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 Internet of Things

SCADAfence

Venture Round in 2023
SCADAfence Ltd. develops cyber security solutions to protect the industrial Internet of Things in manufacturing industries and critical infrastructure. It serves industrial facilities, such as power, oil and gas, water, chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Be'er Sheva, Israel.

Mazin

Series A in 2022
Provider of research and development of smart factory system services intended to solve the shortage of technicians. The company specializes in the use of artificial intelligence that automates machining operations and the development of industrial IoT service that measures the conversion of factories, enabling factories to function efficiently.

Bytebeam

Seed Round in 2022
Bytebeam is an IoT platform that aims to streamline the development of IoT devices, making it as efficient and modular as mobile or web application development. The platform offers a range of features, including over-the-air updates, configuration management, device-to-mobile synchronization, data visualization, and alerting. These capabilities enable enterprises to create advanced smart hardware products and enhance their decision-making processes through real-time data analytics. By providing comprehensive solutions for IoT device management and development, Bytebeam positions itself as a valuable resource for businesses looking to innovate in the smart technology space.

Mojo Vision

Series B in 2022
Mojo Vision is a company based in Saratoga, California, that specializes in augmented reality products and platforms. Founded in 2015, it has developed a smart contact lens featuring a built-in display that provides timely information without disrupting the user's focus. This innovative technology enables users to receive immediate and relevant information, facilitating hands-free communication and interaction. By minimizing the distractions associated with traditional mobile devices, Mojo Vision aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility for users in various environments.

Girasol Energy

Seed Round in 2021
Girasol Energy Inc. develops PPLC, an IoT platform for photovoltaic plant. The company develops and installs sensor networks. Its cloud engine collects and presents data break down in to single panel-level, and locates abnormals automatically by applying PV A.I. engine. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Girasol Energy

Series A in 2021
Girasol Energy Inc. develops PPLC, an IoT platform for photovoltaic plant. The company develops and installs sensor networks. Its cloud engine collects and presents data break down in to single panel-level, and locates abnormals automatically by applying PV A.I. engine. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

SCADAfence

Series B in 2021
SCADAfence Ltd. develops cyber security solutions to protect the industrial Internet of Things in manufacturing industries and critical infrastructure. It serves industrial facilities, such as power, oil and gas, water, chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Be'er Sheva, Israel.

Aroma Bit

Venture Round in 2021
Aroma Bit, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that focuses on the development, production, and sales of electronic equipment, specifically compact odor imaging sensors. Recognizing the importance of the olfactory sense, which is frequently overlooked, Aroma Bit aims to capture and analyze scents through its innovative sensor technology. The company not only creates these advanced sensors but also develops unique services and products that utilize them, addressing the challenges of describing and understanding aromas in everyday life.

Mode

Series A in 2020
Mode, Inc. is a technology company that offers a cloud-based platform designed to facilitate the development and operation of Internet of Things (IoT) products. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan, Mode specializes in creating a scalable data infrastructure that allows businesses to collect and utilize real-world sensor data. Its innovative sensor gateway solution enables quick integration of sensors and equipment, funneling data into the cloud within days. This platform not only supports communication between devices and mobile clients but also provides tools for tracking and managing both devices and users. By effectively moving sensor data to the cloud and offering specialized time-series data storage, Mode delivers operational improvements and valuable insights for businesses seeking to enhance their operations.

Idein

Venture Round in 2020
Idein Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on developing a platform as a service that enables users to create their own Internet of Things (IoT) systems enhanced by advanced artificial intelligence analysis. Founded in 2015, Idein's platform features a dashboard, software development kit, and a marketplace, allowing for efficient data analysis and computational sensing. The company leverages recent advancements in pattern recognition and signal processing to develop machine learning models and accelerate inference processes, which can be executed on low-cost, commercially available edge devices. This approach minimizes concerns regarding data communication and privacy by processing data locally. Idein aims to democratize advanced sensing technologies, making them accessible for everyday use in households and businesses, thereby facilitating the construction and operation of efficient IoT services.

