Global Brain

Global Brain Corporation, established in 1998, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in technology-focused startups globally, from seed to pre-IPO stages. With a track record of 300+ investments, 25 IPOs, and 61 M&As, the firm provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies. Global Brain manages both independent and corporate venture capital funds, partnering with tier 1 public companies across various industries.

Kaori Akiba

Director

Hidetaka Aoki

Investment Group Partner and Fellow Chief of Space Lab

Tatsunori Arai

Director, Investment Group

Megumi Asatsuma

Director

Anjani Bansal

Partner, India Office Representative

Brooke Beers

Partner

Takuji Chida

Director, Investment Groups

Hogil Doh

General Partner, Investment Group

Thomas Duong

Principal

Brian Flucht

Partner and Head, US Division

Hajime Furuya

Venture Partner

Harue Hayashi

Partner / Vice Chief Fund Management Officer

Kenji Hayashi

Principal

Shohei Hayashi

Partner, Investment Group

Jie He

Director China office Representative

Yosuke Hirai

Director

Joopyo Hong

Partner Investment Group

Naoki Horie

Principal

Jang Hyeokjin

Principal, Investment Group

Shohei Ichimiya

Partner, US Office

Sho Ikeda

Partner, Indonesia Office Representative

Nozomu Ikuta

Principal

Kotona Inaida

Director

Tomoaki Ishikure

Investment Group Partner

Yuki Ito

Director

Yoshinari Ito

Venture Partner

Hiroyuki Izumi

Partner

Ken Kajii

General Partner, Investment Group

Daisuke Kashiro

Partner, Investment Group

Takashi Kato

Partner, San Francisco Office Representative

Kirin Kato

Principal

Masaya Kawakami

Principal, Investment Group

Hiroyuki Kawamoto

Principal

Ko Kawaragi

Director

Maiko Kayata

Principal

ByeongJin Kim

Principal

Riichiro Kimura

Director, Investment Group

Issei Kokubu

Principal, Investment Group

Yoshiomi Kubota

Principal

Jinya Kurita

Director, Investment Group

KyungHun Lee

Partner, South Korea Office Representative

YingQi Liang(Joy)

Principal

Chukaku Lin

Director

Atsushi Matsuda

Venture Partner

Akira Matsumoto

Principal

Yuki Matsuo

Director

Natsumi Matsuoka

Principal

Tomoko Minagawa

Director, Investment Group

Ai Minamizaki

Principal, Investment Group

Shigeru Mitarai

Director

Shuhei Mori

Principal

Seiichiro Mukai

Director

Satoko Murata

Principal, Investment Group

Kohtaro Nagawa

Director, Investment Group

Tasuke Nakagawa

Partner, M&A

Mitsutaka Nakao Ph.D

Principal, Investment Group

Shien Nakayama

Director

Yuya Namiki

Director

Ying Jian Ng

Director, Investment Group

Daisuke Nishida

General Partner

Yukari Nishiyama

Director, Investment Group

Akiko Noguchi

Director

Rina Obi

Investment Group Director, Berlin Office

Sho Ohtani

Principal, Investment Group

Tetsui Okada

Director, Investments Group

Mayu Okamoto

Director

Akane Okuyama

Director

Shingo Otaki

Partner, Investment Group

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

Hiroshi Shimazu

Managing Director

Masamune Shin

General Partner

Ayu Shinoyama

CFO

Chisa Shinsakaue

Director

Divyansh Singh

Principal

Hiroto Sorita

Director, Investment Group

Sachiko Sugiura

Director

Yusuke Suzuki

Partner

Kazumo Tachibana

Director

Mana Takabayashi

Director, Investment Group

Hiroki Takai

Director, Investment Group London Office

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, Investment Groups

Kazunor Yamaguchi

Partner

Kazunori Yamaguchi

Partner, Investment Group

Ryozo Yamamoto

Partner, Investment Group

Michiko Yamazaki MD

Principal, Investment Group

Isao Yasuda

Senior Partner

Takuro Yoda

Principal, Investment Group

Sayaka Yoshino

Director

Miku Yoshio

Partner, Investment Group

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founder, Owner, CEO and General Partner

