Global Brain Corporation, founded in 1998 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in seed, early, and later-stage startups. The firm has a diverse portfolio, having invested in over 300 companies across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, disruptive technology, education, entertainment, and fintech. Global Brain is recognized for its hands-on support approach, which has contributed to 25 initial public offerings and 61 mergers and acquisitions among its portfolio companies. In addition to managing traditional investment funds, Global Brain also provides Venture Capital as a Service (VCaaS) solutions and collaborates with leading public companies in sectors such as telecommunications, real estate, financial services, beverages, agriculture, logistics, and electronic devices.
Investment Group Partner and Fellow Chief of Space Lab
Tatsunori Arai
Director
Megumi Asatsuma
Director
Anjani Bansal
Partner / India Office Representative
Brooke Beers
Partner
Takuji Chida
Director
Hogil Doh
General Partner
Thomas Duong
Principal
Brian Flucht
Partner / US Division Head
Hajime Furuya
Venture Partner
Kenji Hayashi
Principal
Shohei Hayashi
Partner
Harue Hayashi
Partner / Vice Chief Fund Management Officer
Jie He
Director China office Representative
Yosuke Hirai
Director
Joopyo Hong
Partner Investment Group
Naoki Horie
Principal
Jang Hyeokjin
Principal
Shohei Ichimiya
Partner / US Office
Nozomu Ikuta
Principal
Kotona Inaida
Director
Tomoaki Ishikure
Partner
Yoshinari Ito
Venture Partner
Yuki Ito
Director
Hiroyuki Izumi
Partner
Ken Kajii
General Partner
Naoki Kamimaeda
Partner and Europe Division Head
Daisuke Kashiro
General Partner
Kirin Kato
Principal
Takashi Kato
Partner, San Francisco Office Representative
Masaya Kawakami
Principal, Investment Group
Hiroyuki Kawamoto
Principal
Ko Kawaragi
Director
Maiko Kayata
Principal
ByeongJin Kim
Principal
Riichiro Kimura
Director / US NY Office
Kenta Kitsuka
General Partner
Issei Kokubu
Director
Yoshiomi Kubota
Principal
Jiro Kumakura
General Partner and Board Member
Jinya Kurita
Director
KyungHun Lee
Partner
YingQi Liang(Joy)
Principal
Chukaku Lin
Director
Atsushi Matsuda
Venture Partner
Tatsuya Matsumoto
Partner / Singapore Office Representative
Akira Matsumoto
Principal
Yuki Matsuo
Director
Natsumi Matsuoka
Principal
Tomoko Minagawa
Director
Ai Minamizaki
Principal
Shigeru Mitarai
Director
Kazuhiko Miyama
General Partner
Shuhei Mori
Principal
Seiichiro Mukai
Director
Satoko Murata
Principal, Investment Group
Kohtaro Nagawa
Director
Mitsutaka Nakao
Principal, Investment Group
Shien Nakayama
Director
Yuya Namiki
Director
Ying Jian Ng
Director
Daisuke Nishida
General Partner
Yukari Nishiyama
Director, Investment Group
Akiko Noguchi
Director
Rina Obi
Investment Group Director, Berlin Office
Sho Ohtani
Principal
Tetsui Okada
Director
Mayu Okamoto
Director
Akane Okuyama
Director
Shingo Otaki
Partner
Rampalli Karthik
Principal
Naoki Sadakuni
Venture Partner
Enen Sai
Principal
Youichi Sakagawa
Director, Investment Group
Kazuki Sakuragawa
Partner / Editor in Chief
Masumi Sato
Principal
Naoki Sato
Principal, Investment Group
Tomoki Sekiguchi
Principal
Rie Shibata
Director
Takeru Shigemura
Director
Miku Shimamura
Principal
Masamune Shin
General Partner
Ayu Shinoyama
CFO and Board Member
Chisa Shinsakaue
Director
Divyansh Singh
Principal
Hiroto Sorita
Director
Sachiko Sugiura
Director
Yusuke Suzuki
Partner
Kazumo Tachibana
Director
Mana Takabayashi
Director
Hiroki Takai
Director
Toko Takao
Principal
Hideyuki Tanaka
Director
Marika Tazaki
Partner
Hirotaka Togashi
Director
Haruka Tsujii
Director
Atsushi Ueda Ph.D
Principal, Investment Group
Takuya Ukai
Principal, Investment Group
Tetsuya Urimoto
Director
Noriko Usui
Partner / Chief Fund Management Officer
Keita Washizu
Principal
Masao Yamada
Senior Partner
Kazunori Yamaguchi
Partner, Investment Group
Kazunor Yamaguchi
Partner
Ryozo Yamamoto
Partner
Michiko Yamazaki
Principal, Investment Group
Takuro Yoda
Principal, Investment Group
Sayaka Yoshino
Director
Miku Yoshio
Partner
Miyazawa Yusuke
Venture Partner
Lusheng Zou
Director
Takuya Hosomura
Partner
Sho Ikeda
Partner / Indonesia Office Representative
Past deals in Agriculture
Windfall Bio
Series A in 2024