Koska

Series A in 2020
Koska Corporation, founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing and operating an online dashboard named GenKan. This platform facilitates the acquisition of real-time data and provides accurate cost accounting and analysis. The company focuses on automating cost calculations within Internet of Things (IoT) systems, ensuring precision and efficiency in financial assessments.

Mojo Vision

Series C in 2020
Mojo Vision is a company based in Saratoga, California, that specializes in augmented reality products and platforms. Founded in 2015, it has developed a smart contact lens featuring a built-in display that provides timely information without disrupting the user's focus. This innovative technology enables users to receive immediate and relevant information, facilitating hands-free communication and interaction. By minimizing the distractions associated with traditional mobile devices, Mojo Vision aims to enhance connectivity and accessibility for users in various environments.

Idein

Venture Round in 2019
Idein Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on developing a platform as a service that enables users to create their own Internet of Things (IoT) systems enhanced by advanced artificial intelligence analysis. Founded in 2015, Idein's platform features a dashboard, software development kit, and a marketplace, allowing for efficient data analysis and computational sensing. The company leverages recent advancements in pattern recognition and signal processing to develop machine learning models and accelerate inference processes, which can be executed on low-cost, commercially available edge devices. This approach minimizes concerns regarding data communication and privacy by processing data locally. Idein aims to democratize advanced sensing technologies, making them accessible for everyday use in households and businesses, thereby facilitating the construction and operation of efficient IoT services.

Sonas

Series A in 2018
Sonas Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the planning, design, manufacturing, and sale of hardware and software solutions focused on sensing and measurement technologies. The company is developing "UNISONet," a wireless sensing technology aimed at enhancing the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. This innovative solution seeks to improve upon existing mesh network technologies by integrating features such as power saving, multihop communication, time synchronization, lossless data collection, high-speed acquisition, and low-latency bidirectional communication, all simultaneously. By prioritizing high-quality wireless sensing, Sonas aims to establish itself as a fundamental component of modern societal infrastructure.

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.

Balena

Series A in 2018
Balena is a complete set of tools for building, deploying, and managing fleets of connected IoT devices. It provides infrastructure and tools for fleet owners so they can focus on developing their applications and growing their fleets with as little friction as possible. Balena enables devices and their running services to be managed, monitored, and updated through the web dashboard or through its API, via the CLI and SDK. Balena was established in 2013.

SCADAfence

Series A in 2017
SCADAfence Ltd. develops cyber security solutions to protect the industrial Internet of Things in manufacturing industries and critical infrastructure. It serves industrial facilities, such as power, oil and gas, water, chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Be'er Sheva, Israel.

Idein

Venture Round in 2017
Idein Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on developing a platform as a service that enables users to create their own Internet of Things (IoT) systems enhanced by advanced artificial intelligence analysis. Founded in 2015, Idein's platform features a dashboard, software development kit, and a marketplace, allowing for efficient data analysis and computational sensing. The company leverages recent advancements in pattern recognition and signal processing to develop machine learning models and accelerate inference processes, which can be executed on low-cost, commercially available edge devices. This approach minimizes concerns regarding data communication and privacy by processing data locally. Idein aims to democratize advanced sensing technologies, making them accessible for everyday use in households and businesses, thereby facilitating the construction and operation of efficient IoT services.

Idein

Venture Round in 2017
Idein Inc. is a technology company based in Chiyoda, Japan, focused on developing a platform as a service that enables users to create their own Internet of Things (IoT) systems enhanced by advanced artificial intelligence analysis. Founded in 2015, Idein's platform features a dashboard, software development kit, and a marketplace, allowing for efficient data analysis and computational sensing. The company leverages recent advancements in pattern recognition and signal processing to develop machine learning models and accelerate inference processes, which can be executed on low-cost, commercially available edge devices. This approach minimizes concerns regarding data communication and privacy by processing data locally. Idein aims to democratize advanced sensing technologies, making them accessible for everyday use in households and businesses, thereby facilitating the construction and operation of efficient IoT services.

Trillium Secure

Series A in 2017
Trillium provides in-vehicle cybersecurity protection for connected vehicles.

