SMBC Venture Capital

SMBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd. is the private equity and venture capital division of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, focusing on growth capital and buyout investments. Established in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, with an additional office in Osaka, the firm invests across various sectors, including information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing. By leveraging its parent company's extensive financial services background, SMBC Venture Capital aims to support the development of innovative companies and foster growth within diverse industries.

Akihiko Fujieda

Executive Officer

Daiji Furuta

Managing Director

Makoto Nakamura

Executive Officer

Akira Ochiai

CEO

Hiroya Ota

Director

Ishibashi Tatsushi

President and CEO

Masahiro Yamaguchi

Executive MD

Past deals in Tokyo

Clear

Venture Round in 2021
Clear Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates in the sake brewing industry. The company offers a unique subscription service called "SAKELIFE," which allows customers to explore a variety of sake selections delivered directly to their homes. This business model not only promotes the appreciation of sake but also provides consumers with convenient access to different types of this traditional Japanese beverage.

Rehab

Series C in 2021
Rehab for Japan Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for nursing care facilities. Established in 2016, the company focuses on developing a unique rehabilitation platform specifically designed for day service operations. Through its cloud support services, Rehab for Japan aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation processes in nursing care establishments, addressing the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions in the region.

beBit, Inc.

Venture Round in 2020
beBit, Inc. provides information technology consulting services. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Zehitomo

Series B in 2020
Zehitomo is a Japanese online platform established in 2015 and based in Tokyo, designed to connect users with local service professionals across various fields, including photography and personal training. The platform facilitates a matching process that allows clients to easily find and hire specialized experts for their needs. By providing this service, Zehitomo not only helps individuals access the expertise they require but also supports local professionals in expanding their businesses and increasing profitability through enhanced visibility and volume of clients.

Theoria

Seed Round in 2020
Theoria, Inc. operates finance consulting question and answer site Okane answer. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Rehab

Venture Round in 2020
Rehab for Japan Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for nursing care facilities. Established in 2016, the company focuses on developing a unique rehabilitation platform specifically designed for day service operations. Through its cloud support services, Rehab for Japan aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation processes in nursing care establishments, addressing the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions in the region.

Clear

Venture Round in 2020
Clear Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates in the sake brewing industry. The company offers a unique subscription service called "SAKELIFE," which allows customers to explore a variety of sake selections delivered directly to their homes. This business model not only promotes the appreciation of sake but also provides consumers with convenient access to different types of this traditional Japanese beverage.

Sumutasu

Series A in 2019
Sumutasu, Inc. develops and sells residential properties in Japan. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Sumutasu

Seed Round in 2018
Sumutasu, Inc. develops and sells residential properties in Japan. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

JTOWER

Venture Round in 2018
JTOWER Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in infrastructure sharing services in Japan. Founded in June 2012, the firm focuses on designing and constructing information communication infrastructure, developing communications-related solutions, and providing various information communications services. JTOWER offers a range of products, including in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi services, and outdoor tower sharing. The company's services cater to landlords, mobile network operators, and local 5G needs, along with site locator systems. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a crucial role in enhancing communication infrastructure across the region.

KIYO Learning

Venture Round in 2018
KIYO Learning Co.,Ltd. engages in planning, production, sale, and operation of educational content and services for business people in Japan. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Zehitomo

Series A in 2018
Zehitomo is a Japanese online platform established in 2015 and based in Tokyo, designed to connect users with local service professionals across various fields, including photography and personal training. The platform facilitates a matching process that allows clients to easily find and hire specialized experts for their needs. By providing this service, Zehitomo not only helps individuals access the expertise they require but also supports local professionals in expanding their businesses and increasing profitability through enhanced visibility and volume of clients.

JTOWER

Venture Round in 2018
JTOWER Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in infrastructure sharing services in Japan. Founded in June 2012, the firm focuses on designing and constructing information communication infrastructure, developing communications-related solutions, and providing various information communications services. JTOWER offers a range of products, including in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi services, and outdoor tower sharing. The company's services cater to landlords, mobile network operators, and local 5G needs, along with site locator systems. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a crucial role in enhancing communication infrastructure across the region.

EXest

Seed Round in 2018
EXest is a Tokyo-based startup focused on promoting inbound travel to Japan. The company operates the WOW U platform, which connects international visitors with licensed interpreters and tour guides, facilitating a more enriching travel experience. In addition, EXest offers WOWU-media, a service that shares video clips on social media to showcase must-visit attractions and popular local souvenirs, enhancing potential tourists' awareness of Japan. By revitalizing local regions through increased tourism, EXest not only links foreign travelers with knowledgeable local guides but also provides media management services and educational resources for those guides, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the unique offerings of Japan.

