Samurai Incubate

Samurai Incubate, established in 2008, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, primarily in the information and communication technology, and software-as-a-service sectors. The company operates globally, with a focus on Africa, Israel, and Japan. Samurai Incubate provides comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, offering expertise in management, marketing, sales, and human resources. The firm's mission is to help startups develop their vision, strengthen their operations, and maximize revenue potential. Samurai Incubate is known for its commitment to a code of conduct inspired by the Japanese samurai spirit, emphasizing values such as righteousness, courage, honor, and challenge.

Kentaro Sakakibara

Founder and CEO

Rena Yoneyama

Managing Partner

Past deals in Nigeria

Releaf

Seed Round in 2023
Releaf is a Nigerian company founded in 2017 that operates as an online marketplace connecting agribusiness buyers and sellers. It focuses on sourcing ingredients for African food factories, including cassava, palm oil, ginger, and maize, among others. Releaf aims to create climate-adaptive supply chains in response to the continent's growing population. The firm provides extension services to smallholder farmers, acting as a buyer and streamlining the conversion of raw materials into factory-grade inputs for vegetable oil production. By leveraging digital technologies such as USSD and open banking, along with proprietary machinery, Releaf collaborates with over 2,000 smallholder farmers, facilitating the supply of high-quality palm kernel nuts to food factories. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency for food manufacturers but also supports the economic development of small agricultural startups.

Eden Life

Seed Round in 2021
Eden Life Inc., based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in tech-enabled housekeeping services for professionals. Through its online platform and mobile application, the company offers a range of services including laundry, meal preparation, house cleaning, equipment maintenance, and meal delivery. By aggregating vendors offering diverse services, Eden Life enables clients to efficiently manage their household chores.

Releaf

Seed Round in 2021
Releaf is a Nigerian company founded in 2017 that operates as an online marketplace connecting agribusiness buyers and sellers. It focuses on sourcing ingredients for African food factories, including cassava, palm oil, ginger, and maize, among others. Releaf aims to create climate-adaptive supply chains in response to the continent's growing population. The firm provides extension services to smallholder farmers, acting as a buyer and streamlining the conversion of raw materials into factory-grade inputs for vegetable oil production. By leveraging digital technologies such as USSD and open banking, along with proprietary machinery, Releaf collaborates with over 2,000 smallholder farmers, facilitating the supply of high-quality palm kernel nuts to food factories. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency for food manufacturers but also supports the economic development of small agricultural startups.

Medsaf

Seed Round in 2021
Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that facilitates the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, anaemia treatments, antiseptics, and vitamins. Medsaf aims to enhance the accessibility of affordable, quality medications through an integrated suite of technologies designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. Its services include online product distribution, quality control as a service, and a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners. Additionally, Medsaf features an embedded finance platform that provides buy-now-pay-later solutions for medication procurement, streamlining the financial aspects of the pharmaceutical supply process.

Medsaf

Seed Round in 2021
Medsaf is a pharmaceutical platform based in Lagos, Nigeria, that facilitates the delivery of medications to hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics. Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including antacids, antiviral drugs, anaemia treatments, antiseptics, and vitamins. Medsaf aims to enhance the accessibility of affordable, quality medications through an integrated suite of technologies designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. Its services include online product distribution, quality control as a service, and a marketplace that connects healthcare providers with vetted suppliers and logistics partners. Additionally, Medsaf features an embedded finance platform that provides buy-now-pay-later solutions for medication procurement, streamlining the financial aspects of the pharmaceutical supply process.

Shyft Power Solutions

Seed Round in 2021
SHYFT Power Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing an integrated hardware and software platform that allows users to monitor and manage distributed energy resources (DERs). The company's primary product, Shyft, is a hybrid smart meter and transfer switch that facilitates energy management through Internet of Things (IoT) technology, streamlining the transition between the grid and backup power sources. SHYFT's software application enhances this capability by enabling real-time monitoring and control from mobile devices. The company targets markets facing challenges with energy resiliency, such as Nigeria, by promoting decentralized power systems that bypass traditional infrastructure. Founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco, California, SHYFT Power Solutions aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs for various stakeholders, including real estate developers and solar providers.

Evolve Credit

Seed Round in 2020
Evolve Credit Limited operates a platform designed to enhance financial accessibility and transparency for consumers in Africa. Established in 2020 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, the company enables users to compare a variety of loan products, including personal loans and business loans, based on price, interest rates, and terms. Its platform also features expert reviews and personalized recommendations, helping users select the most suitable financial options for their needs. In addition to serving individuals, Evolve Credit provides solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, addressing a broad spectrum of lending requirements. The company's goal is to streamline the loan application process while promoting inclusivity in financial services.

Eden Life

Seed Round in 2020
Eden Life Inc., based in Lagos, Nigeria, specializes in tech-enabled housekeeping services for professionals. Through its online platform and mobile application, the company offers a range of services including laundry, meal preparation, house cleaning, equipment maintenance, and meal delivery. By aggregating vendors offering diverse services, Eden Life enables clients to efficiently manage their household chores.
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