Windfall Bio is a company focused on developing a sustainable technology that captures and transforms methane emissions into organic fertilizer, addressing significant environmental issues associated with methane and synthetic fertilizers. Founded in 2022 and based in San Mateo, California, Windfall Bio utilizes methane-eating microbes to convert methane from various sources, including agriculture, oil and gas, and waste management, into valuable soil nutrients. This innovative solution not only helps industries reduce their methane footprint but also enhances operational efficiency and profitability, benefiting the planet and consumers alike. The company is backed by prominent venture capital firms, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its mission to tackle climate change through nature-based agricultural technology.
Ac-Planta
Series A in 2024
Ac-Planta Inc. is a Japan-based agricultural biotechnology company founded in 2018. It specializes in researching, manufacturing, and selling acetic acid-based biostimulants and agrochemicals designed to enhance plant resilience against heat, drought, and salt damage. One of its key products, Skeepon, is formulated to improve the adaptability of plants in challenging environmental conditions, addressing issues related to climate change. Through the innovative application of epigenetic technology, Ac-Planta aims to enhance plant growth and quality, ultimately contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security while combating desertification. The company's efforts are focused on solving global food and environmental challenges through scientific advancements in plant health.
Global Ichiba
Series C in 2023
Global Ichiba Corp. is a wholesale company based in Shinagawa, Japan, specializing in the export of agricultural products. Founded in 2015, the company primarily focuses on the procurement, development, and export of fresh fruits and vegetables. Through its platform, NIPPON ICHIBA, Global Ichiba connects suppliers and consumers, facilitating communication and trade of Japanese produce. The company exports its products to various markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Beijing, Dalian, and Jakarta. Global Ichiba operates as a subsidiary of Nousouken Corporation.
kikitori
Seed Round in 2023
Kikitori is engaged in the development and management of applications and web platforms focused on agricultural product distribution, specifically fruits and vegetables. The company has created technology that streamlines various aspects of agricultural operations, including marketing, store management, and the automation of invoicing and sales notifications. By providing these comprehensive solutions, Kikitori aims to help businesses reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency within the agricultural sector.
WasteX
Venture Round in 2023
WasteX provides solutions for agriculture and industry helping clients generate attractive financial benefits, productivity gains, and positive environmental impact in the process. clients, WasteX develop, implement and launch end-to-end solutions on their farms, and at their mills and factories.
Ac-Planta
Venture Round in 2022
Ac-Planta Inc. is a Japan-based agricultural biotechnology company founded in 2018. It specializes in researching, manufacturing, and selling acetic acid-based biostimulants and agrochemicals designed to enhance plant resilience against heat, drought, and salt damage. One of its key products, Skeepon, is formulated to improve the adaptability of plants in challenging environmental conditions, addressing issues related to climate change. Through the innovative application of epigenetic technology, Ac-Planta aims to enhance plant growth and quality, ultimately contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security while combating desertification. The company's efforts are focused on solving global food and environmental challenges through scientific advancements in plant health.
Sayurbox
Series C in 2022
Sayurbox is a web-based platform based in Bandung, Indonesia, that specializes in the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. Founded in 2016, it connects consumers directly with farmers, allowing them to purchase chemical-free and organic produce. The platform emphasizes healthy living by offering vegetables that are harvested and delivered on the same day, ensuring freshness and quality. By facilitating online orders, Sayurbox aims to make healthy eating more accessible to its users.
