Global Brain

Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.

Kaori Akiba

Principal, Corporate Management Group

Tatsunori Arai

Director, Investment Group

Megumi Asatsuma

Corporate Management Group, Director

Anjani Bansal

Partner, India Office Representative

Brooke Beers

Partner

Takuji Chida

Director, Investment Groups

Hogil Doh

General Partner, Investment Group

Thomas Duong

Principal

Brian Flucht

Partner and Head, US Division

Daisuke Furukawa

Venture Partner

Hajime Furuya

Venture Partner

Kenji Hayashi

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Hayashi

Partner

Harue Hayashi

Partner and Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Yosuke Hirai

Director

Joopyo Hong

Partner Investment Group

Naoki Horie

Principal, Investment Group

Jang Hyeokjin

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Ichimiya

Partner, US Office

Nozomu Ikuta

Principal

Kotona Inaida

Director, Fund Management Group

Tomoaki Ishikure

Investment Group Partner

Yoshinari Ito

Venture Partner

Yuki Ito

Director

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner, Investment Group

Ken Kajii

General Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Kamimaeda

Partner and Europe Division Head

Masaru Kaneshiro

Principal

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner, Investment Group

Kirin Kato

Principal

Takashi Kato

Partner, San Francisco Office Representative

Masaya Kawakami

Partner

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Ko Kawaragi

Director

Maiko Kayata

Principal

ByeongJin Kim

Principal, Fund Management Group

Jungyong Kim

Principal, Investment Group

Riichiro Kimura Ph.D

Director, Investment Group

Kenta Kitsuka

General Partner

Issei Kokubu

Principal, Investment Group

Yoshiomi Kubota

Principal

Jinya Kurita

Director

KyungHun Lee

Partner, South Korea Office Representative

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal, Investment Group

Chukaku Lin

Principal

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal, Investment Group

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Hiroshi Mihayashi

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director, Investment Group

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

Shigeru Mitarai

Principal

Kazuhiko Miyama

General Partner

Shuhei Mori

Principal

Seiichiro Mukai

Director

Satoko Murata

Principal, Investment Group

Kohtaro Nagawa

Director, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner / M&A

Mitsutaka Nakao

Principal, Investment Group

Shien Nakayama

Director, Investment Group

Yuya Namiki

Director

Ying Jian Ng

Director, Investment Group

Daisuke Nishida

Partner, Investment Group

Akiko Noguchi

Director, Corporate Management Group

Rina Obi

Investment Director

Sho Ohtani

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsui Okada

Director, Investments Group

Mayu Okamoto

Principal

Akane Okuyama

Director

Shingo Otaki

Partner, Investment Group

Naoki Sadakuni

Venture Partner

Enen Sai

Principal, Fund Management Group

Kazuki Sakuragawa

Partner and Editor in Chief, Corporate Management Group

Masumi Sato

Principal

Naoki Sato

Principal, Investment Group

Tomoki Sekiguchi

Principal

Rie Shibata

Director, Fund Management Group

Takeru Shigemura

Director

Miku Shimamura

Principal

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

Masamune Shin

General Partner, Investment Group

Ayu Shinoyama

CFO and Board Member

Chisa Shinsakaue

Director

Divyansh Singh

Principal

Hiroto Sorita

Director, Investment Group

Sachiko Sugiura

Principal

Yusuke Suzuki

Partner

Kazumo Tachibana

Director

Mana Takabayashi

Director, Investment Group

Hiroki Takai

Director, Investment Group London Office

Toko Takao

Principal

Hideyuki Tanaka

Principal

Marika Tazaki

Partner

Hirotaka Togashi

Director, Investment Group

Haruka Tsujii

Principal

Atsushi Ueda

Principal, Investment Group

Takuya Ukai

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsuya Urimoto

Director, Investment Group

Noriko Usui

Partner and Chief Fund Management Officer

Keita Washizu

Principal

Hirokazu Watanabe

Partner

Keita Wazhizu

Principal, Investment Group

Masao Yamada

Senior Partner, Investment Groups

Kazunori Yamaguchi

Partner, Investment Group

Ryozo Yamamoto

Partner, Investment Group

Michiko Yamazaki

Principal, Investment Group

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Takuro Yoda

Principal, Investment Group

Sayaka Yoshino

Director

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founder and President and CEO & Board Member

Miyazawa Yusuke

Venture Partner

Lusheng Zou

Director, Investment Group

Past deals in Geospatial

Slamcore

Series A in 2022
Slamcore Limited specializes in developing simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions for applications in augmented and virtual reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016 and based in London, the company focuses on making commercial-grade spatial intelligence accessible. Its advanced SLAM software enables robots and drones to effectively navigate and comprehend their environment, utilizing methods such as Visual SLAM, sensor fusion, and Event Camera SLAM. These technologies allow for real-time processing and integration of data from various sensors, enhancing capabilities in areas like motion estimation and panorama reconstruction. Slamcore collaborates with partners to optimize the interplay between software and hardware, ensuring a balanced approach to performance and cost-effectiveness. By providing robust SLAM algorithms, the company aims to transform spatial AI into practical solutions for various industries, ultimately facilitating the integration of robots into everyday life.

