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 Retail

Lazuli

Series B in 2024
Lazuli is a software-as-a-service platform that assists companies in managing and transforming product data through the use of artificial intelligence. The platform facilitates the entire lifecycle of digital goods, from raw materials to finished products, by creating a comprehensive database that supports product search, planning, and market analysis. This functionality enables retailers and e-commerce businesses to explore cost-effective manufacturing strategies, thereby enhancing their productivity and operational efficiency.

MOV

Series B in 2024
Mov is a web design company that operates a store support business focused on helping companies manage their store information centrally. The company's platform offers market data related to stores and expertise in digital marketing, allowing clients to efficiently manage their store data. Mov's services include bulk management of store information and tools for visualizing and analyzing customer feedback, enabling businesses to enhance their customer outreach and improve overall store performance.

ATOMica

Series B in 2024
ATOMica Co. Ltd. is a company based in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in the planning, management, and expansion of co-working spaces and shared kitchen-cafe facilities. ATOMica provides versatile office space services that cater to various needs, including workspaces, conference rooms, event venues, and educational gatherings. By focusing on maximizing individual potential within collaborative environments, the company enables easy access to innovative spaces tailored to diverse requirements. Additionally, ATOMica offers event planning and management services to enhance the experience and functionality of its facilities.

Rutilea

Series C in 2023
Rutilea is an IT company focused on addressing social challenges through open-source solutions. It specializes in developing a zero-code task recognition system that enhances operational efficiency, quality, and safety across various industries. Utilizing multimodal artificial intelligence, Rutilea's system accurately identifies tasks in diverse environments, facilitating automation in factories and retail settings. This approach empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions and significantly improve productivity. By advancing the concept of "AI teaching AI," Rutilea aims to redefine automation and operational processes, contributing to a more efficient and effective work environment.

Rutilea

Series C in 2023
Rutilea is an IT company focused on addressing social challenges through open-source solutions. It specializes in developing a zero-code task recognition system that enhances operational efficiency, quality, and safety across various industries. Utilizing multimodal artificial intelligence, Rutilea's system accurately identifies tasks in diverse environments, facilitating automation in factories and retail settings. This approach empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions and significantly improve productivity. By advancing the concept of "AI teaching AI," Rutilea aims to redefine automation and operational processes, contributing to a more efficient and effective work environment.

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.

Bakool

Seed Round in 2022
Bakool is an online delivery platform that specializes in providing groceries and everyday essentials to customers. The service encompasses a wide range of products, including basic necessities, instant food, snacks, household items, cosmetics, personal care products, milk, processed foods, beverages, and items for children. By operating hyperlocal warehouses in less central locations, Bakool aims to ensure quick and reliable delivery, allowing customers to conveniently access their daily needs from the comfort of their homes.

Wahyoo Ventures

Series B in 2022
Wahyoo Group, founded in 2017 and based in Tangerang, Indonesia, operates as a digital platform aimed at supporting food and beverage small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It provides an integrated suite of services including electronic supplies, micro-financing, and partnerships with kitchens, collectively known as Wahyoo Kitchen Partners. The platform serves approximately 27,000 kitchens in the Jabodetabek area, facilitating the ordering of essential food raw materials, managing cash flow, and offering training and educational resources. By enabling culinary businesses to digitize their operations and improve marketing strategies, Wahyoo aims to enhance the overall efficiency and profitability of small food vendors.

Cowche

Series B in 2022
KAUCHE is a share-buying app that enables users to enjoy low-cost shopping by group-buying with share-buying companions such as friends and family. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. KAUCHE is committed in creating an exciting shopping experience for both customers and partners who want to sell products.

MOV

Series C in 2022
Mov is a web design company that operates a store support business focused on helping companies manage their store information centrally. The company's platform offers market data related to stores and expertise in digital marketing, allowing clients to efficiently manage their store data. Mov's services include bulk management of store information and tools for visualizing and analyzing customer feedback, enabling businesses to enhance their customer outreach and improve overall store performance.

iPrice Group

Corporate Round in 2022
iPrice Group operates as an online price comparison platform in Southeast Asia, aimed at enhancing the shopping experience by offering a wide selection of products and brands from numerous partners. The company allows consumers to compare prices, discover products, and secure the best deals from thousands of online retailers, catering to various categories including electronics, fashion, home improvements, and baby products. Founded with the goal of increasing transparency, convenience, and trust in the e-commerce market, iPrice has expanded its reach across seven markets, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines. Supported by investments from the Asia Venture Group, iPrice has developed expertise in technology, online marketing, and business operations, positioning itself as a key player in the region's online shopping landscape.

