Canal Ventures

Canal Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan. It operates as the venture capital arm of the Nihon Unisys Group and focuses on investing in seed and early-phase startups. The firm primarily targets the technology sector, emphasizing investments that address social causes. Through its investments, Canal Ventures aims to support innovative solutions that contribute positively to society while fostering growth in emerging companies.

Past deals in Japan

TYFFON

Venture Round in 2023
TYFFON is a Tokyo-based developer of immersive mixed reality, virtual reality, and augmented reality entertainment content. The company creates mobile apps such as ZombieBooth and related image transformation tools, and has expanded to immersive experiences that blend 3D animation with social interaction. TYFFON operates Free Roam location-based virtual reality venues under the TYFFONIUM brand, offering guests multi-sensory, hyper-real environments that can be explored freely. Founded in 2011, TYFFON has pursued strategic partnerships and international expansion, including participation in Disney’s accelerator program in 2014 and a collaboration with Disney, as well as opening TYFFONIUM stores in Japan with plans for overseas locations. The company focuses on delivering magical reality experiences across its mobile apps and location-based venues by combining VR and AR technologies with imaginative content.

WAmazing

Debt Financing in 2020
WAmazing is a Tokyo-based travel technology company that serves foreign visitors to Japan by combining mobile connectivity, content, and booking services. The company provides free SIM cards to allow travelers to register before arrival and offers an app with up to 500MB of complimentary internet access, reducing barriers created by Japanese signup pages. It also operates an online travel booking platform with a multilingual tourist guide, delivering reservations information and tourism content through smartphones. WAmazing supports local governments and tourism associations with tourism consulting and inbound marketing services for domestic partners, helping them reach inbound visitors. Founded in 2016, WAmazing integrates mobility, information, and reservations to simplify travel in Japan.

SQUEEZE

Series B in 2020
SQUEEZE Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in providing innovative solutions for the lodging business. Founded in 2014, SQUEEZE develops a range of software products aimed at enhancing the management of vacation rentals, hotels, and ryokans. Its offerings include Mister Suite, a comprehensive management system; SuiteBook, which facilitates operations for vacation and short-term rental properties; and Mister Suite Lab, a demand analysis tool that leverages market data for improved decision-making. Additionally, SQUEEZE provides the igloohome smart keybox, a Bluetooth-enabled device designed for secure key exchanges in various settings, and Minn, a hospitality technology platform that enhances guest accommodation experiences. The company focuses on streamlining operations for the hospitality industry, allowing operators to efficiently manage guest information and service requests while optimizing revenue.

Sprocket

Series B in 2019
Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 2014, Sprocket develops a web-based customer development platform. It offers a tool for optimizing digital communication across user touchpoints, integrating real-time personalization, multi-channel messaging, behavioral data analysis, and AI-driven insights.

CLAS

Series A in 2019
CLAS, Inc. is a Japan-based company that specializes in online furniture rental and leasing services. It provides an e-commerce platform that caters to both individuals and corporations, offering rental and subscription options for furniture and home appliances. By facilitating access to essential furnishings and appliances, CLAS aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers in a convenient and flexible manner.

WAmazing

Series B in 2019
WAmazing is a Tokyo-based travel technology company that serves foreign visitors to Japan by combining mobile connectivity, content, and booking services. The company provides free SIM cards to allow travelers to register before arrival and offers an app with up to 500MB of complimentary internet access, reducing barriers created by Japanese signup pages. It also operates an online travel booking platform with a multilingual tourist guide, delivering reservations information and tourism content through smartphones. WAmazing supports local governments and tourism associations with tourism consulting and inbound marketing services for domestic partners, helping them reach inbound visitors. Founded in 2016, WAmazing integrates mobility, information, and reservations to simplify travel in Japan.

Babel

Series A in 2019
Founded in Japan in 2017, Babel is a technology company that specializes in video media provision. It leverages AI and machine learning technologies to create innovative business solutions and offers a cloud-based sales analysis tool.

WAmazing

Venture Round in 2019
WAmazing is a Tokyo-based travel technology company that serves foreign visitors to Japan by combining mobile connectivity, content, and booking services. The company provides free SIM cards to allow travelers to register before arrival and offers an app with up to 500MB of complimentary internet access, reducing barriers created by Japanese signup pages. It also operates an online travel booking platform with a multilingual tourist guide, delivering reservations information and tourism content through smartphones. WAmazing supports local governments and tourism associations with tourism consulting and inbound marketing services for domestic partners, helping them reach inbound visitors. Founded in 2016, WAmazing integrates mobility, information, and reservations to simplify travel in Japan.

Satori

Venture Round in 2019
Satori Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing a comprehensive marketing automation tool. This tool encompasses various functionalities, including lead management, lead generation, lead nurturing, lead qualification, and reporting. Satori aims to deliver creative and effective solutions tailored to their clients' needs, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. The company emphasizes a holistic approach to communications, offering a range of services in-house to meet diverse client requirements.

ClipLine

Venture Round in 2018
ClipLine provides a video-based service for businesses with multiple locations, facilitating management across diverse industries such as retail, nursing care, transportation, and factories. Launched in 2014, ClipLine serves approximately 15,000 stores and 420,000 users, promoting digital transformation and enhancing organizational execution.

Meleap

Series B in 2018
Meleap is a Japanese company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing innovative gaming experiences. It offers an augmented reality (AR) sport called HADO, which combines physical activity with technology. Players wear head-mounted displays and armband sensors to compete in teams, using 'energy balls' or 'shields' to earn points.

TYFFON

Venture Round in 2018
TYFFON is a Tokyo-based developer of immersive mixed reality, virtual reality, and augmented reality entertainment content. The company creates mobile apps such as ZombieBooth and related image transformation tools, and has expanded to immersive experiences that blend 3D animation with social interaction. TYFFON operates Free Roam location-based virtual reality venues under the TYFFONIUM brand, offering guests multi-sensory, hyper-real environments that can be explored freely. Founded in 2011, TYFFON has pursued strategic partnerships and international expansion, including participation in Disney’s accelerator program in 2014 and a collaboration with Disney, as well as opening TYFFONIUM stores in Japan with plans for overseas locations. The company focuses on delivering magical reality experiences across its mobile apps and location-based venues by combining VR and AR technologies with imaginative content.
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