SMBC Venture Capital

Ababa is a recruitment solutions provider that specializes in connecting job seekers with employment opportunities through a unique platform. The company focuses on facilitating the job search process by allowing companies to recommend graduate students who may not have been hired due to cultural fit or personnel reductions during final interviews. By enabling companies to share candidates and hire students recommended by other organizations, Ababa helps create a pathway for graduates to secure positions across various firms, ultimately enhancing their career prospects. This innovative approach benefits both employers and job seekers, streamlining the recruitment process while broadening opportunities for new graduates.

Shinmirai Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2016, specializes in wood processing and distribution services. The company operates sawmills, timber shops, and processing plants to transform traditional timber inventory management into digital, information-based systems. Shinmirai's core business involves converting the inventories of forestry workers, sawmills, and lumber shops into valuable data, enabling efficient timber distribution and access to matching platforms for businesses and designers. The company aims to promote sustainable forestry practices by facilitating transparent and effective timber distribution services.

Kamereo is a B2B distributor specializing in food supply solutions for the F&B industry. It leverages technology to optimize purchasing processes, offering a diverse range of products at competitive prices through its platform.

NEL is a creative agency and platform that connects brands with consumers through purchases and social media posts. It operates by enabling creator-powered marketing, supporting growth and monetization for brands and creators. The company focuses on marketing planning and distribution, leveraging a network of creators on a short-film platform centered on social media to expand the value-added economy.

Pathos Logos is an HR co-creation platform that focuses on sales of SaaS products and supply of human resources, aiming to enhance corporate efficiency.

Arches is a platform facilitating connections between global clients and Asian market experts. It accelerates client growth by providing expert matching services, industry insights, and market entry support through knowledge sharing.

Enechain is a solar energy solution company that specializes in creating an energy marketplace platform for trading energy products. The firm provides a price discovery function that helps visualize fair market prices, allowing users to understand the value of various energy offerings. In addition, Enechain's distribution function facilitates the conclusion of transactions and the distribution of products based on these fair prices, enabling efficient buying and selling within the energy sector. Through its innovative approach, Enechain aims to enhance the trading experience for users in the renewable energy market.

Pick You is an internet company that offers a marketplace to facilitate item purchase directly from popular Instagram users.

Ababa is a recruitment solutions provider that specializes in connecting job seekers with employment opportunities through a unique platform. The company focuses on facilitating the job search process by allowing companies to recommend graduate students who may not have been hired due to cultural fit or personnel reductions during final interviews. By enabling companies to share candidates and hire students recommended by other organizations, Ababa helps create a pathway for graduates to secure positions across various firms, ultimately enhancing their career prospects. This innovative approach benefits both employers and job seekers, streamlining the recruitment process while broadening opportunities for new graduates.

X Mile is an HR platform that connects logistics companies with drivers, aiming to address industry challenges like labor shortages and low productivity.

M&A Bazaar operates a unique Japanese M&A platform designed to facilitate connections between businesses seeking acquisitions or mergers. Its platform is free for both buyers and sellers, eliminating traditional fees and barriers.

Agri Smile operates an online platform that provides video distribution to professional farmers and supports the verification and sale of agricultural materials. It offers an agricultural succession training system, demonstration tests, and consulting services to help farmers access educational content and resources. The company uses data-driven technology to accumulate and apply agricultural knowledge, promoting sustainable farming and cultivation practices in harmony with environmental and regional needs. Founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan.

SmartRyde is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in airport transfer services. It operates a reservation platform that connects travelers with a wide variety of transportation options from over 650 operators worldwide. SmartRyde’s platform is designed to facilitate safe and seamless airport transfers, allowing users to pre-book their rides from a diverse selection of car models. The company also collaborates with more than 25 online travel agencies, including major players like Booking.com and Expedia, to enhance its service offerings. By focusing on customer support and ease of use, SmartRyde aims to make travel more comfortable and efficient for its users.

NEL is a creative agency and platform that connects brands with consumers through purchases and social media posts. It operates by enabling creator-powered marketing, supporting growth and monetization for brands and creators. The company focuses on marketing planning and distribution, leveraging a network of creators on a short-film platform centered on social media to expand the value-added economy.

XMart, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2018. It has developed an online platform designed to enhance the efficiency of the food service industry by connecting restaurants with wholesalers. By allowing restaurants to register their delivery slips on the platform, XMart facilitates a streamlined ordering process that includes proposed quotations. The platform aims to reduce operational costs for restaurants while promoting digital transformation within the industry. Additionally, it offers features that assist with sales promotion and settlement issues, addressing inefficiencies and information gaps in the food service sector.

