Whiz Partners

Whiz Partners Inc. is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in a diverse range of investments across various stages, including seed/startup, early, mid, and late venture, as well as growth capital and buyouts. The firm focuses on sectors such as life sciences and biotechnology, information technology, nanotechnology, and environmental industries. In life sciences, Whiz Partners invests in research and development, commercial products, and services related to regenerative medicine, new drugs, medical devices, and biochemistry. The information technology investments encompass various services and products, including business software, internet services, and semiconductors. Additionally, the firm is dedicated to supporting technologies and services that aim to reduce environmental impact. Whiz Partners targets investment opportunities primarily in Japan, Korea, the United States, Europe, and Israel. Established in 1991, the firm was previously known as CSK Venture Capital Co., Ltd.

Toshio Ando

CEO and President

Hiroshi Fujioto

Managing Director

Tomoyuki Fujisawa

President CEO, CIO and Member of the Board

Satoru Iino

President, CEO and Member of the Board

Kenichi Ishitomi

Management Director

Atsushi Matsumura

Vice President, COO

Mitsuru Seino

Managing Director

Mitsuru Seino

Managing Director

Hiroshi Takeda

Managing Director

Nobuhiro Todokoro

Managing Director

Seiichiro Wada

Managing Director

Seiichiro Wada

Managing Director

22 past transactions

Caresyntax

Venture Round in 2019
Caresyntax Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides a digital surgery platform to enhance surgical performance in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Founded in 1991, it leverages data from over 1,600 hospitals globally to deliver insights that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The platform integrates various data sources, including video, audio, clinical, and operational data, enabling real-time analysis and decision-making during surgeries. Caresyntax offers solutions such as qvident, a performance management software, and PRIME365, a comprehensive integration platform that consolidates surgical data and content. With a focus on automating workflows and reducing surgical variability, Caresyntax supports over 4,000 operating rooms and has facilitated millions of surgical procedures worldwide. The company’s HIPAA-compliant software can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or in a hybrid format, making it adaptable to diverse healthcare environments.

WHILL

Series C in 2018
WHILL is a California-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in designing and manufacturing personal mobility products suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The company seeks to enhance the user experience of mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters, by integrating advanced technology and innovative design. WHILL aims to change the perception of these devices and make transportation enjoyable and accessible for everyone. In addition to its mobility vehicles, WHILL offers mobility-as-a-service solutions, including autonomous transportation services and on-site fleet rentals. These services are particularly beneficial in public spaces like airports and hospitals, allowing users to navigate without a driver's license and promoting independence for wheelchair users.

CLARRO

Post in 2017
Claro manufactures and sells health products. The company's products include fragrant roasted malt tea, Japanese and Chinese ingredients, Black and Wormwood Bikan Enzyme. The company also offers online shopping services.

Inspec

Post in 2017
Inspec is a manufacturer specializing in visual inspection equipment, primarily focused on inspecting the appearance of semiconductors and various IT-related services. The company employs advanced technologies in visual inspection, image processing, mechatronics, and optical sensing, which are developed in-house. In addition to manufacturing inspection equipment, Inspec provides essential services such as regular maintenance, calibration, and operational support to ensure the optimal performance of their products. Through these offerings, Inspec addresses the growing demands for advanced inspection solutions in the technology sector.

Tocagen

Post in 2017
Tocagen Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, specializing in cancer-selective gene therapy. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on developing innovative treatments designed to activate the immune system against cancer. Its primary platform utilizes retroviral replicating vectors (RRVs) to deliver therapeutic genes directly into the DNA of cancer cells. Tocagen's lead product candidate, Toca 511 and Toca FC, is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for recurrent high-grade glioma, a type of brain cancer with limited treatment options. Additionally, the company is exploring the use of Toca 511 and Toca FC in a Phase Ib trial for intravenous treatment of advanced cancers. Tocagen is also working on other RRV-based candidates aimed at addressing validated immunotherapy targets. The company has established partnerships, including a licensing agreement with ApolloBio and a collaboration with NRG Oncology for clinical trials targeting patients with glioblastoma.

Immuno-Biological Laboratories Company

Post in 2016
Immuno-Biological Laboratories is engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and supply of immunological research reagents and customized services. The company specializes in developing materials for diagnostic products and focuses on innovative technologies for protein production using transgenic silkworm cocoons, enabling the creation of valuable proteins and antibodies. Additionally, Immuno-Biological Laboratories conducts research in clinical reagents specifically aimed at cancer research, producing inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and antibodies to aid in the fight against various cancers. Through its efforts, the company seeks to obtain regulatory approvals for in-vitro diagnostic products and therapeutic drugs.