Metro Weather

Series A in 2022
Metro Weather Co., Ltd., founded in 2015 and headquartered in Uji, Japan, specializes in the development of advanced Doppler lidar technology. This high-performance system measures wind direction and speed at distances of several tens of kilometers by detecting minute movements of fine atmospheric particles. Originating from research at Kyoto University, Metro Weather aims to enhance aviation safety by creating a comprehensive three-dimensional wind map, a capability that has not been achieved previously. The company's innovative approach combines years of academic research with practical applications to address critical needs in meteorological monitoring.

Axelspace

Series C in 2021
Axelspace Corporation is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of micro-satellites and their components. Founded in 2008, Axelspace develops various micro-satellite projects, including GRUS, a remote-sensing satellite aimed at creating an Earth observation constellation, and WNISAT-1, which monitors sea ice distribution to enhance vessel navigation in polar regions. The company also produces essential micro-satellite components such as sensors for attitude determination, GPS receivers for positioning, and high-speed data transmitters. Axelspace's mission includes constructing a global monitoring platform that provides daily coverage at a low cost, ensuring clients have access to high-quality satellite imagery. In addition to its satellite technology, Axelspace arranges satellite launches and offers operational support, contributing to a broader understanding and utilization of micro-satellites in various applications.

Swift Navigation

Series B in 2021
Swift Navigation, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing precise and affordable global positioning system (GPS) technology. The company is known for its low-cost, high-accuracy real-time kinematics (RTK) receivers, which provide centimeter-level positioning. Its product offerings include the Piksi Multi GNSS Module and the ruggedized Duro Receiver, designed for various applications such as agriculture, robotics, maritime, and industrial use. Additionally, Swift Navigation provides the Skylark cloud corrections service and the Starling GNSS positioning engine, targeting markets like autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The company has established a reputation for innovation, delivering positioning solutions that significantly outperform traditional GPS accuracy. Swift Navigation's technology supports a wide range of industries, promoting advancements in automation and precision across diverse sectors.

Swift Navigation

Series C in 2021
Swift Navigation, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing precise and affordable global positioning system (GPS) technology. The company is known for its low-cost, high-accuracy real-time kinematics (RTK) receivers, which provide centimeter-level positioning. Its product offerings include the Piksi Multi GNSS Module and the ruggedized Duro Receiver, designed for various applications such as agriculture, robotics, maritime, and industrial use. Additionally, Swift Navigation provides the Skylark cloud corrections service and the Starling GNSS positioning engine, targeting markets like autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The company has established a reputation for innovation, delivering positioning solutions that significantly outperform traditional GPS accuracy. Swift Navigation's technology supports a wide range of industries, promoting advancements in automation and precision across diverse sectors.

GeoSpock

Venture Round in 2020
GeoSpock Limited is a spatial big data platform company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Tokyo and Singapore. Founded in 2013, it specializes in developing a data indexing platform that provides analytics, visualization, and insights across various scales of data. The company offers products such as GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise, which are cloud-based services designed to manage and analyze location-tagged information. These tools facilitate dynamic data fusion and enable users to perform complex queries for performance analytics. GeoSpock's platform can be utilized in a range of applications, from real-time tracking of logistics fleets to optimizing operations in smart cities, helping to uncover hidden patterns and improve decision-making. By harnessing trillions of data points in seconds, GeoSpock aims to transform business operations and contribute to sustainability efforts, such as reducing traffic congestion.

GeoSpock

Series B in 2019
GeoSpock Limited is a spatial big data platform company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Tokyo and Singapore. Founded in 2013, it specializes in developing a data indexing platform that provides analytics, visualization, and insights across various scales of data. The company offers products such as GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise, which are cloud-based services designed to manage and analyze location-tagged information. These tools facilitate dynamic data fusion and enable users to perform complex queries for performance analytics. GeoSpock's platform can be utilized in a range of applications, from real-time tracking of logistics fleets to optimizing operations in smart cities, helping to uncover hidden patterns and improve decision-making. By harnessing trillions of data points in seconds, GeoSpock aims to transform business operations and contribute to sustainability efforts, such as reducing traffic congestion.