Paytner is a company focused on providing financial support services specifically tailored for freelancers in Japan. As the freelance workforce continues to grow, the company addresses various challenges faced by this demographic, including funding issues and workplace harassment. Paytner has developed an online invoicing platform that allows freelancers to sell their invoices to business partners for immediate payment, typically within an hour. By facilitating the purchase of invoice information before deposits are made, Paytner enables clients to access funds quickly while managing their payment cycles more effectively. This innovative approach aims to enhance the financial stability of freelancers and improve the overall working environment in the evolving landscape of freelance employment.

CoCooking Co.Ltd is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that operates the online platform Tabete, aimed at reducing food wastage. The platform connects users with restaurants, take-out food stores, and bakeries that have excess food nearing expiration, allowing them to sell it at discounted prices rather than disposing of it. This approach helps both consumers and businesses reduce global food waste while promoting sustainability and creating a positive social impact. Additionally, CoCooking organizes events and workshops focused on food conservation and uses food and cooking as a means to foster creativity, diversity, and well-being within individuals and communities.

Ventus, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2017 that operates a fan engagement platform known as Whooop. This platform allows users to become members of sports teams through collaborations with professional athletes and teams. Ventus specializes in enabling the issuance and collection of electronic trading cards, which fans can purchase online. By integrating sports and entertainment content, the company creates a unique experience that fosters connections between fans and athletes, enhancing the overall enjoyment of sports engagement.

SmartRyde is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in airport transfer services. It operates a reservation platform that connects travelers with a wide variety of transportation options from over 650 operators worldwide. SmartRyde’s platform is designed to facilitate safe and seamless airport transfers, allowing users to pre-book their rides from a diverse selection of car models. The company also collaborates with more than 25 online travel agencies, including major players like Booking.com and Expedia, to enhance its service offerings. By focusing on customer support and ease of use, SmartRyde aims to make travel more comfortable and efficient for its users.

PeaceTecLab, established in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates a platform that facilitates the lending and borrowing of home appliances and daily necessities. It caters to both individual consumers and manufacturers, offering a range of products including home appliances, baby goods, and fitness equipment. Additionally, the company provides consulting services to various industries, such as entertainment, distribution, and advertising.

Catallaxy is a platform and services company that provides metal parts procurement, cloud business management, and consulting. It operates Mitsuri, a trading platform for web quotes of metal custom parts linked to suppliers, including processing for industrial machinery, factory automation equipment, and facility equipment, and it also runs Fabit, a platform for manufacturing media. The company coordinates with processing companies and partner factories to streamline procurement, production, and distribution of metal parts, enabling customers to receive materials and improve operational efficiency.

XMart, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2018. It has developed an online platform designed to enhance the efficiency of the food service industry by connecting restaurants with wholesalers. By allowing restaurants to register their delivery slips on the platform, XMart facilitates a streamlined ordering process that includes proposed quotations. The platform aims to reduce operational costs for restaurants while promoting digital transformation within the industry. Additionally, it offers features that assist with sales promotion and settlement issues, addressing inefficiencies and information gaps in the food service sector.

BluAge Corp. is a technology company based in Chuo-ku, Japan, specializing in the development of application software for rental property searches. Founded in 2018, the company offers a mobile application called Canary, which facilitates fast and easy searching for rental rooms. The software is accessible on both the Play Store and the App Store, catering to users looking for efficient solutions in the rental market.

M&A Cloud is a platform facilitating mergers and acquisitions for small and medium-sized venture companies. It enables businesses to publicly state their acquisition needs, attracting potential buyers and accelerating growth.

NOT A HOTEL Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2020, operates a unique membership service that allows users to seamlessly switch between using properties as personal residences or hotel accommodations via a user-friendly app. The company focuses on small luxury hotels and manages the operation and maintenance of these properties, ensuring availability for members three months in advance. Members can gift their unused dates to others and receive earnings through the platform, with key delivery and chat support available within the app.

Zehitomo is a Japanese online marketplace and matching platform that connects clients with local service professionals across categories such as photography and personal training. Founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, the company operates a fee-based platform that enables users to hire professionals and helps local service providers grow their businesses through high-volume bookings.

