, DeepX addresses significant challenges such as labor shortages and the need for skilled workers in harsh environments. The company aims to automate a wide range of machinery, from small industrial robots to large equipment, utilizing advanced techniques like Deep Reinforcement Learning to ensure flexible operation in diverse conditions. With a focus on contributing to societal solutions in response to Japan's aging population and declining workforce, DeepX is positioned to make a meaningful impact through its innovative projects.
Mira Robotics
Seed Round in 2020
Mira Robotics, Inc. is a Japanese company based in Kawasaki City that specializes in designing and developing a Robot as a Service (RaaS) platform. Established in 2018, the company focuses on providing comprehensive services in robot development, robot intelligence, and cloud collaboration. Mira Robotics aims to integrate software solutions to enhance robotic capabilities across various fields, facilitating advancements in automation and intelligent systems.
LeapMind
Series C in 2019
LeapMind Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in hardware architecture and platforms for deep learning applications. The company focuses on making deep learning technology compact and accessible, particularly within the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) sector. LeapMind has developed its own algorithms and innovative chip architectures that enhance the accuracy of neural network models while reducing the computational complexity necessary for implementation in small computing environments. This approach enables the use of advanced deep learning capabilities in devices with limited power and memory, facilitating advancements in both the IoT and robotics industries.
Pixie Dust Technologies
Series B in 2019
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development of advanced phased array and digital fabrication technologies. The company’s flagship product is an ultrasonic phased array system that enables various innovative applications, such as generating force in mid-air, transporting objects without physical contact, and delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care tool utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. The company's offerings also include Vuevo, a service designed to visualize conversations among multiple people, and kikippa, a device focused on gamma wave sound care. Through its unique technological solutions, Pixie Dust Technologies aims to enhance social trust and improve user experiences across different domains.
Meltin MMI
Series B in 2018
Meltin MMI Co., Ltd., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development of cyborg-technology robotics for the medical sector. The company manufactures advanced wire-driven robotic systems, including biosensors and prosthetic hands, which facilitate fine finger movements for amputees. Meltin MMI employs bio-signal processing technology to analyze human body movements and intentions, allowing users to control robotic devices with minimal effort. The company gained recognition for its innovations and participated in the Cybathlon 2016, where it showcased its capabilities and received the Microsoft Innovation Award.
Rapyuta Robotics
Series A in 2018
Rapyuta Robotics Co., Ltd. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, with a subsidiary in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in cloud-connected multi-robotic systems for the security and inspection markets. Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), the company employs around 90 people globally, with additional offices in India. Rapyuta Robotics has developed a platform that simplifies the deployment of robotic solutions by integrating hardware, software, sensor data, and applications in the cloud. This allows businesses to manage various robots and sensors centrally, reducing the need for in-house robotics expertise. By leveraging advanced control research and artificial intelligence technology, Rapyuta Robotics facilitates the creation of an open and coordinated robotics ecosystem, enabling companies to concentrate on their core business processes rather than on the complexities of robotics management.
TIE
Series A in 2018
This is Engineering Inc. (TIE) is a manufacturing company focused on transforming the mobility of goods and people through innovative technology. Established in 2016 and based in Seongnam, Gyeong-Gi, TIE specializes in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and personal aerial vehicles (PAVs), addressing challenges associated with traditional ground transportation. The company aims to introduce a cost-effective, safe, and reliable drone delivery service, leveraging in-house developed fully autonomous technology. TIE's team comprises experts in aviation, robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, and logistics, who are dedicated to creating cutting-edge mobility solutions. Their work not only enhances transportation efficiency but also aims to redefine everyday travel, emphasizing safety and reduced flight times for users.
Unirobot
Series B in 2018
Unirobot Corporation, established in 2014 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of next-generation social robots. These robotic systems are designed to enhance social interaction and communication, particularly for elderly individuals and children. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Unirobot's products can recognize and remember family members' faces, provide emotional support, and assist with household tasks. The company also engages in research and development of embedded software and personal AI technologies, focusing on natural language processing to improve user experience. Through its innovative solutions, Unirobot aims to enrich the domestic lives of users by offering companionship and practical assistance.
Ascent Robotics
Series A in 2018
Ascent Robotics Inc. is an artificial intelligence startup based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing intelligent solutions for industrial robotics and autonomous vehicles. Its focus is on creating advanced software that supports automation in various manufacturing environments, particularly through a robotic system designed for object picking and kitting. Ascent’s technology leverages affordable perception hardware and features a user-friendly web interface, allowing for quick setup and integration into manufacturing operations. This approach aims to reduce costs and enhance productivity for businesses in the manufacturing sector.
