MyDearest
Series C in 2023
MyDearest Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in the development and publication of virtual reality (VR) games and experiences. The company focuses on creating original VR content, particularly visual novels that are animated and adapted for VR technology. This approach allows players to engage with stories from a first-person perspective, enhancing their immersive experience. In addition to game development, MyDearest provides planning and production services for VR content, as well as consulting services in the VR space.
Ambr, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that focuses on developing virtual gaming applications. The company creates immersive virtual worlds accessible through virtual reality devices, allowing users to engage as avatars in various interactive spaces. Users can choose from a diverse range of avatars, including warriors, wizards, animals, and monsters, and can explore imaginative environments such as Skyland, cyberspace, and toontown. Ambr also features mini-games that facilitate social interaction among users, enhancing the communal experience within the virtual realm. Through its innovative approach, Ambr aims to redefine social communication and entertainment in a digitally created universe.
Vark is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that focuses on virtual reality technology and content creation. Established in 2017, it has developed a platform for virtual concert production, allowing users to engage in live performances within a Metaverse environment. This platform enables individuals to participate in events that occur at designated times, enhancing the experience of live entertainment through immersive virtual reality. By leveraging innovative technology, Vark aims to redefine how audiences access and enjoy events, providing a unique blend of entertainment and interactivity.
Zeals Co Ltd is a leading conversational commerce company based in Japan, specializing in chatbot services for businesses. The company serves over 400 large domestic and multinational enterprises, aiming to enhance the commerce experience and customer engagement. Zeals offers a fully automated solution called ZEALS Chatbot Commerce, which operates on messaging applications to interact with end customers in a manner akin to human sales representatives. By leveraging advanced technology, Zeals seeks to transform traditional commerce practices and improve overall customer interactions.
Ambr
Venture Round in 2021
Ambr, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2018 that focuses on developing virtual gaming applications. The company creates immersive virtual worlds accessible through virtual reality devices, allowing users to engage as avatars in various interactive spaces. Users can choose from a diverse range of avatars, including warriors, wizards, animals, and monsters, and can explore imaginative environments such as Skyland, cyberspace, and toontown. Ambr also features mini-games that facilitate social interaction among users, enhancing the communal experience within the virtual realm. Through its innovative approach, Ambr aims to redefine social communication and entertainment in a digitally created universe.
WAmazing
Debt Financing in 2020
WAmazing, founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a travel service company that caters to foreign tourists visiting the country. It offers free subscriber identification module (SIM) cards that allow travelers to register prior to their arrival, ensuring they can access essential services upon landing. Through its app, WAmazing provides users with free internet services of up to 500MB, addressing common barriers such as language difficulties and the requirement of a local phone number for accessing free Wi-Fi. In addition to SIM cards, the company's platform includes a multilingual tourist guide, tour guide applications, and information on reservations. WAmazing also collaborates with local governments and tourism associations, offering consulting services and inbound marketing solutions for domestic businesses, thereby facilitating a seamless experience for international visitors in Japan.
TBM Co., Ltd. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in the research, production, and sale of LIMEX, a limestone-based material serving as an alternative to paper and plastics. Founded in 2011, TBM offers a diverse range of products, including LIMEX sheets for menus, business cards, displays, maps, and bags, as well as LIMEX plastic alternatives for containers, posters, and stationary goods. The company distributes its innovative products globally, contributing to environmentally friendly solutions in various sectors. TBM also has additional offices in Kyoto, Japan, and San Francisco, California, and operates as a subsidiary of ZERO Co., Ltd.
FIREBUG
Venture Round in 2020
FIREBUG Inc., established in Tokyo, Japan in 2016, specializes in media content creation and marketing services. The company offers comprehensive solutions including marketing planning for mass and digital platforms, public relations support, TV commercial production, media buying, event planning, and smartphone video distribution. FIREBUG also facilitates talent development for comedians, actresses, models, artists, and creators by arranging production plans and creating IP and advertising items based on their social networking sites. Additionally, they provide basic marketing assistance and advertising services for businesses.
BitStar
Venture Round in 2020
BitStar Inc. is an entertech company based in Tokyo, Japan, focused on influencer marketing and support services for video and content creators. Founded in 2014 and formerly known as Bizcast Inc., the company offers a range of promotional services tailored to various industries, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, and consumer goods. BitStar's services encompass analytics through an in-house developed tool, event management for pop-up stores, merchandising, and specialized support such as VTuber and music production. Additionally, it operates an online fan club service called Costa, facilitating appearances in media outlets and overseas casting opportunities. By providing comprehensive support to content creators and media businesses, BitStar aims to enhance creativity and improve monetization strategies.