Miyazawa Yusuke

Venture Partner

Lusheng Zou

Director, Investment Group

Takuya Hosomura

Partner

Past deals in Robotics

RLWRLD

Seed Round in 2025
RLWRLD is a robotics company that develops "Physical AI" solutions. It creates robotics foundation models (RFMs) which enable robots to operate autonomously in real-world environments. These models combine large language models with traditional robotics software, allowing robots to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and manipulate objects, much like humans do.

Aeronext

Series B in 2024
Aeronext Inc. is a Japanese startup focused on the research and development of drone technology. The company specializes in center of gravity control technology, which enhances the performance of drone aircraft by optimizing their stability and maneuverability based on flight attitude and movement. This innovation enables safer and more efficient use of drones for various industrial applications. In addition to technological development, Aeronext engages in sales and promotional activities to support the adoption of its advanced drone solutions.

Turing

Seed Round in 2024
Turing develops and manufactures fully autonomous vehicles.

Pixie Dust Technologies

Post in 2023
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. It specializes in the development of advanced computational technologies, particularly in phased array and digital fabrication. The company’s notable product is its ultrasonic phased array system, which enables the generation of force in mid-air, allowing for unique applications such as transporting objects without physical contact, delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd, and directing guide dogs. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates innovative devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care device utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. Other products include Vuevo, a service that visualizes conversations among multiple participants, and kikippa, a device designed for gamma wave sound therapy. Through its diverse offerings, the company aims to integrate technology seamlessly into everyday life, enhancing communication and interaction.

Telexistence

Series B in 2023
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

GITAI

Series B in 2023
GITAI Inc. is a Tokyo-based manufacturer of humanoid telepresence robots designed for space exploration and development. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide safe and cost-effective robotic solutions for tasks on space stations and lunar bases. GITAI's product lineup includes the G1 general-purpose robot, which automates various tasks in space environments, the S1 robot, specialized for specific tasks and on-orbit servicing, and the H1 manipulation system that allows for teleoperation of robots in space. By offering these advanced robotic systems, GITAI seeks to alleviate the workload on human astronauts, enhance efficiency, and significantly reduce the costs associated with space operations.

New Innovations

Series A in 2023
New Innovations Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in designing and developing AI-based robots for cafes. Their flagship product, √C, is an unmanned cafe robot equipped with demand forecast capabilities. This robot aims to provide coffee tailored to customers' taste preferences, busyness, physical condition, and mood, reducing waiting times and enabling more efficient operations for cafes. The company has secured funding from investors such as Zashid Capital and DEEPCORE, totaling 70 million yen in July 2019. New Innovations is currently collaborating with Nankai Electric Railway to install √C at Namba Station/Namba Skyo for demonstration experiments starting August 1, 2019.

Toggle

Series A in 2023
Toggle is a United States-based company that specializes in robotics as a service (RaaS) for the construction industry. It focuses on automating the assembly of rebar cages for reinforced concrete applications, enhancing efficiency and precision in construction processes. Toggle's offerings include two-arm robotic platforms and proprietary jig designs capable of constructing various shapes directly from computer blueprints. In addition to its core services, the company also provides pre-assembly solutions, contributing to the advancement of robotics and automation in the construction sector.

Aeronext

Series A in 2022
Aeronext Inc. is a Japanese startup focused on the research and development of drone technology. The company specializes in center of gravity control technology, which enhances the performance of drone aircraft by optimizing their stability and maneuverability based on flight attitude and movement. This innovation enables safer and more efficient use of drones for various industrial applications. In addition to technological development, Aeronext engages in sales and promotional activities to support the adoption of its advanced drone solutions.

Turing

Seed Round in 2022
Turing develops and manufactures fully autonomous vehicles.