XSHELL INC

Venture Round in 2016
Xshell Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) software and hardware. The company focuses on creating solutions that integrate various components of IoT, including networking, computing, enclosures, and software. Xshell possesses the expertise necessary to connect devices to the Internet, facilitating data accumulation and feedback mechanisms. By leveraging its comprehensive skill set, Xshell aims to advance the capabilities of IoT technologies.

XSHELL INC

Seed Round in 2016
Xshell Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) software and hardware. The company focuses on creating solutions that integrate various components of IoT, including networking, computing, enclosures, and software. Xshell possesses the expertise necessary to connect devices to the Internet, facilitating data accumulation and feedback mechanisms. By leveraging its comprehensive skill set, Xshell aims to advance the capabilities of IoT technologies.

XSHELL INC

Seed Round in 2015
Xshell Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) software and hardware. The company focuses on creating solutions that integrate various components of IoT, including networking, computing, enclosures, and software. Xshell possesses the expertise necessary to connect devices to the Internet, facilitating data accumulation and feedback mechanisms. By leveraging its comprehensive skill set, Xshell aims to advance the capabilities of IoT technologies.

August Pro

Series A in 2015
August Pro, a division of August Home, specializes in providing smart home access solutions tailored for professional installers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, August Home develops advanced smart home products, including the flagship August Smart Lock, which replaces traditional keys with smartphone-controlled access. This technology allows users to create virtual keys for their homes, granting temporary access to house cleaners, dog walkers, delivery services, and others, all managed through a mobile app. The company's products are designed to enhance home security and convenience, enabling homeowners to monitor and control access from anywhere in the world. August Home operates as a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY AB, further strengthening its position in the smart home market.

Awair

Seed Round in 2015
Awair is a company focused on enhancing indoor health and safety through innovative air monitoring solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, Awair designs products that seamlessly integrate into homes and offices while providing actionable insights into indoor air quality. Their devices monitor key environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and dust, enabling users to assess and optimize the air quality in their surroundings. By equipping individuals with personalized solutions, Awair aims to transform how indoor spaces are designed and constructed, empowering people to make informed decisions for healthier living.

Awair

Venture Round in 2015
Awair is a company focused on enhancing indoor health and safety through innovative air monitoring solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, Awair designs products that seamlessly integrate into homes and offices while providing actionable insights into indoor air quality. Their devices monitor key environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and dust, enabling users to assess and optimize the air quality in their surroundings. By equipping individuals with personalized solutions, Awair aims to transform how indoor spaces are designed and constructed, empowering people to make informed decisions for healthier living.

Ossia

Venture Round in 2015
Ossia Inc. develops and licenses a wireless power transmission system known as Cota Real Wireless Power. This innovative technology utilizes RF smart antennas to wirelessly deliver power to multiple devices simultaneously, without the need for user intervention or physical connections. Cota can effectively charge devices from a distance of up to 30 feet, even without a direct line of sight. The company's technology is applicable across various sectors, including wearables, IoT, mobile, medical, industrial, automotive, and battery applications. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Ossia has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its market presence and innovation in wireless power solutions.

16Lab

Seed Round in 2014
16Lab Inc. designs and develops a personal computing wearable device OZON. It allows users to control computers, smartphones, tablets, cameras, televisions, lighting fixtures, and other electrical appliances. 16Lab Inc. is based in Kamakura, Japan.

Zensys

Venture Round in 2008
Zensys specializes in wireless networking technology focused on control and status reading applications. The company is best known for developing Z-Wave, a cost-effective, two-way wireless mesh network communications technology. This technology allows consumers to conveniently and securely monitor and manage various home control systems, such as lighting and security, from anywhere globally. In addition to its core technology, Zensys provides a range of products and services, including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), development kits, and engineering services tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Zensys

Venture Round in 2008
Zensys specializes in wireless networking technology focused on control and status reading applications. The company is best known for developing Z-Wave, a cost-effective, two-way wireless mesh network communications technology. This technology allows consumers to conveniently and securely monitor and manage various home control systems, such as lighting and security, from anywhere globally. In addition to its core technology, Zensys provides a range of products and services, including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), development kits, and engineering services tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturers.
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