Sega XD
Corporate Round in 2020
SEGA XD CO., LTD. is a design firm based in Shinagawa, Japan, specializing in creating entertainment solutions through user interface design. Founded in 2016 and rebranded from Crossed Digital Co., Ltd. in August 2020, the company employs gamification techniques, originally developed within the entertainment sector, to enhance customer experiences. SEGA XD offers a variety of services, including marketing support, UI/UX design, web development, prototyping, extended reality (xR) content development, and digital transformation consultancy. Through its innovative approach, the firm aims to deliver engaging and effective digital solutions to its clients.
beBit
Venture Round in 2020
beBit, Inc. is a Tokyo-based consulting firm established in 2000 that specializes in information technology consulting services. The company focuses on customer experience management and user-centered design, assisting enterprises in identifying digital trends and analyzing shifts in user behavior. By developing feasible digital solutions and omnichannel strategies, beBit helps businesses capitalize on market opportunities and enhance their overall customer engagement.
Mobility Technologies
Corporate Round in 2020
Mobility Technologies provides vehicle allocation systems for taxi operators. The company offers various IT services that update the Japanese mobility industry. It also provides a “quick ride” experience by linking taxi vehicles with real-time location information and advanced dispatch logic. Mobility Technologies was established in 1977 and is based Tokyo, Japan.
Showcase Gig
Venture Round in 2020
Showcase Gig Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in omni-channel marketing services through its innovative mobile wallet solution, O:der. The company develops a mobile platform that focuses on the planning and development of digital services tailored for small-sized retailers. Its offerings include smartphone applications designed for next-generation IoT stores, alongside a customer relationship management suite that facilitates enhanced consumer engagement. By enabling retailers to accept credit card payments via a mobile wallet before product pickup, Showcase Gig enhances the shopping experience, allowing for a seamless integration of technology in retail environments.
SHOWROOM
Corporate Round in 2019
SHOWROOM Inc. is a Tokyo-based media company established in 2015, specializing in live video streaming services. The platform primarily caters to audiences interested in Japanese idols and voice actors, providing an interactive environment for watching live shows. In addition to facilitating live streaming, SHOWROOM also engages in program production and offers various video content services. As a subsidiary of DeNA Co., Ltd., SHOWROOM continues to enhance its offerings within the entertainment sector, focusing on connecting fans with their favorite performers through innovative digital experiences.
SmartNews
Series E in 2019
SmartNews is a news platform that leverages machine learning algorithms to discover and deliver trending news stories across various categories, including business, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, sports, and world news. The platform evaluates tens of millions of articles and social signals to present users with the most relevant and important stories, helping them find quality information beyond traditional filter bubbles. With over 35 million downloads and more than 10 million monthly active users, SmartNews has received numerous accolades, including several "App of the Year" awards. The company has a global presence with offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York, fostering an international culture that emphasizes collaboration and innovation in the quest to provide quality news to users worldwide.
KAKEHASHI
Series B in 2019
KAKEHASHI Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2016 that specializes in developing software as a service (SaaS) applications tailored for health insurance claim and drug history management, specifically designed for dispensing pharmacists using iPads. The company's mission is to bridge the gap between medical treatment and patients, aiming to enhance the healthcare landscape in Japan, which is known for its advanced medical technology and systems. As Japan faces a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating that by 2060, a significant portion of the population will be over 65, KAKEHASHI is committed to innovating healthcare solutions that support and improve the quality of life for this demographic, thereby contributing to the future of medical care in the country.
IBank Marketing
Venture Round in 2019
iBank Marketing Co., Ltd. is a financial technology company based in Fukuoka, Japan, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing personal finance management applications, notably its flagship product, Wallet+. This application enables users to monitor their bank account balances, track deposits and withdrawals, and manage their expenditures effectively. Wallet+ is designed to assist banks in providing their clients with tools for setting and achieving short-term financial goals. In addition to its core functionalities, the platform offers features such as coupons, cashback points, and information content to enhance the user experience and promote better financial habits. Through its innovative approach, iBank Marketing aims to empower individuals with the resources needed to take control of their personal finances.