SLAMcore

Series A in 2022
SLAMcore Limited is a London-based company specializing in advanced simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solutions tailored for augmented reality, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2016, SLAMcore develops software that enables devices with outward-looking sensors to accurately localize, navigate, and comprehend unfamiliar environments. Their offerings include Visual SLAM, sensor fusion techniques, and Event Camera SLAM, which facilitates incremental tracking and mapping from event camera data. By leveraging spatial artificial intelligence, the company fuses information from various sensors to create a cohesive understanding of surroundings, optimizing performance while reducing energy consumption. Through its software development kit (SDK), SLAMcore supports rapid prototyping and customization for commercial applications in industrial and consumer robotics, positioning its technology as a critical component in advancing the integration of robotic solutions into daily life.

RightHand Robotics

Series C in 2022
RightHand Robotics, Inc. is a manufacturer of robotic order-picking systems that streamline supply chain logistics for various industries, including e-commerce, food handling, and flexible manufacturing. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company specializes in robotic solutions that automatically grasp a wide variety of items from bins and cases. Its flagship products include the ReFlex SF, which features a 3D-printed palm equipped with servos and compliant fingers, and the ReFlex TakkTile, a tactile sensor designed to enhance the robots' ability to handle items gently and correct errors. RightHand Robotics focuses on providing end-to-end solutions that simplify integration and adaptation to diverse customer workflows, ultimately reducing the costs associated with order fulfillment across sectors such as electronics, apparel, grocery, and pharmaceuticals.

Telexistence

Series A in 2021
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

GITAI

Series B in 2021
GITAI Inc. is a Tokyo-based manufacturer of humanoid telepresence robots designed for space exploration and development. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide safe and cost-effective robotic solutions for tasks on space stations and lunar bases. GITAI's product lineup includes the G1 general-purpose robot, which automates various tasks in space environments, the S1 robot, specialized for specific tasks and on-orbit servicing, and the H1 manipulation system that allows for teleoperation of robots in space. By offering these advanced robotic systems, GITAI seeks to alleviate the workload on human astronauts, enhance efficiency, and significantly reduce the costs associated with space operations.

Swift Navigation

Series C in 2021
Swift Navigation, Inc. is a technology company specializing in high-precision global positioning system (GPS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) solutions. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional location in Melbourne, Australia, the company aims to make accurate positioning technology more accessible and affordable. Swift Navigation offers a range of products, including the Piksi Multi GNSS Module and the ruggedized Duro Receiver, both providing centimeter-level accuracy through real-time kinematics (RTK) technology. Their offerings also include the Skylark cloud corrections service and the Starling GNSS positioning engine, which cater to various sectors such as automotive, agriculture, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company is recognized for defining a new category of low-cost, high-accuracy GNSS systems, delivering significantly better performance than conventional GPS systems. Swift Navigation's innovative solutions have been acknowledged by prestigious lists, reflecting its role in transforming industries through automation and enhanced navigation capabilities.

Pixie Dust Technologies

Series A in 2019
Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. It specializes in the development of advanced computational technologies, particularly in phased array and digital fabrication. The company’s notable product is its ultrasonic phased array system, which enables the generation of force in mid-air, allowing for unique applications such as transporting objects without physical contact, delivering targeted sounds to individuals in a crowd, and directing guide dogs. Additionally, Pixie Dust Technologies creates innovative devices like Sound Hug, which combines music with light and vibration, and Sonorepro, a hair care device utilizing non-contact oscillating pressure stimulation. Other products include Vuevo, a service that visualizes conversations among multiple participants, and kikippa, a device designed for gamma wave sound therapy. Through its diverse offerings, the company aims to integrate technology seamlessly into everyday life, enhancing communication and interaction.