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.

Cowche

Seed Round in 2021
KAUCHE is a share-buying app that enables users to enjoy low-cost shopping by group-buying with share-buying companions such as friends and family. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. KAUCHE is committed in creating an exciting shopping experience for both customers and partners who want to sell products.

Touch To Go

Series B in 2021
Touch To Go specializes in addressing labor shortages and enhancing business potential through its innovative unmanned payment systems. The company focuses on the commercialization of unmanned artificial intelligence payment stores, which are designed to streamline retail operations and improve customer service. By utilizing data captured from cameras and sensors, Touch To Go's products analyze customer and product movements in real time. This technology not only helps to alleviate staffing challenges at retail locations but also supports the transformation of existing businesses by promoting more efficient work practices.

Divido

Series B in 2021
Divido is a global white label consumer lending platform that enables financial institutions and multinational retailers to enhance their sales and customer experience by offering financing options at the point of purchase. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in London, Divido's omnichannel platform facilitates transactions online, in-store, and via mobile, allowing consumers to spread the cost of significant purchases through installments. The platform integrates seamlessly with multiple lenders, making it accessible across various countries with a single integration. With over 1,000 partners, including notable brands such as BMW and Lenovo, Divido aims to create new revenue streams for merchants and lenders by providing instant credit options to both consumers and corporate clients. The company has expanded its operations to nine countries, reflecting its growth and commitment to improving the retail finance landscape.

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.

Sixty Percent

Venture Round in 2021
Sixty Percent is an online platform featuring a diverse selection of tops, jackets, pants, outerwear, bags, and shoes for men and women.

Pan For You

Seed Round in 2021
Pan For You Inc. is a bakery and frozen bread delivery company based in Kiryu, Japan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in delivering a variety of delicious breads from around the world using a unique freezing technology. By sourcing products from local bakeries, Pan For You ensures that its offerings are free from extra additives, allowing consumers to enjoy freshly baked bread at their convenience. The company's service caters to both individuals and offices, promoting a lifestyle where quality bakery items are readily accessible.

Cowche

Seed Round in 2020
KAUCHE is a share-buying app that enables users to enjoy low-cost shopping by group-buying with share-buying companions such as friends and family. They provide services for online and mail-order retail shops. KAUCHE is committed in creating an exciting shopping experience for both customers and partners who want to sell products.

REGALI

Seed Round in 2020
REGALI, Inc. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2017, that operates the social network and fashion e-commerce application "PARTE." This platform allows users to share shoppable photos of outfits and items, which are directly linked to various e-commerce stores. REGALI aims to enhance the retail experience by leveraging technology to create more engaging and personalized shopping interactions. Its platform includes features such as video marketing, live chat, and personalized recommendations, all designed to improve customer experience and foster a sustainable retail environment.

Vue.ai

Series B in 2019
Vue.ai is an AI-powered experience management suite that combines the power of product, customer, and business intelligence using computer vision. By using image recognition and data science, they help retailers generate product, and customer intelligence, and combine these with market insights, to power growth. They help retailers move up the digital maturity curve with unified AI solutions that are flexible and scalable.

Mad Street Den

Series B in 2019
Mad Street Den Inc. is a computer vision and artificial intelligence company founded in 2016, with its headquarters in Fremont, California, and additional offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, India, and Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in developing MADstack, a cloud-based platform that offers a range of AI and computer vision modules, including features like object recognition, gaze tracking, emotion-expression detection, and 3D facial reconstruction. Its primary focus is on serving the retail industry, providing comprehensive solutions that enhance customer engagement across various channels, including online fashion, mobile gaming, and social media. Mad Street Den aims to build models of generalizable intelligence that can be applied meaningfully across different sectors, facilitating automation and operational improvements for its clients.

Mad Street Den

Series A in 2018
Mad Street Den Inc. is a computer vision and artificial intelligence company founded in 2016, with its headquarters in Fremont, California, and additional offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, India, and Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in developing MADstack, a cloud-based platform that offers a range of AI and computer vision modules, including features like object recognition, gaze tracking, emotion-expression detection, and 3D facial reconstruction. Its primary focus is on serving the retail industry, providing comprehensive solutions that enhance customer engagement across various channels, including online fashion, mobile gaming, and social media. Mad Street Den aims to build models of generalizable intelligence that can be applied meaningfully across different sectors, facilitating automation and operational improvements for its clients.

