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 Late Venture Stage

hacomono

Series D in 2025
Hacomono is a cloud-based member management platform tailored for fitness clubs, indoor golf establishments, and various monthly subscription businesses. The software facilitates essential operational tasks, including membership management, reservations, payments, and inventory oversight. Hacomono's comprehensive features also extend to client registration, admission tracking, training guidance, and customer communication, enabling seamless management and automation of customer interactions. The platform has been adopted by leading industry players and is noted for its robust security measures and exceptional customer service, enhancing the overall user experience for both businesses and their clients.

Rutilea

Series D in 2024
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.

Brave Group

Series D in 2024
Brave Group, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the development of intellectual property (IP) services for the entertainment industry. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on creating cartoons and virtual reality content, thereby transforming the local entertainment market. Brave Group offers a range of services, including video distribution on platforms like YouTube, merchandise sales, voice services, and online event management. Additionally, the company provides marketing and production support utilizing animation technology, enabling businesses to enhance their advertising opportunities while delivering engaging entertainment experiences to consumers. Formerly known as Unlimited Co., Ltd., Brave Group rebranded in June 2020, reflecting its commitment to innovating within the entertainment sector.

OpenLogi

Series D in 2024
OpenLogi Inc. is a Tokyo-based logistics platform established in December 2013, designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers. The company offers an outsourced logistics solution that includes features such as warehouse inspection, storage, shipping, and management of returned merchandise, all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard. By leveraging unused warehouse assets and optimizing logistics operations, OpenLogi provides affordable rates and innovative technology to streamline warehouse control systems. Founded by Hidetsugu Ito, who previously worked on the Japanese magazine subscription service Fujisan.co.jp, OpenLogi aims to address the logistics challenges faced by small e-commerce businesses in Japan.

Axelspace

Series D in 2023
Axelspace is a startup company developing businesses in the microsatellite field. Axelspace plans to construct a monitoring platform to cover the entire globe on a daily basis at extremely low cost.

Cykinso

Series D in 2023
Cykinso is a developer of a home-testing kit designed to tell people the state of their intestinal bacteria. The company provides a testing service to clarify the state of the intestinal environment by using a sequencer that reads a large number of DNA sequences at high speed, enabling users to investigate the relationship with lifestyle-related diseases and digestive diseases based on changes in intestinal bacteria.

Euphoria

Series D in 2023
Euphoria is a sports marketing company that specializes in providing IT solutions tailored to the sports industry. It has developed a sports data management platform that connects sports data with social issues, allowing for the comprehensive recording and management of information vital for athlete conditioning and training. This platform offers performance analysis that includes nutritional guidance and tracks injury status, thereby enabling coaches and managers to offer informed leadership and advice to athletes. Through its innovative approach, Euphoria aims to enhance the overall performance and well-being of athletes.

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.

WizWe

Series D in 2023
WizWe Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a technology company focused on enhancing learning habits through its innovative online platform. The company specializes in the development and management of linguistic learning tools that support various languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese. By leveraging technology, WizWe aims to provide effective mechanisms for users to improve their language skills and engage in personalized learning experiences.

ChromaCode

Series D in 2023
ChromaCode, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company based in Carlsbad, California, founded in 2012. The company specializes in developing innovative testing solutions for infectious diseases, cancer, and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) by utilizing patented mathematical methods and algorithmic enhancements. ChromaCode's products significantly enhance the multiplexing capabilities of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) instruments, allowing laboratories to perform cost-effective testing of multiple targets from a single sample. Their offerings include software, reagents, and assays that improve signal processing and overall assay performance, making diagnostics more accessible and efficient. Among their notable products is the HDPCR Tick-Borne Pathogen Panel, a multiplex test that detects various tick-borne pathogens in one assay.

Cluster

Series D in 2023
Cluster, Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing a virtual meetup application known as Cluster. This platform facilitates the organization of various events, including live music performances and conferences, within a virtual environment. It allows thousands of participants to connect simultaneously, creating opportunities for large-scale virtual events. Users can engage in activities such as attending talks, watching videos, and enjoying live performances, all from the comfort of their own locations. Cluster, Inc. aims to enhance its offerings through continued investment in product development and marketing efforts, further expanding its presence in the virtual event space.

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.

Luup

Series D in 2023
Luup, Inc. is a provider of electric micro-mobility sharing services based in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in renting electric kickboards and bicycles through its user-friendly application. Luup operates primarily in major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Yokohama, with plans for further expansion across Japan. The service utilizes a high-density port network, allowing users to conveniently rent and return vehicles at various locations. By offering a range of electric two-wheelers and small vehicles, Luup aims to enhance urban mobility and provide customers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Funds

Series D in 2023
Funds is a loan investment firm that specializes in facilitating financing for businesses through an online peer-to-peer lending marketplace. The company connects individual investors with businesses seeking operating capital, allowing these investors to manage their assets and invest in financial instruments that offer moderate risk and returns. Through silent partnership agreements, Funds enables companies to invest in financing options in small increments, making it accessible for a wider range of investors and businesses. This model not only supports businesses in obtaining necessary funds but also provides a platform for individuals to participate in the lending process.