Riverfield
Series B in 2017
Riverfield, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in the development of surgical support robotic systems for the healthcare sector. The company's innovative technology focuses on enhancing surgical procedures through advanced air pressure control, which allows for precise and delicate movements. This technology aims to improve the operability and functionality of surgical robots, ultimately enabling medical professionals to perform surgeries with greater accuracy and confidence. Riverfield's commitment to advancing robotic solutions positions it as a significant player in the medical industry.
RPA Holdings Japan
Venture Round in 2017
RPA Holdings Japan, established in 2000, is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in robot outsourcing services within Japan. It operates PRESCO, an online advertising and affiliate business, and also provides office-work outsourcing services.
ZMP
Corporate Round in 2017
ZMP Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology. Founded in 2001, ZMP develops and sells a range of products, including humanoid robots, logistics support robots, and advanced driver assistance systems. The company focuses on automatic operation technology and sensor systems, catering to sectors such as automotive, mobile manufacturing, and experimental research. Its offerings encompass autonomous driving development products, robotic camera solutions, and a variety of sensors, including inertial measurement units and biological sensors. ZMP aims to integrate mechanics, electronics, control systems, and software, thereby enhancing safety and comfort in transportation through innovative robotics solutions. With a diverse workforce that includes engineers from around the globe, ZMP is committed to fostering an inclusive environment.
Unirobot
Venture Round in 2017
Unirobot Corporation, established in 2014 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of next-generation social robots. These robotic systems are designed to enhance social interaction and communication, particularly for elderly individuals and children. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Unirobot's products can recognize and remember family members' faces, provide emotional support, and assist with household tasks. The company also engages in research and development of embedded software and personal AI technologies, focusing on natural language processing to improve user experience. Through its innovative solutions, Unirobot aims to enrich the domestic lives of users by offering companionship and practical assistance.
Seven Dreamers
Series B in 2016
Seven Dreamers Laboratories, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative medical devices and personal-use technology. Founded in 2011, the company is known for its commitment to developing unique, world-first products. One of its notable creations is the Laundroid, a laundry-folding robot that employs image-recognition algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify various types of clothing, fold them accordingly, and sort them by item or family member. This technology aims to significantly enhance everyday life by automating household chores, thereby allowing users to spend their time on more meaningful activities.
Rapyuta Robotics
Series A in 2016
Rapyuta Robotics Co., Ltd. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, with a subsidiary in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in cloud-connected multi-robotic systems for the security and inspection markets. Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), the company employs around 90 people globally, with additional offices in India. Rapyuta Robotics has developed a platform that simplifies the deployment of robotic solutions by integrating hardware, software, sensor data, and applications in the cloud. This allows businesses to manage various robots and sensors centrally, reducing the need for in-house robotics expertise. By leveraging advanced control research and artificial intelligence technology, Rapyuta Robotics facilitates the creation of an open and coordinated robotics ecosystem, enabling companies to concentrate on their core business processes rather than on the complexities of robotics management.
Rapyuta Robotics
Seed Round in 2015
Rapyuta Robotics Co., Ltd. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, with a subsidiary in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in cloud-connected multi-robotic systems for the security and inspection markets. Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), the company employs around 90 people globally, with additional offices in India. Rapyuta Robotics has developed a platform that simplifies the deployment of robotic solutions by integrating hardware, software, sensor data, and applications in the cloud. This allows businesses to manage various robots and sensors centrally, reducing the need for in-house robotics expertise. By leveraging advanced control research and artificial intelligence technology, Rapyuta Robotics facilitates the creation of an open and coordinated robotics ecosystem, enabling companies to concentrate on their core business processes rather than on the complexities of robotics management.
Enerzai
ENERZAi is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, that specializes in developing solutions for the oil and gas engineering sector. The company focuses on autonomous drilling systems, providing technology for supervising, monitoring, and controlling physical processes with real-time capabilities. In addition to this, ENERZAi offers services related to microcontroller units, central processing units, and application processors, facilitating AI applications in smart sensors, wearable devices, and robotics. Their technology aims to help clients transition from costly GPU instances, while optimizing model size, inference time, and operational costs.
New Innovations
New Innovations Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in designing and developing artificial intelligence-driven robots specifically for cafes. Its flagship product, the unmanned cafe robot known as "√C," utilizes demand-supply forecasting AI to serve coffee tailored to individual customer preferences, taking into account factors such as taste, busyness, physical condition, and mood. This innovative approach allows for a more personalized coffee experience while enhancing operational efficiency in the food and beverage sector. The robot is positioned as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human workers, aiming to complement existing roles in the industry. In collaboration with Nankai Electric Railway, New Innovations began demonstration experiments for the √C robot at Namba Station in August 2019, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics into everyday cafe operations.
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