Catallaxy is a platform and services company that provides metal parts procurement, cloud business management, and consulting. It operates Mitsuri, a trading platform for web quotes of metal custom parts linked to suppliers, including processing for industrial machinery, factory automation equipment, and facility equipment, and it also runs Fabit, a platform for manufacturing media. The company coordinates with processing companies and partner factories to streamline procurement, production, and distribution of metal parts, enabling customers to receive materials and improve operational efficiency.

Nosh is a delivery food service platform that provides chef-crafted, healthy meals and beverages tailored to individual dietary requirements while enabling customers to adjust nutrition parameters such as sugar, sodium, and protein content to support balanced eating with convenient, handcrafted options.

Strobolight Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that operates LOVEGREEN, a comprehensive botanical life web platform. LOVEGREEN offers users daily information on a variety of topics related to gardening, including how to grow flowers and plants, understanding flower language, and managing home gardens. Additionally, the platform features information about gardening shops and related events. Strobolight also provides consistent support services, including production, construction, and maintenance, delivered by knowledgeable staff to assist users facing challenges in their gardening endeavors. The company has expanded its presence with additional offices in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

PATRA Japan operates a shopping platform that specializes in selling corporate brand products created by influencers, alongside its in-house brands. The platform not only streamlines the ordering process but also integrates product databases, logistics, and essential sales and marketing tools for effective brand management. Additionally, PATRA serves as a trend media outlet, particularly for women, delivering the latest fashion trends to an audience of over one million followers on Instagram. Through this dual role as a marketplace and a trend source, PATRA connects consumers with both innovative products and relevant fashion information.

NearMe Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in mobile application development for taxi ride-sharing services. The company's platform addresses social inefficiencies by facilitating real-time matching of individuals seeking to travel in the same direction, thereby enabling them to share taxi rides. NearMe's innovative approach aims to enhance the commuting experience, making it more comfortable and efficient for users. Through its technology-driven solution, the company seeks to contribute to a sustainable and enjoyable society by optimizing transportation options for its users.

Aperza is a digital platform provider for the manufacturing industry that operates news, catalogs, e-commerce, and marketing services. It runs online portals including an industrial portal, a catalog portal, an industrial e-commerce marketplace, and related media such as industry news and IoT updates, plus sales and marketing services and marketing cloud support. The company offers price search and information distribution with catalog downloads, connecting engineers with manufacturers through an online catalog platform and industrial products marketplace that enables purchases at competitive prices. Aperza aims to simplify information, transaction, and communication barriers in manufacturing and supports global market participation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Founded in 2016, Aperza is based in Yokohama, Japan.

Creema operates an online marketplace for handmade products, connecting creators and consumers to buy and sell directly online. It offers social commerce features, events, and related services, supporting a global community of makers. The platform covers a wide range of categories including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, baby items, fashion, furniture, art, and tableware. Creema also organizes exhibitions and events at permanent stores to showcase creators and manages initiatives such as the handmade in Japan festival and craft parties. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it was founded in 2009 and focuses on empowering creators through its marketplace and event programs.

Ukka is an ag-tech company that operates an online procurement and supply-chain platform for agricultural, fisheries, and processed-ingredient sectors. The platform connects producers and buyers, enabling the listing and purchase of food-processing raw materials and finished products, and provides a single line from raw-material sourcing to processing to streamline operations. Based in Tokyo and founded in 2017, Ukka aims to shorten supply chains, improve efficiency, and support farmers, fishery operators, and manufacturers in sourcing and coordinating materials and processing.

Sumutasu Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2018, operates an online platform that facilitates swift buying and selling of residential properties. The company employs artificial intelligence technology to streamline transactions, offering direct purchase and sale services for real estate assets. Sumutasu's mission is to empower individuals with the freedom to make ideal housing choices.

Kuraseru, Inc., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Kobe, Japan, specializes in developing software solutions for the healthcare sector, specifically aimed at assisting medical care workers. The company offers a facility matching service designed to connect patients with suitable nursing care facilities based on their individual needs. By utilizing information technology, Kuraseru's platform streamlines the process for medical social workers and care managers, allowing them to quickly find and reserve appropriate long-term care options for their clients. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of care management but also ensures that patients receive the necessary support tailored to their specific requirements.

naturacart is a natural and organic CtoC / BtoC marketplace that sells products selected by buyers around the world and products from overseas brand manufacturers that have not yet arrived in Japan. The lineup ranges from beauty and health care products to wine, food and sportswear. The company sells products mainly for women, and is characterized by the ability to purchase foreign-made products that are not yet available in Japan. We have high-quality products carefully selected by manufacturers, distributors, shops and buyers in about 50 countries around the world.