VISITS Technologies
Venture Round in 2019
VISITS Technologies Inc. is an internet-based company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2014. The company specializes in designing and developing a career formation platform that connects students and alumni. VISITS Technologies has developed a patented consensus-building algorithm known as ideagram, which uniquely quantifies creativity, discerning ability, and the inherent value of ideas. This innovative technology allows for the measurement of intangible assets such as skills, senses, and personal connections. By integrating blockchain technology, VISITS Technologies facilitates the transfer of value, enhancing the capabilities of its platform and providing users with a comprehensive tool for career development and networking.
Sega XD
Corporate Round in 2019
SEGA XD CO., LTD. is a design firm based in Shinagawa, Japan, specializing in creating entertainment solutions through user interface design. Founded in 2016 and rebranded from Crossed Digital Co., Ltd. in August 2020, the company employs gamification techniques, originally developed within the entertainment sector, to enhance customer experiences. SEGA XD offers a variety of services, including marketing support, UI/UX design, web development, prototyping, extended reality (xR) content development, and digital transformation consultancy. Through its innovative approach, the firm aims to deliver engaging and effective digital solutions to its clients.
Pixie Dust Technologies
Series B in 2019
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. It specializes in the development of advanced computational technologies, particularly in phased array and digital fabrication. The company’s notable product is its ultrasonic phased array system, which enables the generation of force in mid-air, allowing for unique applications such as transporting objects without physical contact, delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd, and directing guide dogs. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates innovative devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care device utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. Other products include Vuevo, a service that visualizes conversations among multiple participants, and kikippa, a device designed for gamma wave sound therapy. Through its diverse offerings, the company aims to integrate technology seamlessly into everyday life, enhancing communication and interaction.
New standard
Venture Round in 2019
New Standard Inc., originally known as TABI LABO Inc., is a Tokyo-based company established in 2014 that specializes in advertising services. The company focuses on branding and marketing activities, utilizing various media forms such as video production and virtual reality content, alongside organizing events. New Standard operates three distinct STUDIO businesses aimed at engaging millennials and addressing business challenges for companies and brands. With a strong emphasis on creating smartphone-specific content, the company aims to connect with a highly information-sensitive audience by blending real and digital experiences. Through its comprehensive promotional strategies, New Standard strives to deliver innovative ideas and solutions that resonate with modern lifestyles.
AtCoder
Corporate Round in 2019
AtCoder is a programming contest management service based in Tokyo, Japan, established on June 20, 2012. The company specializes in developing and administering competitive programming contests, which serve as a platform for showcasing and evaluating the skills of software engineers. By offering online coding challenges in various formats, AtCoder enables participants to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and algorithm design skills. This approach not only assists programmers in enhancing their technical competencies but also supports them in job-hunting and career transitions through contest evaluations that attract potential employers seeking skilled IT talent.
Audioburst
Corporate Round in 2019
Audioburst Ltd. is an audio content search and discovery platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide real-time access to a vast library of audio content, including radio, television, and podcasts. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Tokyo, Japan, Audioburst tailors audio content to users based on their preferences and listening habits. The company offers a suite of tools through the Audioburst Creators platform, enabling podcasters and radio show producers to transcribe, edit, amplify, and monetize their audio content. Additionally, Audioburst Studio allows for the seamless integration of curated audio playlists into existing applications or websites, while Audioburst Auto caters specifically to drivers by providing customized playlists and hands-free voice search functionality. Through these services, Audioburst aims to enhance the listening experience across various devices.
Startbahn
Series A in 2019
Startbahn, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that operates as a platform for artists in the digital age. It focuses on providing technology and infrastructure to support the art community globally. The company has developed Startbahn Cert., a service that issues blockchain certificates for artworks, and is working on Startrail, a blockchain infrastructure that underpins this certification system. Startbahn's offerings include a certificate management system that allows users to access registration information via smartphone and a marketplace for buyers to discover artworks. Additionally, the company engages in various activities such as artwork production, art direction, consulting, and design services, contributing to the broader art ecosystem.
Mikawaya21
Corporate Round in 2018
Mikawaya21, established in 2012 and headquartered in Tokyo, specializes in elderly care services and IoT devices. The company aims to create a society where seniors can live with peace of mind, particularly in Japan's aging and declining birthrate context. Mikawaya21 offers a range of services, including the MAGO button, an IoT device for the elderly, and a drone-based food delivery system for remote areas. Their core service, "Magokoro Support," addresses minor daily challenges faced by seniors, with local providers resolving over 10,000 requests monthly. Mikawaya21 also provides IoT products and services, such as an easy-to-use IoT watch for seniors.
