Global Brain

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.

Kaori Akiba

Director

Hidetaka Aoki

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 GreenTech

Vizcab

Series A in 2024
Vizcab, based in Lyon, France, specializes in developing software solutions aimed at addressing low-carbon challenges in the building sector. The company offers a data-driven platform that allows designers and builders to import 3D models from digital mock-ups, create a comprehensive database of architectural and technical alternatives, and explore various design options through data visualization techniques. This platform is designed to facilitate creativity and collaboration around shared energy and carbon objectives. In addition to its software offerings, Vizcab provides consultancy services and conducts research projects for leading industrialists and designers in the construction industry, focusing on environmental assessment, energy efficiency, and the application of big data in building design.

CleanFiber

Venture Round in 2024
CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

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.

Trove

Series E in 2023
Trove is a leading company in the branded resale and trade-in industry, primarily based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company provides a sophisticated platform that enables brands to efficiently launch, manage, and scale their resale programs, capturing over 75% of the U.S. branded resale market. Trove's platform offers advanced tools for in-store and digital trade-ins, returns processing, and inventory management, which empower brands to connect with diverse customer demographics and optimize their resale strategies through comprehensive analytics. Trove collaborates with notable brands, including Canada Goose, Michael Kors, and Patagonia, enhancing their ability to manage non-new inventory and enabling peer-to-peer sales. As a Certified B Corporation, Trove emphasizes sustainability in retail, aiming to combine commerce with environmental responsibility and drive the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Elephantech

Series D in 2023
Elephantech Inc., founded in January 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacturing of electronic circuits with a focus on sustainability. The company utilizes innovative metal inkjet printing technology to produce flexible printed circuit boards, employing silver nano ink and electroless copper plating. This advanced manufacturing process allows Elephantech to offer clients cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, the company develops application products using flexible substrates, further enhancing its commitment to sustainable practices in the electric industry.

Connect Earth

Seed Round in 2023
Connect Earth, founded in 2021 and based in London, is an environmental data company focused on providing accessible sustainability information. The company has developed a carbon tracking API that enables users to understand the environmental impact of their purchases, offering detailed insights into carbon emissions and facilitating the calculation of carbon footprints. By partnering with financial institutions, Connect Earth empowers consumers to make informed, sustainable choices in their daily spending and promotes transparency regarding the climate effects of financial activities. The company's mission is to bridge the gap between environmental intent and actionable knowledge, thereby driving sustainable finance and helping both individuals and businesses reduce their carbon emissions.

Regent

Venture Round in 2023
Regent is a maritime mobility company focused on developing electric flying machines for coastal transportation. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing seagliders, which are wing-in-ground-effect crafts that operate a few meters above the water's surface. These innovative vehicles combine the high speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat, enabling them to travel at speeds of up to 180 mph (290 km/h) over suitable ranges for regional trips. Regent's seagliders aim to replace traditional ferries and short-haul aircraft on coastal routes, providing fast, safe, and cost-effective transportation solutions that connect coastal cities and islands. By revolutionizing regional transportation, Regent seeks to enhance connectivity among coastal communities while promoting sustainable travel options.

nearMe

Series B in 2023
NearMe Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in a mobile application designed for taxi ride-sharing services. Founded in 2017, the application facilitates instant matching of individuals traveling in the same direction, addressing inefficiencies in transportation and commuting. By enabling users to share taxi rides in real time, NearMe aims to improve the commuting experience and promote a more sustainable community. The platform addresses social inefficiencies by connecting users with similar travel interests, ultimately contributing to a more comfortable and efficient commuting solution.

CleanFiber

Series B in 2023
CleanFiber, LLC specializes in producing high-performance cellulose insulation materials made from recycled corrugated cardboard for residential and commercial construction. Founded in 2013 and based in Blasdell, New York, with an additional office in Buffalo, CleanFiber transitioned from its previous name, UltraCell Insulation, in September 2018. The company focuses on providing sustainable, carbon-negative insulation solutions that can be applied in attics, walls, and floors, catering to both new construction and retrofit projects. CleanFiber's products not only enhance fire resistance in buildings but also offer a cost-competitive alternative for construction companies, supporting environmentally friendly building practices. The company is currently expanding its production capabilities to meet growing demand.