Shoulder Innovations

Series D in 2023
Shoulder Innovations is a medical device company that has developed inset glenoid fixation technology, creating the most robust and stable glenoid platform in the industry. The company's Total Shoulder Replacement System addresses the most significant issue in shoulder arthroplasty: unreliable fixation of the glenoid implant. It also leverages this technology to create simple surgical instrumentation, which reduces operative time and cost. Shoulder Innovations designs and commercializes innovative products that demonstrate the potential for improved patient care and reduced overall cost to the healthcare system. Published results show Shoulder Innovations’ solution provides greater post-surgical implant stability, addressing the leading cause of revision surgery.

Roxx

Series D in 2022
ROXX Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in job placement services for musicians. Founded in 2013 and formerly known as Scouter Inc. until a name change in July 2019, ROXX provides a platform designed to help recruit inexperienced full-time employees in the music industry. The company offers various products, including Back Check, a reference check service, and SARDINE, a cloud-based job database. Through its innovative features focused on reference compliance and research tools, ROXX seeks to streamline the hiring process for musicians and related talent.

PATRA Japan

Series D in 2022
PATRA is a marketplace that sells multiple corporate brand products produced by influencers in addition to brands originating in-house. PATRA provides a trend media for women who sends the latest in girl trends, watched by more than one million women in the middle of Instagram.

iCare

Series E in 2022
iCare is a health consulting company that specializes in the development and operation of health management systems. It offers a leading health and labor cloud solution in Japan, catering primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises facing workforce challenges, as well as large enterprises expanding globally. The company's healthcare management platform is designed to streamline mental care services for employees by aggregating essential health information, such as health check results, stress assessments, overtime hours, and health consultations, all stored in the cloud. This enables businesses to alleviate the burden of managing employee health effectively.

Asoview

Series E in 2021
Asoview is an online booking platform that specializes in providing services for tours, activities, and attractions. The platform allows users to easily book a diverse range of experiences, including water and motorsports, sightseeing tours, horse trekking, cooking classes, and cultural activities. By offering a comprehensive selection of options, Asoview enables individuals to discover and secure reservations for various activities that align with their interests, enhancing their travel experiences.

Rentio

Series E in 2021
Rentio Inc. is an online platform based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in selling and leasing camera and home appliances. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on providing a subscription-based rental service that allows customers to utilize various products without the commitment of purchase. Rentio offers monthly subscription packages, enabling unlimited exchanges for items such as strollers, and provides the option for customers to buy the products they rent at the end of the rental period. This approach aims to create a flexible consumption system, allowing customers to experience and use products at an affordable price while minimizing the risk of purchase mismatches.

BitStar

Series E in 2021
BitStar Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in influencer marketing and support services, established in 2014. The firm offers a range of promotion services tailored to various sectors, including travel, gaming, cosmetics, automobiles, and consumer goods. It employs analytics tools developed in-house to enhance advertising solutions and provide insights. BitStar also engages in event management, facilitating pop-up stores and off-site events, and offers merchandising services. Additionally, it provides specialized support services such as VTuber and music production, as well as managing fan interactions through letter and gift reception. The company operates an online fan club service called Costa, which supports appearances across different media platforms, including television and magazines. By fostering creativity and providing comprehensive resources, BitStar enables content creators to grow and monetize their work effectively.

iCare

Series D in 2020
iCare is a health consulting company that specializes in the development and operation of health management systems. It offers a leading health and labor cloud solution in Japan, catering primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises facing workforce challenges, as well as large enterprises expanding globally. The company's healthcare management platform is designed to streamline mental care services for employees by aggregating essential health information, such as health check results, stress assessments, overtime hours, and health consultations, all stored in the cloud. This enables businesses to alleviate the burden of managing employee health effectively.

Photosynth

Series D in 2020
Photosynth Inc. is an information technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in the development of smart locks for homes. Founded on September 1, 2014, the company focuses on research and development in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector and operates cloud-based entrance and exit management systems. Through its innovative solutions, Photosynth aims to enhance security and convenience for residential users.

CAMPFIRE

Series E in 2020
CAMPFIRE, Inc. is a prominent player in Japan's crowdfunding sector, focusing on planning, developing, and managing various cloud funding platforms. Its flagship platform, CAMPFIRE, supports individuals and organizations looking to launch projects confidently, having facilitated around 15,000 initiatives that garnered approximately $70 million from over 700,000 contributors. In addition to CAMPFIRE, the company offers specialized services including GoodMorning for socially beneficial projects, CLOSS for fashion-related endeavors, and FAAVO, which focuses on regional projects. It also features polka, a unique application for personal fundraising events, CAMPFIRE Bank for financial services, and Gojo, a community wallet application for shared finances among family and friends. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Tokyo, CAMPFIRE caters to a diverse clientele, including individuals, creators, companies, non-profit organizations, universities, and local governments, addressing a wide range of financial needs.