Axelspace

Series B in 2018
Axelspace Corporation is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of micro-satellites and their components. Founded in 2008, Axelspace develops various micro-satellite projects, including GRUS, a remote-sensing satellite aimed at creating an Earth observation constellation, and WNISAT-1, which monitors sea ice distribution to enhance vessel navigation in polar regions. The company also produces essential micro-satellite components such as sensors for attitude determination, GPS receivers for positioning, and high-speed data transmitters. Axelspace's mission includes constructing a global monitoring platform that provides daily coverage at a low cost, ensuring clients have access to high-quality satellite imagery. In addition to its satellite technology, Axelspace arranges satellite launches and offers operational support, contributing to a broader understanding and utilization of micro-satellites in various applications.

Sense360

Series A in 2018
Sense360 develops mobile applications that enable developers to create relevant, personalized, and situationally-aware notifications using location, place, activity, context, and other phone sensory data. The company’s products enable applications to unlock this situational awareness. Sense360 is based in Culver City, California.

GeoSpock

Series A in 2018
GeoSpock Limited is a spatial big data platform company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Tokyo and Singapore. Founded in 2013, it specializes in developing a data indexing platform that provides analytics, visualization, and insights across various scales of data. The company offers products such as GeoSpock DB Discovery and GeoSpock DB Enterprise, which are cloud-based services designed to manage and analyze location-tagged information. These tools facilitate dynamic data fusion and enable users to perform complex queries for performance analytics. GeoSpock's platform can be utilized in a range of applications, from real-time tracking of logistics fleets to optimizing operations in smart cities, helping to uncover hidden patterns and improve decision-making. By harnessing trillions of data points in seconds, GeoSpock aims to transform business operations and contribute to sustainability efforts, such as reducing traffic congestion.

SiteAware

Seed Round in 2016
SiteAware Systems Ltd. is a Tel Aviv-based company that specializes in construction surveying services. Founded in 2015, it offers site imaging, analysis, and the creation of 2D, 3D, and 4D models for construction projects. SiteAware provides a digital construction verification platform that leverages digital twinning technology and artificial intelligence to enhance quality control in construction. By transforming traditional physical inspections into automated, cloud-based processes, the company enables real estate developers and contractors to identify deviations in real-time and make informed decisions. This approach minimizes risk exposure, reduces rework costs, and helps improve overall project efficiency and profitability while ensuring better safety for workers.

Idecca

Seed Round in 2015
Idecca Inc. specializes in indoor positioning solutions for iOS and Android devices, enabling users to determine their precise indoor locations and track movement patterns. Founded in 2013 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company also offers an automatic multimedia guide application that allows museum visitors to use their smartphones as personal guides without needing extra equipment. Idecca's technology is rooted in extensive research and development, emphasizing a commitment to creating specialized indoor positioning services. The company aims to enhance its offerings by developing applications with military-grade precision and ultimately seeks to strengthen its market position through innovative, high-quality products. Through these efforts, Idecca aspires to become a leading enterprise in the indoor positioning industry while contributing positively to society and enhancing national competitiveness.

Axelspace

Series A in 2015
Axelspace Corporation is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of micro-satellites and their components. Founded in 2008, Axelspace develops various micro-satellite projects, including GRUS, a remote-sensing satellite aimed at creating an Earth observation constellation, and WNISAT-1, which monitors sea ice distribution to enhance vessel navigation in polar regions. The company also produces essential micro-satellite components such as sensors for attitude determination, GPS receivers for positioning, and high-speed data transmitters. Axelspace's mission includes constructing a global monitoring platform that provides daily coverage at a low cost, ensuring clients have access to high-quality satellite imagery. In addition to its satellite technology, Axelspace arranges satellite launches and offers operational support, contributing to a broader understanding and utilization of micro-satellites in various applications.

Near Pte.

Series B in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

Near Pte.

Venture Round in 2014
Near Pte. Ltd. operates a location-based intelligence platform that delivers real-time insights on places, people, and products. It offers various data and analytical products designed to support data-driven decision-making, such as Allspark, a mobile-first audience cloud solution, and Carbon, which analyzes real-world consumer footprints. The platform processes data from over 1.6 billion monthly users across 44 countries, enabling brands to engage with audiences in a privacy-centric manner. Near serves diverse industries, including automobile, fast food, retail, FMCG, BFSI, technology, travel, and telecommunications. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Near has expanded with offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Bengaluru, Tokyo, and Sydney. The company collaborates with notable brands such as News Corp, MetLife, and Mastercard, enhancing their customer experiences through its suite of SaaS products.

RealGlobe

Venture Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.

RealGlobe

Seed Round in 2011
Realglobe, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, focusing on enhancing software development through Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service. Founded in 2008, Realglobe offers a range of services, including automation for building, testing, and delivery processes, as well as solutions for education, emergency medical response, and disaster management, which feature drone and unmanned aerial vehicle technologies. The company leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Furthermore, Realglobe operates a graphical mapping platform that employs three-dimensional scanning to create digital twins of real-world locations, facilitating effective information sharing between local governments and residents and aiding various industries like construction and facilities management in visualizing spatial data.
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