Araya

Series B in 2019
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions, founded in 2013. The company develops advanced deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing, enabling the identification of humans, objects, and various states from images and sensors. Araya's innovative deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of these algorithms, allowing them to operate with reduced complexity while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the company focuses on deep reinforcement learning, which empowers drones and robots to navigate autonomously. By advancing AI capabilities, Araya aims to contribute to the evolution of artificial consciousness in future AI systems.

Connected Robotics

Series A in 2019
Connected Robotics Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic arms for enterprises. Their flagship product, OctoChef, is a cooking robot designed to address labor shortages in the restaurant industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, image processing, and robot control technologies, OctoChef aims to enhance efficiency and worker satisfaction by automating kitchen tasks. The company serves a variety of clients, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, stations, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events, providing fun and healthy meal options while contributing to societal improvements.

Araya

Series C in 2019
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions, founded in 2013. The company develops advanced deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing, enabling the identification of humans, objects, and various states from images and sensors. Araya's innovative deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of these algorithms, allowing them to operate with reduced complexity while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the company focuses on deep reinforcement learning, which empowers drones and robots to navigate autonomously. By advancing AI capabilities, Araya aims to contribute to the evolution of artificial consciousness in future AI systems.

LinkWiz

Series B in 2019
LinkWiz, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Hamamatsu-shi, Japan, specializes in developing and selling software for intelligent robot systems. The company's primary products include L-ROBOT, a control solution for robots performing tasks such as welding and coating, and L-QUALIFY, an inspection software for production lines. These solutions have been adopted by major companies, including auto manufacturers. Additionally, LinkWiz offers technical consulting services to support its clients in implementing these advanced robotics technologies.

Telexistence

Series A in 2018
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

StradVision

Series A in 2018
StradVision, established in 2014, specializes in developing perception algorithms for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. Headquartered in San Jose, USA, with R&D centers globally including South Korea, the company offers SVNet External for external object detection and SVNet Internal for occupant monitoring. Its Auto Labeling Tool automates object annotation for training data generation. StradVision's machine learning algorithms have achieved top performance in global tech evaluations, running smoothly on embedded devices. With over 60 issued patents and extensive industry backing, the company aims to democratize self-driving technology through safe, accurate real-world perception capabilities.

exiii

Seed Round in 2018
Exiii Inc., established in Tokyo on October 29, 2014, specializes in developing advanced prosthetic hands with functional capabilities. The company's flagship product is EXOS, a wearable haptic device designed for extended reality (XR) applications. Exiii's innovative technology simulates pivotal and radicular flexion to provide realistic touch sensations, enhancing virtual reality experiences by incorporating tactile feedback for users.

Seismic

Series A in 2017
Seismic, established in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, specializes in the production and development of custom garments equipped with built-in flexible electric motors. These garments, known as Powered Clothing, are designed to assist wearers in everyday tasks by providing intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints. Seismic's team comprises experts in textiles, industrial design, robotics, biomechanics, and data science, working together to create lightweight, connected apparel that can be comfortably worn under any outfit. The company's technology was initially developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program aimed at reducing injury risk and enhancing soldier endurance. Seismic spun out of SRI to explore the technology's potential for consumer applications, initially focusing on the aging market due to its size and need.

Araya

Series A in 2017
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions, founded in 2013. The company develops advanced deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing, enabling the identification of humans, objects, and various states from images and sensors. Araya's innovative deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of these algorithms, allowing them to operate with reduced complexity while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the company focuses on deep reinforcement learning, which empowers drones and robots to navigate autonomously. By advancing AI capabilities, Araya aims to contribute to the evolution of artificial consciousness in future AI systems.

Telexistence

Seed Round in 2017
Telexistence is a company focused on advancing robotics technology with a systematic approach aimed at creating scalable solutions. It specializes in the development of online remote control robotics that facilitate the transmission and analysis of visual, auditory, and tactile information. This technology allows users to interact and act in remote environments, thereby enhancing human presence in various contexts. By innovating in the field of robotics, Telexistence aims to provide new and effective ways for individuals to engage with the world remotely, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotic applications.