Crowd Credit

Series E in 2020
Crowd Credit operates a cross-border marketplace lending platform that connects borrowers in financial deficit countries with investors in surplus countries. The platform aims to provide risk capital to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing funding challenges, while offering attractive lending opportunities to investors. Currently, it facilitates lending for Japanese individual and SME investors to borrowers in countries such as Peru, Cameroon, Estonia, Finland, Spain, and Italy. The company plans to expand its operations by raising funds and initiating lending activities in Asian markets outside of Japan. By bridging the gap between funding needs and investment opportunities, Crowd Credit enables clients to meet their financial requirements effectively.

Hosty

Series E in 2020
Hosty Inc. is a company based in Fukuoka, Japan, founded in 2015, that operates a chain of unmanned hotels under the brand name Mizuka. These compact hotels are designed to provide economical accommodation for travelers, featuring fully equipped rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. The company's focus is on delivering a convenient and affordable lodging experience, catering to the needs of modern travelers seeking efficient and accessible accommodations. In addition to its hotel operations, Hosty also engages in the design, management, and construction of residential extensions and renovations, further diversifying its business portfolio.

WealthNavi

Series D in 2019
WealthNavi offers a platform for asset managers which uses risk management algorithm for asset management advice.

Crowd Credit

Series D in 2018
Crowd Credit operates a cross-border marketplace lending platform that connects borrowers in financial deficit countries with investors in surplus countries. The platform aims to provide risk capital to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing funding challenges, while offering attractive lending opportunities to investors. Currently, it facilitates lending for Japanese individual and SME investors to borrowers in countries such as Peru, Cameroon, Estonia, Finland, Spain, and Italy. The company plans to expand its operations by raising funds and initiating lending activities in Asian markets outside of Japan. By bridging the gap between funding needs and investment opportunities, Crowd Credit enables clients to meet their financial requirements effectively.

Medley

Series E in 2017
Medley, Inc. operates recruitment and medical platform services in Japan, focusing on enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency. The company comprises three main segments: Recruitment Platform Business, Medical Platform Business, and New Services. Its offerings include JobMedley, a recruitment system tailored for the medical and healthcare sectors, and CLINICS Telemedicine, which facilitates remote consultations between patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, Medley provides CLINICS, a cloud-based medical support system, and MEDLEY, an information service designed to educate patients about various medical conditions. The company also runs Kaigo-no Honne, a website dedicated to helping users find nursing care facilities, and develops medical accounting software. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Tokyo, Medley aims to create a comprehensive medical information infrastructure that connects patients, doctors, and medical institutions.

Raksul

Series D in 2016
Raksul Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in providing a wide range of printing services in Japan. Established in 2009, Raksul offers products such as flyers, business cards, pamphlets, posters, New Year’s cards, and various promotional materials. The company operates as a B2B platform, connecting small and medium-sized enterprises directly with existing service providers to optimize costs and streamline processes in the printing industry. By leveraging a sharing economy model, Raksul simplifies the value chain in printing, logistics, and advertising, enabling customers to access excess capacities of suppliers efficiently.

Wonderplanet

Series D in 2016
Wonderplanet Inc. is a company based in Nagoya, Japan, that specializes in designing and developing native language applications and games for smartphones and tablets. Founded in 2012, Wonderplanet offers a range of both 2D and 3D games compatible with iOS and Android platforms. The company focuses on creating engaging content that caters to diverse language needs, enhancing the user experience in mobile gaming and applications.

Mercari

Series D in 2016
Mercari, Inc. is a marketplace application company that operates in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Mercari enables individuals to buy and sell new and used items, including electronics, clothing, and various media such as books and CDs. It is recognized as the largest peer-to-peer selling platform in Japan, boasting over 22 million monthly active users and commanding more than 70% of the C2C marketplace app market. The company facilitates a mobile marketplace experience, allowing users to safely sell and ship their items, and has seen over 100 million downloads of its app. In addition to its marketplace operations, Mercari is involved in the development of internet services and has a domestic fintech business. The majority of its gross merchandise value is generated from its Japanese operations, which account for over 95% of its total sales.

NBT

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

NBT

Series D in 2015
NBT Partners is a South Korean company established in 2012, specializing in mobile and online platform development services. The company offers a range of products, including Cache Slides, an application designed to verify information during shopping activities through a slide unlock screen, and Baobab Class, an online platform that delivers personalized educational content. Additionally, NBT provides a mobile application that features a customized accumulation system and leverages knowledge-based technology to cater to users' preferences.

Edmodo

Series D in 2014
Edmodo, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates communication and collaboration among educators, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 2008 and based in San Mateo, California, Edmodo serves as a global education network with over 77 million users across approximately 550,000 schools worldwide. The platform is designed to protect the privacy of its users, providing a secure environment for sharing educational resources and fostering interaction. Edmodo offers tools that assist school leaders in leveraging analytics, delivering professional development, and improving learning outcomes through formative assessments. Its features include the ability to post classroom materials, share multimedia content, and access important academic information such as homework and grades. By connecting teachers, students, and parents, Edmodo aims to enhance the educational experience and support learners in discovering their passions and improving their skills. As of May 2018, Edmodo operates as a subsidiary of Best Assistant Education Online Limited.
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