ALBERT

Post in 2016
ALBERT Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing analytical data solutions in Japan. Founded in 2005, the company focuses on various services including marketing research, multivariate statistics, data mining, and analytical text and image analysis. ALBERT also engages in big data processing, solutions development, platform building, and engineering optimization modeling. Through its expertise in these areas, ALBERT aims to deliver data-driven insights and solutions to its clients.

FRONTEO

Post in 2016
FRONTEO, Inc. is a technology-driven company specializing in Asian-language eDiscovery solutions and services, primarily operating in Japan, the United States, Korea, and internationally. The company is structured into two main segments: LegalTech AI Business and AI Solution Business. FRONTEO provides comprehensive eDiscovery and forensic services, including data collection, processing, review, and document production, to clients involved in various legal matters such as cross-border litigation, internal investigations, and compliance with regulations. Its offerings include Lit i View, an online eDiscovery platform designed for Asian-language characters, and the Intelligence Cloud solution, which addresses the complexities of international investigations. Additionally, the company delivers electronic data forensic investigations and AI solutions across various sectors, including business intelligence and healthcare. FRONTEO serves a diverse clientele, including law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and professional advisors, under various brands. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company was formerly known as UBIC, Inc. before rebranding in July 2016.

MEDRx

Post in 2016
MedRx Co., Ltd., established in 2002 and based in Higashikagawa, Japan, is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of drugs using transdermal absorption systems. Its pipeline includes several products at varying stages of clinical trials, such as MRX-4TZT (Phase II), MRX-5LBT (Phase III), MRX-10XT (Phase I), and MRX-7MLL (Pre-clinical). MedRx also offers microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of vaccines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

SymBio Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2016
SymBio Pharmaceuticals Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2005. It specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs, primarily focusing on oncology and hematology. The company develops various anti-cancer agents, including Treakisym, an established treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, SymBio is advancing several formulations, such as SyB L-1701—a ready-to-dilute formulation—and SyB L-1702, a rapid infusion formulation. Rigosertib, an oral preparation under development, is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors. SymBio is also working on SyB L-1101 and SyB C-1101 for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as SyB V-1901, an antiviral drug aimed at treating infectious diseases, and has operations across Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

CRI Middleware

Post in 2015
CRI Middleware Co Ltd is a company that specializes in audio and video solutions, primarily for the gaming industry. It focuses on the research and development of advanced voice, video, and file systems, offering a range of middleware products and services tailored to various sectors, including gaming, automotive, embedded systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company is actively involved in sales and support of its products, ensuring comprehensive service for its clients. CRI Middleware operates primarily within Japan, where it continues to innovate and enhance its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its industry.

Medinet Company

Post in 2015
Medinet Company is a Japan-based organization specializing in regenerative medicine and cell therapy. It provides a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to medical institutions, research facilities, and biopharmaceutical companies, enabling them to conduct advanced cancer immuno-cell therapies. By offering essential services such as personnel training, facility design, operations management, and quality control, Medinet addresses the challenges faced by medical institutions in implementing complex therapies. The company focuses on making immuno-cell therapy more accessible by supplying the necessary technical expertise, specialized equipment, and management systems required for effective cell culturing. Through its integrated approach, Medinet aims to support the wider adoption of immuno-cell therapy in clinical practice, thus enhancing treatment options for patients.

NanoCarrier

Post in 2015
NanoCarrier Co., Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company based in Kashiwa, Japan, specializing in the research, development, production, and sale of pharmaceutical products utilizing micellar nanoparticle technology. Founded in 1996, the company focuses primarily on cancer treatments, boasting a diverse product pipeline that includes NC-6004, a Cisplatin micelle targeting various cancers such as pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer; VB-111, an Adeno 5 vector designed for rGBM and ovarian cancer; and NC-6300, which utilizes Epirubicin micelle for soft tissue sarcoma. Additional offerings include NC-4016, a Dach-platinum micelle for solid tumors, and NK105, a Paclitaxel micelle aimed at breast and gastric cancers. With a commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics, NanoCarrier continues to innovate in the pharmaceutical industry.

DIGITAL HEARTS HOLDINGS

Post in 2015
Hearts United Group specializes in offering a virtual reality sickness scoring service. This service aims to assess and quantify the levels of discomfort experienced by users during virtual reality experiences. By focusing on this specific aspect of VR technology, Hearts United Group contributes to the enhancement of user experience, ensuring that virtual environments are more comfortable and accessible for a wider audience. Through its innovative approach, the company addresses a significant challenge in the VR industry, catering to the growing demand for safer and more enjoyable virtual experiences.