DAIZ
Series C in 2022
DAIZ Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Kumamoto, Japan, specializes in the production and supply of plant-based meat products, notably under the brand name 'Miracle Meat.' Utilizing a proprietary process known as the 'Ochiai Germination Method,' the company transforms germinated soybeans into functional food substances that serve as healthy, plant-based alternatives to traditional meat. In addition to its production activities, DAIZ is involved in research and development focused on raw materials and drug discovery derived from germinated soybeans, further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in the plant-based food sector.
DAIZ
Venture Round in 2021
DAIZ Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Kumamoto, Japan, specializes in the production and supply of plant-based meat products, notably under the brand name 'Miracle Meat.' Utilizing a proprietary process known as the 'Ochiai Germination Method,' the company transforms germinated soybeans into functional food substances that serve as healthy, plant-based alternatives to traditional meat. In addition to its production activities, DAIZ is involved in research and development focused on raw materials and drug discovery derived from germinated soybeans, further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in the plant-based food sector.
Sayurbox
Corporate Round in 2021
Sayurbox is a web-based platform based in Bandung, Indonesia, that specializes in the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. Founded in 2016, it connects consumers directly with farmers, allowing them to purchase chemical-free and organic produce. The platform emphasizes healthy living by offering vegetables that are harvested and delivered on the same day, ensuring freshness and quality. By facilitating online orders, Sayurbox aims to make healthy eating more accessible to its users.
DAIZ
Series B in 2021
DAIZ Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Kumamoto, Japan, specializes in the production and supply of plant-based meat products, notably under the brand name 'Miracle Meat.' Utilizing a proprietary process known as the 'Ochiai Germination Method,' the company transforms germinated soybeans into functional food substances that serve as healthy, plant-based alternatives to traditional meat. In addition to its production activities, DAIZ is involved in research and development focused on raw materials and drug discovery derived from germinated soybeans, further emphasizing its commitment to innovation in the plant-based food sector.
AGRIMEDIA
Venture Round in 2021
Agrimedia is a facilities provider focused on bridging the gap between urban residents and agriculture. The company specializes in field rental services that connect idle farmland in suburban areas with city dwellers, allowing them to engage with farming. By offering access to farms, Agrimedia aims to revitalize neglected land that is often left unmaintained due to an aging farmer population and a shortage of active farmers. In addition to farm rentals, Agrimedia also provides recruitment services for producers and corporate consulting, supporting the agricultural sector while promoting urban involvement in farming.
kikitori
Seed Round in 2021
Kikitori is engaged in the development and management of applications and web platforms focused on agricultural product distribution, specifically fruits and vegetables. The company has created technology that streamlines various aspects of agricultural operations, including marketing, store management, and the automation of invoicing and sales notifications. By providing these comprehensive solutions, Kikitori aims to help businesses reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency within the agricultural sector.
Agri Info Design
Venture Round in 2020
Agri Info Design, LTD. is an agricultural IT startup based in Obihiro, Japan, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing advanced navigation technologies for agricultural equipment, enhancing the efficiency of farming practices. Its product lineup includes several applications such as AgrIBus-NAVI, AgrIBus-Web, AgrIBus-GMInIR, AgrIBus-G2, and AgrIBus-Autosteer, which utilize GPS guidance to assist farmers in accurately applying fertilizers and pesticides. This technology helps ensure that materials are used efficiently, minimizing waste and reducing costs associated with agricultural inputs. In addition to its software solutions, Agri Info Design also manufactures and sells aftermarket agricultural equipment, supporting the modernization of agricultural production techniques.
Superflex
Series A in 2016
Superflex is a manufacturer specializing in the production of spiral reinforced hoses and conduit, catering to various industries including marine craft, aquatic agriculture, recreational vehicles, and industrial sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products designed for applications in water engineering, petrochemicals, chemicals, electric power, agricultural irrigation, and urban construction. Superflex focuses on meeting client specifications through customized solutions and continues to expand its research and development efforts to explore new applications and markets.
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