Cart Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2016 that specializes in the design and development of Naturacart, an online platform dedicated to the sale of natural and organic products. The platform offers a wide array of items, including wine, diapers, beauty care products, oils, spices, breads, dairy items, supplements, stationery, toiletries, and more. Cart provides consumers in Japan with access to wellness products sourced from around the globe, thereby enhancing the availability of natural and organic options in the market.

Sumutasu Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2018, operates an online platform that facilitates swift buying and selling of residential properties. The company employs artificial intelligence technology to streamline transactions, offering direct purchase and sale services for real estate assets. Sumutasu's mission is to empower individuals with the freedom to make ideal housing choices.

Requpo Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that has developed an innovative beauty salon reservation application, allowing users to book appointments at beauty salons without the need for extensive searching. Founded in 2015, Requpo's platform streamlines the booking process by facilitating direct requests to beauticians, eliminating the need for traditional communication methods such as phone calls, emails, or chats. This approach enables users to secure salon appointments quickly and efficiently, enhancing the overall customer experience in the beauty services sector.

Zehitomo is a Japanese online marketplace and matching platform that connects clients with local service professionals across categories such as photography and personal training. Founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, the company operates a fee-based platform that enables users to hire professionals and helps local service providers grow their businesses through high-volume bookings.

Local Works Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that operates a housing renovation and store interior construction price comparison platform. This platform serves as a construction rate comparison tool, allowing users to search for and evaluate various remodeling companies based on rates, quality, and reliability. By providing comprehensive information on construction costs and contractor dependability, Local Works enables clients to easily identify suitable and trustworthy contractors for their renovation projects.

PATRA Japan operates a shopping platform that specializes in selling corporate brand products created by influencers, alongside its in-house brands. The platform not only streamlines the ordering process but also integrates product databases, logistics, and essential sales and marketing tools for effective brand management. Additionally, PATRA serves as a trend media outlet, particularly for women, delivering the latest fashion trends to an audience of over one million followers on Instagram. Through this dual role as a marketplace and a trend source, PATRA connects consumers with both innovative products and relevant fashion information.

WEFABRIK Inc. is a company based in Osaka, Japan, that operates an online business-to-business marketplace specifically designed for the textile and fashion industry. Founded in 2015, WEFABRIK provides a platform that facilitates the sale of unused inventory and scrap materials, thereby connecting sellers and buyers to reduce waste in the fashion sector. By enabling fashion companies to share surplus inventory, WEFABRIK promotes sustainability and efficiency within the industry, allowing professionals from various fields to collaborate effectively.

Creema operates an online marketplace for handmade products, connecting creators and consumers to buy and sell directly online. It offers social commerce features, events, and related services, supporting a global community of makers. The platform covers a wide range of categories including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, baby items, fashion, furniture, art, and tableware. Creema also organizes exhibitions and events at permanent stores to showcase creators and manages initiatives such as the handmade in Japan festival and craft parties. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it was founded in 2009 and focuses on empowering creators through its marketplace and event programs.

RoomClip is an online platform that combines a mobile-based photo-sharing application with an e-commerce store focused on home decor. The application allows users to capture and share images of their living spaces, providing a source of inspiration and practical ideas for interior decoration. By featuring real-life examples contributed by users, RoomClip offers insights into various living styles and DIY projects, assisting users in optimizing their room arrangements. Additionally, the platform serves as a marketing tool for companies in the housing and lifestyle sectors, enabling them to engage directly with potential customers and gather valuable feedback on their products. Through its diverse offerings, RoomClip enhances the home decor shopping experience while fostering a community centered around interior design.

NestEgg Online, Inc. is a Chicago-based company established in 2017 that specializes in developing property management software tailored for rental property owners. The company offers a comprehensive platform designed to simplify the management of rental properties, enabling landlords to automate rent collection, streamline maintenance, and handle administrative tasks efficiently. NestEgg's application connects property owners with trusted maintenance professionals, providing access to discounted rates and ensuring timely upkeep services. Additionally, the platform offers tools for property maintenance coordination and tenant finding, ultimately enhancing cash flow certainty for independent landlords and real estate professionals.