Shoubunsha Publications

Post in 2014
Shoubunsha Publications is a publishing company engaged in planning, production, publishing, and sale of maps, magazines, and guidebooks, as well as geographical information systems. The company is also engaged in the publication of periodical touring, shopping and driving guides, and electronic mapping for car navigation systems, as well as engaged in the planning, production, and sale of digital database contents and the provision of database-related services. Some of the company’s publications include road atlases of Japan, which are marketed under the name Mapple, prefecture atlases under the name Newest, and sheet maps under the name of Area Map. It also publishes travel guide books under the name Acchi Kocchi, various travel information magazines and digital map database under the name SiMAP. Shoubunsha Publications also offers geographical information system products, CD-ROMs, and other electronic publications. Shobunsha Publications was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Nanodex

Venture Round in 2014
Nanodex is an R&D venture company that provides the synthesis and application of folate-modified cyclodextrins as artificial cancer antibodies. It is based in Tokyo, Japan.

CellSeed

Post in 2014
CellSeed Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the development of regenerative medicine products primarily for the Japanese and European markets. Founded in 2001, the company focuses on research, development, manufacture, and marketing of cell-sheet regenerative medicine products. These include epithelial cell sheets for corneal and esophageal regeneration, as well as regenerated cartilage sheets for treating knee osteoarthritis and cardiac patches for heart disease. In addition to its regenerative medicine offerings, CellSeed provides innovative cell cultureware solutions, such as UpCell and RepCell, designed for cell-sheet engineering and collection, respectively. The company also engages in contract development and manufacturing services, further expanding its capabilities in the biotechnology sector.

Advanced Media

Post in 2013
Advanced Media is a Japanese company based in Tokyo that specializes in developing voice recognition technology under the brand AmiVoice. The company operates in two main business areas: product and service. Its product business provides application licenses for AmiVoice, while the service business offers solutions for enterprise users and general consumers. Advanced Media's technology finds applications in various sectors, including call centers, healthcare, logistics, and language education. By enabling natural communication between people and machines, Advanced Media contributes to advancements in human-computer interaction across diverse industries.

Gene Techno Science

Post in 2013
Gene Techno Science is engaged in the research and development of biopharmaceutical products and biosimilars in Japan. The company develops drugs for the treatment of immunological, cardiovascular, ophthalmic, infectious, and renal diseases as well as oncology drugs. It also offers Filgrastim for the treatment of cancer. Gene Techno Science was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Sapporo, Japan.

SymBio Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2012
SymBio Pharmaceuticals Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2005. It specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs, primarily focusing on oncology and hematology. The company develops various anti-cancer agents, including Treakisym, an established treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, SymBio is advancing several formulations, such as SyB L-1701—a ready-to-dilute formulation—and SyB L-1702, a rapid infusion formulation. Rigosertib, an oral preparation under development, is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors. SymBio is also working on SyB L-1101 and SyB C-1101 for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as SyB V-1901, an antiviral drug aimed at treating infectious diseases, and has operations across Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

NanoCarrier

Post in 2012
NanoCarrier Co., Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company based in Kashiwa, Japan, specializing in the research, development, production, and sale of pharmaceutical products utilizing micellar nanoparticle technology. Founded in 1996, the company focuses primarily on cancer treatments, boasting a diverse product pipeline that includes NC-6004, a Cisplatin micelle targeting various cancers such as pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer; VB-111, an Adeno 5 vector designed for rGBM and ovarian cancer; and NC-6300, which utilizes Epirubicin micelle for soft tissue sarcoma. Additional offerings include NC-4016, a Dach-platinum micelle for solid tumors, and NK105, a Paclitaxel micelle aimed at breast and gastric cancers. With a commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics, NanoCarrier continues to innovate in the pharmaceutical industry.

SymBio Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2010
SymBio Pharmaceuticals Limited is a biopharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2005. It specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs, primarily focusing on oncology and hematology. The company develops various anti-cancer agents, including Treakisym, an established treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, SymBio is advancing several formulations, such as SyB L-1701—a ready-to-dilute formulation—and SyB L-1702, a rapid infusion formulation. Rigosertib, an oral preparation under development, is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors. SymBio is also working on SyB L-1101 and SyB C-1101 for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as SyB V-1901, an antiviral drug aimed at treating infectious diseases, and has operations across Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.
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