AbemaTV
Venture Round in 2018
AbemaTV is a video distribution company based in Tokyo, Japan, that provides a diverse range of original live broadcast content across 20 channels. Its offerings include various programs such as news, music, sports, and drama, allowing users to experience television on multiple devices, including smartphones and PCs. The platform is continuously enhancing its compatibility with new television devices, such as Google Cast, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV, to expand its accessibility. Founded in April, AbemaTV aims to deliver a comprehensive viewing experience to its audience through a user-friendly interface and a wide array of programming options.
Bellrockmedia Japan
Venture Round in 2018
Bellrockmedia Japan is a Tokyo-based company that has been providing content creation services since its establishment in March 2005. The firm focuses on delivering tailored content solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients in Japan. Through its expertise in content development, Bellrockmedia Japan aims to support businesses in effectively conveying their messages and enhancing their brand presence in the competitive market.
Tsukuruba
Venture Round in 2018
Tsukuruba Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in technology-driven property-related services. Founded in 2011 by Morakami Hiroki and Makihiro Nakamura, it operates an online brokerage platform called cowcamo, which focuses on the sale and resale of used and renovated properties. In addition to its real estate services, Tsukuruba offers Shared Workplace solutions, which encompass office search, design, and relocation consulting. The company also provides HEYSHA, a service offering office spaces tailored for startups, and co-ba, a subscription-based co-working office model. Furthermore, Tsukuruba fosters a creative community through its Creative Team, which includes engineers, designers, and architects, and operates tsukuruba studios, a space dedicated to innovative design experimentation.
TownWiFi
Venture Round in 2018
TownWiFi Inc. is a Japanese technology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, with additional offices in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. It specializes in developing mobile software that automates WiFi connectivity for users. The TownWiFi app enables users to seamlessly connect to nearby WiFi networks without the need for manual registration or authentication, streamlining the process of accessing the internet in various locations around the world. Through its innovative solution, TownWiFi enhances user convenience by eliminating the hassles typically associated with connecting to public WiFi networks.
Unerry
Corporate Round in 2018
Unerry, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in marketing services rooted in data analysis. The firm operates a big data platform that focuses on people flow data, providing insights and advertising solutions primarily for the retail, manufacturing, and local government sectors. Unerry aims to create an Internet of Things (IoT) platform capable of identifying and addressing individuals' unrecognized habits and interests. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to facilitate an environmentally intelligent urban experience, enabling users to encounter new and engaging events that they may not consciously seek out.
Data Artist
Acquisition in 2018
Data Artist Inc., established in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in AI-driven marketing consulting services. The company addresses marketing challenges across both digital and traditional platforms while also engaging with social issues in sectors such as politics, healthcare, finance, and urban development. Data Artist offers data-driven marketing solutions and consulting software that facilitate effective communication strategies and integrated marketing design. By leveraging big data and artificial intelligence, the company delivers essential problem-solving capabilities and supports clients in achieving sustainable business transformation and growth.
Kaizen Platform
Series C in 2017
Kaizen Platform, Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides a comprehensive online platform for brands, agencies, and freelancers to enhance digital customer experiences. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Tokyo, the company offers a suite of solutions, including Kaizen, an enterprise marketing platform that integrates multichannel collaboration software with a network of designers and copywriters. This allows users to create, test, and optimize marketing content across various digital channels. Key offerings include KAIZEN Sales for enhancing remote sales, UX solutions for improving user interfaces, and KAIZEN Ad for scalable video ad production. Kaizen also supports digital transformation through training courses and enables users to personalize content, automate conversions, and access analytics for performance improvement. The company serves diverse sectors such as retail, finance, travel, and healthcare, positioning itself as a valuable resource for optimizing marketing efforts without the need for extensive internal resources.
Mitsufuji
Venture Round in 2017
Mitsufuji Corporation, established in 1956 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, specializes in the manufacture of silver-plated yarns that offer unique properties such as electric field, electrostatic discharge, antibacterial effects, and thermal regulation. These yarns can be integrated into both knitted and woven fabrics, highlighting the company's innovation in material technology. In addition to its core textile business, Mitsufuji is venturing into the development of consumer wearable devices. These devices utilize biometric information management to monitor users' physical conditions and emotions by analyzing heartbeat data. Through this technology, Mitsufuji aims to address various social challenges, including stress management and health risks associated with modern lifestyles, while enhancing human potential and improving overall well-being.