Lisuto AI specializes in enhancing marketplace sellers' visibility through its Marketplace Optimization Platform. This platform employs AI-driven technologies for listing content optimization, competitive analysis, and advertising management across multiple marketplaces. Initially focusing on Japan's leading platforms like Rakuten and Yahoo Shopping, Lisuto AI aims to expand globally.

Laxus Technologies operates an online platform enabling users to borrow designer handbags on a subscription basis.

Agrimedia is a facilities provider that focuses on connecting urban residents with agricultural opportunities through farm renting and recruitment for producers. The company specializes in matching idle farmland in suburban areas with individuals looking to engage in farming activities. By offering accessible farm rentals, Agrimedia aims to revitalize underutilized farmland, addressing challenges such as the aging farmer population and the increasing amount of unused land. This approach allows city residents to easily own and operate farms, fostering a closer relationship between urban communities and agricultural practices.

Yoriso Co., Ltd., established in 2009 and previously known as Minrevi Co., Ltd., is a Tokyo-based company that operates a funeral planning platform. This platform connects bereaved families with funeral homes and other end-of-life service providers, offering online reviews and pricing information. It aims to empower individuals to arrange funerals according to their specific needs and preferences.

Creema operates an online marketplace for handmade products, connecting creators and consumers to buy and sell directly online. It offers social commerce features, events, and related services, supporting a global community of makers. The platform covers a wide range of categories including accessories, jewelry, toys, bags, stationery, pet goods, baby items, fashion, furniture, art, and tableware. Creema also organizes exhibitions and events at permanent stores to showcase creators and manages initiatives such as the handmade in Japan festival and craft parties. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, it was founded in 2009 and focuses on empowering creators through its marketplace and event programs.

Founded in 2014, SORABITO operates ALLSTOCKER, an online marketplace for trading used construction equipment and machinery. It facilitates the buying and selling of items such as excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, and other heavy machinery, promoting recycling and environmental conservation.

Founded in 2012, Coconala operates an online platform where users can buy and sell knowledge, skills, and experience from willing teachers. Services offered include fortune-telling, mental anguish relief, illustration, design, hobby consultation, and travel advice.

RoomClip is an online platform that combines a mobile-based photo-sharing application with an e-commerce store focused on home decor. The application allows users to capture and share images of their living spaces, providing a source of inspiration and practical ideas for interior decoration. By featuring real-life examples contributed by users, RoomClip offers insights into various living styles and DIY projects, assisting users in optimizing their room arrangements. Additionally, the platform serves as a marketing tool for companies in the housing and lifestyle sectors, enabling them to engage directly with potential customers and gather valuable feedback on their products. Through its diverse offerings, RoomClip enhances the home decor shopping experience while fostering a community centered around interior design.

Strobolight Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that operates LOVEGREEN, a comprehensive botanical life web platform. LOVEGREEN offers users daily information on a variety of topics related to gardening, including how to grow flowers and plants, understanding flower language, and managing home gardens. Additionally, the platform features information about gardening shops and related events. Strobolight also provides consistent support services, including production, construction, and maintenance, delivered by knowledgeable staff to assist users facing challenges in their gardening endeavors. The company has expanded its presence with additional offices in Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

Yoriso Co., Ltd., established in 2009 and previously known as Minrevi Co., Ltd., is a Tokyo-based company that operates a funeral planning platform. This platform connects bereaved families with funeral homes and other end-of-life service providers, offering online reviews and pricing information. It aims to empower individuals to arrange funerals according to their specific needs and preferences.

TypeBeeGroup is a planning, development and operation of "Cashback Rental", a rental information site where you can get festive money.

TypeBeeGroup is a planning, development and operation of "Cashback Rental", a rental information site where you can get festive money.

Mugenup is a Japanese creative content production company that provides 2D and 3D assets for games, illustration, video, and animation. The company operates a cloud-based crowdsourcing platform to handle design tasks such as card illustrations and 3D models for animation and games, and also offers an online management system marketed under the Save Point brand to manage content production workflows. Based in Tokyo, it serves clients in social gaming and animation, delivering illustration, 3D computer graphics, video production, and project management tools for animation projects.

Startup Class operates a platform that connects ambitious entrepreneurs with opportunities and provides recruitment support. It runs a job search site focused on startup roles and flexible work, enabling users to change jobs or join startups as core team members or as part-timers. The service includes initiatives aimed at career women and broader social impact by expanding access to startup employment and facilitating recruitment for early-stage ventures.