Seismic

Series A in 2017
Seismic, established in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, specializes in the production and development of custom garments equipped with built-in flexible electric motors. These garments, known as Powered Clothing, are designed to assist wearers in everyday tasks by providing intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints. Seismic's team comprises experts in textiles, industrial design, robotics, biomechanics, and data science, working together to create lightweight, connected apparel that can be comfortably worn under any outfit. The company's technology was initially developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program aimed at reducing injury risk and enhancing soldier endurance. Seismic spun out of SRI to explore the technology's potential for consumer applications, initially focusing on the aging market due to its size and need.

LifeRobotics

Series B in 2016
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

Araya

Venture Round in 2016
Araya Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions, founded in 2013. The company develops advanced deep learning algorithms that facilitate real-time image recognition and processing, enabling the identification of humans, objects, and various states from images and sensors. Araya's innovative deep learning compression technology enhances the efficiency of these algorithms, allowing them to operate with reduced complexity while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the company focuses on deep reinforcement learning, which empowers drones and robots to navigate autonomously. By advancing AI capabilities, Araya aims to contribute to the evolution of artificial consciousness in future AI systems.

LifeRobotics

Series A in 2016
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

LifeRobotics

Series A in 2015
Through us it is, provides the development of co-robot to help people, People will contribute to the creation of new value.

Jibo

Series A in 2015
Jibo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of social robots designed to enhance human interaction. Known for its flagship product, Jibo, the company aims to create a companion that can engage with users through natural language understanding, speech recognition, and facial recognition. Jibo is designed to assist users in their daily tasks, learn their preferences, and remind them of important events. The robot can communicate and express emotions, fostering a sense of connection with its users. Jibo, Inc. offers its solutions across various demographics, including adults, seniors, and children, and operates in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and South America. The company was founded in 2012 and officially launched its product to the public in 2017 after extensive development.

RealGlobe

Venture Round in 2011
RealGlobe, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2008. It specializes in developing Platform-as-a-Service solutions and Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service offerings that automate various operational tasks, including source building, system testing, and delivery. RealGlobe's services extend to educational solutions and emergency medical and disaster response technologies, incorporating drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, the company employs advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Notably, RealGlobe also operates a graphical mapping platform that enhances information sharing between local governments and residents by creating high-fidelity digital twins of real-world environments, which are useful for sectors like construction, engineering, and facilities management.

RealGlobe

Seed Round in 2011
RealGlobe, Inc. is a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2008. It specializes in developing Platform-as-a-Service solutions and Continuous Delivery-as-a-Service offerings that automate various operational tasks, including source building, system testing, and delivery. RealGlobe's services extend to educational solutions and emergency medical and disaster response technologies, incorporating drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, the company employs advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics to support its mission of fostering a sustainable society through local production and consumption. Notably, RealGlobe also operates a graphical mapping platform that enhances information sharing between local governments and residents by creating high-fidelity digital twins of real-world environments, which are useful for sectors like construction, engineering, and facilities management.

Zensys

Venture Round in 2008
Zensys is a company specializing in wireless networking technology for control and status reading applications. It is best known for developing Z-Wave, an affordable two-way wireless mesh network communications technology that allows users to easily and securely monitor and manage various home control systems, including lighting and security, from anywhere in the world. In addition to its core technology, Zensys offers a comprehensive range of products and services, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), development kits, and engineering services tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturers.

New Innovations

New Innovations Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in designing and developing AI-based robots for cafes. Their flagship product, √C, is an unmanned cafe robot equipped with demand forecast capabilities. This robot aims to provide coffee tailored to customers' taste preferences, busyness, physical condition, and mood, reducing waiting times and enabling more efficient operations for cafes. The company has secured funding from investors such as Zashid Capital and DEEPCORE, totaling 70 million yen in July 2019. New Innovations is currently collaborating with Nankai Electric Railway to install √C at Namba Station/Namba Skyo for demonstration experiments starting August 1, 2019.
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