Star Festival
Venture Round in 2017
Star Festival Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates Gochikuru, an e-commerce platform focused on meal delivery services. Founded in 2009, the company assists restaurants in entering the ready-made meal and delivery market by managing all aspects of product development, sales channels, sales promotion, order acceptance, payment processing, and delivery logistics. Star Festival also leverages its manufacturing and distribution networks to provide comprehensive services for food service operations, including lunchbox delivery and catering, tailored for both private and business events. Through its platform, users can easily find and order meals that meet their specific needs.
Treasure Data
Series C in 2016
Treasure Data, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing managed cloud services designed for big data collection, storage, and analysis. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, with additional locations in Tokyo, Japan, Treasure Data's platform enables businesses to gather and analyze data from diverse sources, including web, application, mobile, and sensor data. The company's offerings include tools for data pipeline monitoring, anomaly detection, and end-to-end encryption, aimed at enhancing data management and driving insights. Serving clients across various industries such as digital gaming, advertising technology, media, mobile, retail, and telecommunications in Asia, North America, and Europe, Treasure Data empowers organizations to utilize data as a strategic asset, facilitating a deeper understanding of customer behavior and enabling data-driven decision-making. As of 2018, it operates as a subsidiary of ARM Holdings plc.
Intimate Merger
Venture Round in 2016
Intimate Merger, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in developing and selling data management platforms tailored for marketing organizations. As a subsidiary of FreakOut Holdings, Intimate Merger offers its flagship product, the IM-DMP, which addresses data consumption challenges efficiently. The company supports businesses in their digital transformation efforts by providing comprehensive solutions, including the construction of IM-DMPs and data utilization consulting services. With access to approximately 470 million audience data points and advanced analytical technologies, Intimate Merger aims to empower advertising agencies, media companies, and other partners to optimize their data management and utilization strategies.
Xica Co., Ltd., founded in February 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in applied data science and information technology systems. The company is recognized for its development of MAGELLAN, a widely used Marketing Mix Modeling tool that supports over 200 prominent brands in Japan. Xica offers consulting services that automate, visualize, and optimize marketing effectiveness, addressing both offline and online advertising for clients with varying degrees of analytical expertise. Its integrated analysis tool quantifies the impact of advertising efforts, allowing clients to understand the contributions of various promotional measures, including TV commercials and other offline advertisements, to their overall marketing results.
S-cubism
Venture Round in 2014
S-cubism Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2006 that specializes in Internet of Things (IoT) integration, as well as various package and appliance businesses. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services for omnichannel and OMO system development, focusing on the management of customer interactions, cash transactions, and inventory. S-cubism develops retail and distribution systems aimed at enhancing business value in the digital age, enabling enterprises to optimize operation designs, conduct data analysis, and manage content media operations. Through its innovative solutions, S-cubism aims to improve service performance and create seamless shopping experiences for customers.
Eltes
Venture Round in 2014
Eltes Co Ltd is a company based in Japan that specializes in big data analysis with a focus on risk detection. It offers consultation services that leverage digital risk technology to protect large databases and storage systems. Eltes provides internal fraud detection services aimed at preventing information security breaches caused by internal factors, as well as solutions for detecting and diagnosing security breaches stemming from external threats. Through its innovative approach to risk management, Eltes addresses critical security challenges for organizations by ensuring the integrity and safety of their data.
Raksul Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing comprehensive printing services in Japan. Founded in 2009, Raksul offers a wide range of printed products, including flyers, business cards, pamphlets, posters, New Year’s cards, and various promotional materials. The company operates as a B2B platform, facilitating a streamlined connection between small and medium-sized enterprises and existing players in the printing, logistics, and advertising industries. By leveraging a sharing economy model, Raksul enables customers to access excess capacities from these industries at competitive prices, thereby simplifying traditional value chains and promoting efficiency.
Cyber Communications
Acquisition in 2009
Cyber Communications is the largest Media Rep in Japan, and the digital media wing of the Dentsu Group.
Brightcove K.K.
Series A in 2008
Brightcove K.K. is the Japanese subsidiary of Brightcove. It was set up to create a Web video streaming and distribution services for Japanese customers.
OPT
Corporate Round in 2006
OPT, a Japanese company, specializes in e-marketing services. It supports clients' internet marketing efforts, aiming to maximize their return on investment (ROI) and solve their marketing challenges. OPT operates in four business fields: creating ads, providing technology solutions, developing marketing strategies, and producing content. The company's approach is centered on "market in" rather than "product out", using objective data to improve clients' marketing efforts. Additionally, OPT Ventures, an investment subsidiary, offers venture capital, IPO advice, and management information services to startups.