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 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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