FOLIO

Venture Round in 2018
FOLIO Co.,Ltd. develops web based asset management platform. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Timers

Venture Round in 2017
Timers Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, develops a variety of mobile applications aimed at enhancing social connections. The company operates 'Pairy', a social networking service designed specifically for couples, facilitating communication and relationship management. Additionally, Timers offers applications focused on matchmaking for singles, broadening its appeal in the dating landscape. Another aspect of their portfolio includes a family-oriented application that allows users to create and share photos and albums, particularly for child-rearing families. This platform enables families to compile monthly calendars and share memories with friends and relatives, fostering deeper familial connections.

Nightley

Series A in 2017
Nightley is a Japanese startup developing geo-analytics solutions designed to make client's business smart and enrich people's lives by big data and location analysis. Its geo-analytics engine acilitates communication between shop operators and customers along with data collection and analysis specializing in location information, enabling businesses to receive behavioral trends and preferences of visiting foreign tourists. The company was established in 2011, based in Tokyo, Japan.

47 Holdings

Venture Round in 2016
47 Holdings provides office planning and internet services. It was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo. 47 Holdings has a total of 58 employees as of October 2018.

JTOWER

Venture Round in 2014
JTOWER Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in infrastructure sharing services in Japan. Founded in June 2012, the firm focuses on designing and constructing information communication infrastructure, developing communications-related solutions, and providing various information communications services. JTOWER offers a range of products, including in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi services, and outdoor tower sharing. The company's services cater to landlords, mobile network operators, and local 5G needs, along with site locator systems. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a crucial role in enhancing communication infrastructure across the region.

Best1Cruise

Venture Round in 2014
Best1Cruise offers overseas cruises, domestic cruises, cruises only, and tours with air tickets or passengers. It began operation on September 5, 2005, with its headquarters in Tokyo in Japan.

Monstar Lab

Venture Round in 2014
Monstar Lab, Inc. is a software development firm headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, specializing in creating software solutions for consumers. Founded in 2006, the company offers a range of services including project planning, market analysis, design, mobile application and web service development, website design, business applications, mobile games, and legacy migration. Additionally, Monstar Lab provides technology for wearable applications, web marketing, and product localization. With more than 1,200 engineers and creators, the firm operates in 26 cities across 15 countries, including Japan, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Thailand. Monstar Lab emphasizes access to top talent and specialists worldwide, leveraging its diverse expertise to deliver effective solutions and empower innovators globally.

Oh My Glasses TOKYO

Series B in 2014
Oh My Glasses TOKYO is a lifestyle brand that offer high quality made in Japan eyewear at an affordable price.Oh My Glasses has been providing an eyeglass e-commerce service that offers five sets of eyeglasses at a time upon order, and buy one if you can find any favorite among them. So customers can try them on before buying.

Cake.jp

Venture Round in 2013
Cake.jp Co., Ltd. owns and operates online cake delivery portal. The company delivers cake for individual birthdays, anniversary celebrations, corporate events, parties, and welfare. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

ipoca

Venture Round in 2013
Ipoca is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in creating digital solutions for the retail and distribution sectors. Established in 2007, it has developed an information marketing platform that enhances the shopping experience by allowing users to access and store information about specific stores. The platform leverages smartphone-based behavioral data, including location, online search results, and purchase history, to help retailers attract new customers and improve customer retention. By promoting the unique appeal of local businesses, Ipoca aims to contribute to the revitalization of both local and national economies in Japan.

Best Teacher

Venture Round in 2013
Best Teacher, Inc. provides english conversation lesson service on the Web. It offers a stage for Japanese students to create their unique online text books with the help of teachers; and students can improve their pronunciation using voice recorders online. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Oh My Glasses TOKYO

Series A in 2012
Oh My Glasses TOKYO is a lifestyle brand that offer high quality made in Japan eyewear at an affordable price.Oh My Glasses has been providing an eyeglass e-commerce service that offers five sets of eyeglasses at a time upon order, and buy one if you can find any favorite among them. So customers can try them on before buying.

Net-Marketing Corporation

Venture Round in 2008
Net-Marketing Corporation operates as an advertisement agent in Japan. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

InterTrade

Venture Round in 2000
InterTrade offers securities dealing, foreign exchange margin trading, and exchange trading systems; and integrated management control platform, virtual engineering, and system integration/system engineering services. It also plans and sells health food and cosmetic products; and produces functional mushroom.

Japan Communications Inc.

Venture Round in 2000
Japan Communications Inc., a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), provides mobile services in Japan. It develops and sells network security solutions and unauthorized access prevention technologies; and researches and develops technologies for MVNO and MVNE. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.