Giftee

Venture Round in 2018
Giftee, established in 2010 and based in Japan, specializes in digital retail solutions that facilitate the creation and distribution of electronic gifts (eGifts) for both businesses and consumers. The company operates an online platform that allows users to send eGifts via email or messaging services like LINE, expressing sentiments such as gratitude and congratulations. With a focus on fostering connections and enhancing relationships, Giftee collaborates with various brands to develop eVouchers for marketing initiatives, employee engagement, and customer reward programs. The company's commitment to connecting individuals and organizations transcends geographical boundaries, positioning it as a leader in the digital retail sector. Additionally, Giftee has expanded its expertise into Southeast Asia, further enhancing its global reach.

Channel Talk

Series B in 2017
Channel Talk is an AI messenger that is focused on helping DTC companies provide VIP-level customer service. We raised $40 million USD in our Series C, and are one of the fastest-growing B2B SaaS startups, currently servicing more than 150,000 brands across the world. At Channel Talk, we believe that a good product nurtures growth in a business and that simple conversations with customers can become the driving force for success. We help you stand out by utilizing AI to resolve repetitive inquiries so you have time to build genuine relationships through our powerful CRM and provide excellent support to your customers.

YouAppi

Series B in 2016
YouAppi Inc. specializes in mobile advertising technology aimed at acquiring and retaining mobile customers. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company offers a range of solutions including OneRun, a platform that incorporates video advertisements into user acquisition campaigns, and ReAppi, a managed programmatic retargeting service that enhances app retention for marketers and app developers. Additionally, YouAppi provides a Re-Engagement solution that facilitates real-time bidding and enables multiple interactions between brands and users. Its Software Development Kit extends the OneRun platform to support rewarded videos and video interstitials for publishers and app developers. The company operates not only in the United States but also has a presence in China and several countries across Asia, Europe, and beyond, helping clients effectively grow app revenue through targeted advertising strategies.

Foodison

Venture Round in 2015
Foodison, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2013 that operates a platform called UOPOCHI, enabling customers to order fish and related food products from various listed restaurants. The company also runs a fresh fish specialty store named Sakana bacca, which offers marine products sourced from diverse origins. Additionally, Foodison provides a wholesale service, Fish Poti, catering to restaurants. Through its innovative use of technology, the company is focused on enhancing the distribution of fresh groceries within the fishery sector.

Giftee

Venture Round in 2015
Giftee, established in 2010 and based in Japan, specializes in digital retail solutions that facilitate the creation and distribution of electronic gifts (eGifts) for both businesses and consumers. The company operates an online platform that allows users to send eGifts via email or messaging services like LINE, expressing sentiments such as gratitude and congratulations. With a focus on fostering connections and enhancing relationships, Giftee collaborates with various brands to develop eVouchers for marketing initiatives, employee engagement, and customer reward programs. The company's commitment to connecting individuals and organizations transcends geographical boundaries, positioning it as a leader in the digital retail sector. Additionally, Giftee has expanded its expertise into Southeast Asia, further enhancing its global reach.

QUEUE Japan

Seed Round in 2015
QUEUE is a sales of diamond jewelry,bridal business and Operation of original EC site & real showroom and brilliance is responsible for the main planning, quality control of all products, and web production and management.

Luxola

Venture Round in 2014
Luxola, established in Singapore in 2011, operates as an online beauty retailer catering to customers in Southeast Asia, as well as Australia, India, and the UAE. The platform offers an extensive selection of over 4,000 authentic beauty products from more than 250 brands, including exclusive offerings from over 65 brands across various markets. Luxola emphasizes customer education by providing 'how-to' advice and a review platform, allowing users to share insights based on their skin types and tones. The company also maintains engagement with its audience through LX Edit, a weekly digital lifestyle magazine that offers inspiration and the latest trends in makeup, skincare, hair, and celebrity fashion. With a commitment to outstanding customer service, Luxola has established itself as a premier destination for beauty enthusiasts.

LUXA

Series A in 2013
Luxa is a Japanese group coupon buying site. Luxa is similar to daily-deals site Groupon, but it positions itself towards the higher-income demographic by listing only premium items such as branded cosmetics and alcohol, and up-market restaurants. It says it has around 350,000 members in Japan. Swimmy Minami Profile PhotoIts headquarters is in Tokyo, and it just opened offices in Nagoya and Fukuoka, to add to its second office in Osaka, which it opened last year.

