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 GovTech

Gaudiy

Series B in 2022
Gaudiy Inc. provides application development and consulting services through block chain technology. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Workstyletech

Series A in 2021
Workstyletech is supporting employees to create an enviroment where they can thrive and fulfill their dreams. With its unique service using HR technology and data, Workstyletech helps companies around the world to create a culture that fosters each and every employee's confidence.

SOFT GEAR

Series B in 2021
Softgear is an one-stop services from technol.ogy development for online content to online game development / operational development.

GITAI

Series B in 2021
GITAI Inc. is a Tokyo-based robotics company that specializes in manufacturing humanoid telepresence robots aimed at enhancing space exploration and development. Founded in 2016, GITAI develops a range of robots including the G1, a general-purpose robot designed for task automation internally and externally on space stations and lunar bases; the S1, which focuses on automating specific tasks in similar environments; and the H1, a robot manipulation system that allows for teleoperation of robots working in space. The company's technology enables remote control of robots, facilitating long-duration tasks in low Earth orbit while alleviating the workload on human astronauts, thereby reducing operational costs and improving efficiency in space missions.

SWAT Mobility

Venture Round in 2021
SWAT Mobility’s vehicle-routing technology helps companies, transport operators and government agencies around the world solve complex transportation challenges. We are the first in Asia to run high-capacity vehicle pooling services that is both on-demand and dynamically-routed. We also have proven results in helping our clients reduce transportation costs, improve city connectivity and reduce traffic congestion woes. Our technology tops the industry Li & Lim's benchmark, and with our cutting-edge smart mobility optimisation engine, we are future-ready for the world of autonomous vehicles.

Agri Info Design

Venture Round in 2020
Agri Info Design, LTD. operates as an agricultural IT / ICT startup company that develops driving support application. It offers applications, including AgrIBus-NAVI, AgrIBus-Web, AgIBus-GMInIR, AgrIBus-G2, and AgrIBus-Autosteer. The company also manufactures and sells aftermarket agricultural equipment. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Obihiro, Japan.

BizteX

Series C in 2020
BizteX, Inc. is a software company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in cloud-based robotic process automation (RPA) solutions. Founded in 2015, the company develops software designed to automate routine operations through its flagship product, BizteX Cobit. This digital robot utilizes artificial intelligence to execute repetitive tasks, allowing businesses to streamline their operations and focus on more creative and strategic activities. By offering its services globally, BizteX aims to enhance productivity and efficiency for various organizations, enabling them to optimize their resources effectively.

Gtriip

Series B in 2020
GTRIIP is a digital identity platform for global citizens. Its products use machine learning to verify photo IDs automatically, and biometric sensors on smartphones to identify owners for contactless check-in and access at commercial properties. GTRIIP serves 25,000 rooms and access points of customer hotels and offices, and is backed by Global Brain, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, Keppel Corporation, M1 Limited, and Accord Ventures.

Eden

Series B in 2019
Eden Technologies, Inc. is a workplace management platform based in San Francisco, California, that offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to streamline office operations for companies in the United States. Founded in 2001, the platform facilitates various functions, including visitor registration, employee ticketing and helpdesk requests, room booking, and facility maintenance management. Additionally, it supports administrative tasks such as catering, cleaning, corporate events, and IT support. Recently, Eden introduced a COVID Team Safety app to assist teams in safely returning to the office. By enhancing communication and productivity, Eden aims to create a better work environment for employees while enabling organizations to make informed decisions based on data. The company has attracted investments from notable firms, including Y Combinator and Bessemer Venture Partners.

GoWork

Series A in 2018
GoWork is a leading coworking space provider in Indonesia, dedicated to creating inspiring work environments that support business success. The company offers fully equipped workspaces designed with researched spatial layouts and integrated technology, fostering collaboration and growth for teams. GoWork enhances its mission by building community platforms for its members and providing a range of empowering content and services. The venture is supported by notable venture capitalists and has established partnerships with prominent brands in coworking, lifestyle, and real estate, positioning it as a premium choice for businesses seeking innovative workspace solutions.

UnaBiz

Series A in 2018
UnaBiz Pte Ltd is an Internet of Things (IoT) solutions company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, with an additional office in Taipei, Taiwan. The company specializes in providing low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) services, notably through its partnership with SIGFOX. UnaBiz offers a range of affordable, energy-efficient products, including wireless infrastructure, IoT devices, and solutions for various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, utilities, and building management. Its offerings encompass product design, manufacturing, and consulting services, enabling clients to implement solutions for smart metering, asset management, and tracking. The company has established itself as a key player in the IoT ecosystem, operating in 28 countries and focusing on scalability and ease of deployment in its solutions. UnaBiz has received ISO 9001:2015 certification for its design and connectivity services, further underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation in the IoT landscape.

Beer and Tech

Series A in 2017
Beer and Tech Inc. operates an e-commerce website to sell plants and flowers. The company also offers flower delivery services. Beer and Tech Inc. was founded in 2014 and is based in Saitama, Japan.

Growth Hack Studio

Seed Round in 2015
Growth Hack Studio Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in business management and development services. The company addresses the challenges of an increasingly automated and standardized business landscape by emphasizing the creation of new value and innovative business models. Its proprietary growth hack consulting platform is designed to assist new businesses in accelerating their growth by leveraging end-user data, identifying issues, and managing key performance indicators (KPIs). By fostering a forward-thinking approach, Growth Hack Studio aims to empower clients to enhance their productivity and overall business performance in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

HWTrek

Series A in 2015
HWTrek Corp. operates a cloud-based platform designed for hardware innovators, including startups, crowdfunding creators, and small to medium-sized companies. Founded in 1995 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, HWTrek's Project Development Hub aids users in planning, developing, and launching hardware projects. The platform facilitates product development management and connects users with manufacturing and supply chain experts, creating a tailored management flow for each project. By fostering collaboration within its ecosystem of industry partners, HWTrek ensures that innovators receive optimal support and guidance, helping them navigate the complexities of bringing new hardware products to market efficiently and effectively. This approach aims to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget.

SOFT GEAR

Venture Round in 2015
Softgear is an one-stop services from technol.ogy development for online content to online game development / operational development.

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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