Yanekara

Venture Round in 2022
Yanekara specializes in developing and selling a V2X platform focused on smart grid technology and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The company offers innovative energy management services that transform electric vehicles into virtual storage batteries, allowing them to store and manage energy efficiently. By integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, with their charging systems, Yanekara enables users to optimize power storage and achieve carbon neutrality. Their solutions not only enhance the functionality of electric vehicles but also contribute to sustainable energy management and the advancement of clean energy initiatives.

AmicaTerra

Series C in 2022
AmicaTerra is a supplier of biomass products and services.

Clean Energy Connect

Series A in 2022
Clean Energy Connect is into offering green energy solutions. It invests in its own generation capacity for a stable electricity supply by not harming nature.

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.

Girasol Energy

Seed Round in 2021
Girasol Energy Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development and installation of an Internet of Things (IoT) platform tailored for photovoltaic plants. The company's innovative technology utilizes solar radiation statistics derived from satellite data, making it applicable across Japan. Girasol Energy's platform features a cloud engine that collects data from sensor networks, allowing for detailed analysis at the individual panel level. By employing an artificial intelligence engine, it automatically identifies abnormalities and degradation in photovoltaic panels. This capability enables businesses to monitor their solar panel modules remotely, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional consulting services in the industry.

Pale Blue

Series A in 2021
Pale Blue Inc. is a technology company based in Kashiwa, Japan, that specializes in manufacturing water propulsion systems for microsatellites. Founded in 2020, the company designs innovative thrusters, including water resistojet thrusters, water ion thrusters, and hybrid thrusters. These water-based propulsion devices provide a sustainable alternative to traditional, harmful compounds like hydrazine, allowing for enhanced maneuverability of small satellites even after they have been deployed into orbit. Pale Blue aims to support sustainable space development and improve satellite mobility infrastructure in the aerospace industry.

Girasol Energy

Series A in 2021
Girasol Energy Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the development and installation of an Internet of Things (IoT) platform tailored for photovoltaic plants. The company's innovative technology utilizes solar radiation statistics derived from satellite data, making it applicable across Japan. Girasol Energy's platform features a cloud engine that collects data from sensor networks, allowing for detailed analysis at the individual panel level. By employing an artificial intelligence engine, it automatically identifies abnormalities and degradation in photovoltaic panels. This capability enables businesses to monitor their solar panel modules remotely, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional consulting services in the industry.

Lime

Series C in 2019
Lime is a transportation company that focuses on providing sustainable solutions for urban mobility by offering electric scooters and bike-sharing services. The company partners with cities to deploy a fleet of electric bikes and scooters equipped with GPS and self-activating locks, which allows users to access affordable and reliable transportation options. Lime aims to address the first- and last-mile transportation challenges, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives that help reduce carbon footprints. By encouraging a shift in transportation behavior, Lime seeks to empower future generations to contribute to a more sustainable planet.

NBT

Series D in 2015
NBT specializes in the development of wind farms in the field of renewable energy in emerging markets.

Realglobe

Venture Round in 2011
Real Globe is a company that makes use of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and Robotics. Real Globe has set a mission of "Freedom, just the right world" and aims to realize a sustainable society with local production and consumption by appropriate production and consumption by making the whole world WebAPI. I am.

Realglobe

Seed Round in 2011
Real Globe is a company that makes use of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and Robotics. Real Globe has set a mission of "Freedom, just the right world" and aims to realize a sustainable society with local production and consumption by appropriate production and consumption by making the whole world WebAPI. I am.

SUN METALON

SUN METALON specializes in innovative technology aimed at decarbonizing metal manufacturing through processes such as recycling, refining, and forming. The company also manufactures three-dimensional printers designed for local production of metal parts, allowing for on-site fabrication. This approach enables clients to efficiently create metal products in various environments while reducing costs. By combining advanced manufacturing techniques with a focus on sustainability, SUN METALON aims to transform the metal industry and promote more environmentally friendly practices.
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