Apparel-Web

Venture Round in 2013
Apparel-Web provides IT support and marketing support for the apparel and fashion industry. Its services include web marketing and access analysis, web production, web promotion, and Chosa. The company is driven by a mission to innovate the Japanese fashion industry, focusing on WEB marketing specializing in the apparel and fashion industry.

Apparel-Web

Venture Round in 2013
Apparel-Web provides IT support and marketing support for the apparel and fashion industry. Its services include web marketing and access analysis, web production, web promotion, and Chosa. The company is driven by a mission to innovate the Japanese fashion industry, focusing on WEB marketing specializing in the apparel and fashion industry.

Monoco

Venture Round in 2013
Monoco Inc., formerly known as FlutterScape, is an e-commerce company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in cross-border social commerce. Founded in 2010, the company provides a platform that allows users to share product discoveries while facilitating the buying and selling of items through secure international payment and logistics systems. Monoco's platform distinguishes itself from traditional marketplaces by fostering a casual, collaborative environment where sellers can narrate their product experiences, and buyers can explore unique offerings, particularly from Japan. The platform features a diverse range of products, including fashion items, gadgets, home decor, and jewelry for both men and women, catering to a global audience.

Giftee

Seed Round in 2012
Giftee, established in 2010 and based in Japan, specializes in digital retail solutions that facilitate the creation and distribution of electronic gifts (eGifts) for both businesses and consumers. The company operates an online platform that allows users to send eGifts via email or messaging services like LINE, expressing sentiments such as gratitude and congratulations. With a focus on fostering connections and enhancing relationships, Giftee collaborates with various brands to develop eVouchers for marketing initiatives, employee engagement, and customer reward programs. The company's commitment to connecting individuals and organizations transcends geographical boundaries, positioning it as a leader in the digital retail sector. Additionally, Giftee has expanded its expertise into Southeast Asia, further enhancing its global reach.

RETAILIGENCE

Series A in 2011
Retailigence Corporation operates an online-to-offline marketing platform that enhances in-store product sales through innovative technology. The company offers a software-as-a-service (SAAS) solution that utilizes machine learning for various applications, including store clustering, assortment optimization, in-store monitoring, and customer segmentation. Its adPOP Engine provides a seamless application programming interface that integrates data into programmatic advertising, enabling location-based user experiences across mobile and digital advertising channels. Additionally, Retailigence delivers a mobile application that displays local store-level product availability and serves as a central data distribution point for retailers, brands, and marketing solutions. The company caters to various clients, including advertising solutions providers, application developers, agencies, and brick-and-mortar stores in the United States. Founded in 2009 and based in Redwood City, California, Retailigence operates as a subsidiary of ShopAdvisor, Inc. after a strategic partnership with Gimbal, Inc.

RETAILIGENCE

Seed Round in 2010
Retailigence Corporation operates an online-to-offline marketing platform that enhances in-store product sales through innovative technology. The company offers a software-as-a-service (SAAS) solution that utilizes machine learning for various applications, including store clustering, assortment optimization, in-store monitoring, and customer segmentation. Its adPOP Engine provides a seamless application programming interface that integrates data into programmatic advertising, enabling location-based user experiences across mobile and digital advertising channels. Additionally, Retailigence delivers a mobile application that displays local store-level product availability and serves as a central data distribution point for retailers, brands, and marketing solutions. The company caters to various clients, including advertising solutions providers, application developers, agencies, and brick-and-mortar stores in the United States. Founded in 2009 and based in Redwood City, California, Retailigence operates as a subsidiary of ShopAdvisor, Inc. after a strategic partnership with Gimbal, Inc.

eSPORTS Japan

Seed Round in 2008
ESPORTS is a comprehensive shopping site for sports, outdoor, health products and health foods.

ArkCore

Series A in 2004
ArkCore is a company that specializes in the purchase and sale of motorcycles and related products in Japan. It operates both physical stores and an online platform, offering a range of motorcycles and associated goods necessary for sporting activities. The company markets its products under the brand names Bike Land and Bike Land Direct Sales Center. Through these outlets, ArkCore aims to serve motorcycle enthusiasts by providing a diverse selection of bikes and related items.

Noah Corporation

Seed Round in 2003
Noah is a producer of LED lights. They provide products that include nec lighting, hitachi appliances, ushio lighting, endo lighting, koizumi lighting, taiko electri, orderic, seiwa electric, lumia, and maton. They offer products that are available for shopping online.
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