ITOCHU Technology Ventures

ITOCHU Technology Ventures (ITV), established in 2000 and headquartered in Tokyo, is the venture capital division of ITOCHU Corporation, a major global corporation with a diverse range of industries and a strong international presence. ITV focuses on investing in and supporting the growth of leading information technology companies, particularly those in the internet services sector, targeting both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets in Japan and the United States. The firm leverages the extensive resources and networks available through ITOCHU and its affiliates, building on a history of successful investments in notable companies such as Siebel Systems and NVIDIA. ITV's current portfolio features a variety of innovative firms, including Box, Fab, and WHILL.

Koji Abe

General Partner

Koji Abe

Senior Vice President, Partner

Lisa Aoki

Principal

Masahiro Matsuzaki

Principal

Kaoru Nakagami

Principal

Shinzo Nakano

Founder, President and CEO

Tsuyoshi Ogawa

Partner

Ryo Yamashita

Principal

Past deals in Tokyo

ThinkCyte

Corporate Round in 2023
ThinkCyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in San Carlos, California. Founded in 2016, it specializes in developing an innovative cell sorting technology known as ghost cytometry, which leverages advanced optics and machine learning to perform high-throughput, image-free analysis and sorting of cells based on their morphology. This technology is designed for various applications in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics, facilitating single-cell analysis that is crucial for drug discovery, cell therapy, and clinical diagnostics. By enabling researchers to identify and isolate target cells, including rare cells, in real time, ThinkCyte aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of biological research and medical applications.

Beatrust

Series A in 2022
BeaTrust Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops a collaboration application aimed at enhancing employee connectivity within organizations. Founded in 2020, its platform enables employees to search for and discover colleagues' skills, experiences, and interests, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments. By facilitating connections among individuals with similar backgrounds and expertise, BeaTrust's application empowers users to work together effectively on projects, ultimately driving new value within the workplace.

CureApp

Series D in 2021
CureApp, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing mobile applications aimed at treating various health conditions, particularly nicotine addiction. The company's flagship product, a nicotine addiction treatment app, was launched in February 2015 in collaboration with the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Keio University’s School of Medicine. CureApp is recognized as a prominent player in the digital health sector, focusing on applications that exhibit therapeutic effects against diseases. The company is actively conducting clinical trials to validate the efficacy of its applications. Additionally, CureApp's medical treatment platform allows users to keep daily activity logs, which are analyzed to identify triggers exacerbating their conditions. This technology enables patients to receive personalized guidance in managing lifestyle diseases, addressing health issues that are typically not managed by conventional medications or devices.

MFS

Venture Round in 2021
MFS, Inc. is a consumer lending company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in online mortgage services. Founded in 2009, MFS simplifies the mortgage process by allowing consumers to secure home loans without the need to search for, apply for, or negotiate with traditional financial institutions. The company's innovative approach has garnered significant media attention, with features in prominent outlets such as NHK, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, and Yomiuri Shimbun.

SkyDrive

Series B in 2020
SkyDrive Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of flying electric vehicles. Founded in 2018, SkyDrive focuses on two primary products: Air Mobility, which includes electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for manned transport, and Cargo Drones, which cater to logistics needs. The company's innovative solutions aim to provide efficient aerial transportation services, addressing challenges related to time and cost while enhancing the overall quality of life for consumers. With additional operations in Toyota, Japan, SkyDrive is positioned to revolutionize urban mobility and logistics through its advanced aerial technology.

Estate Technologies

Venture Round in 2020
Estate Technologies Inc. operates a data utilization platform focused on real estate analysis, providing tools for property valuation, life cycle assessment, and risk evaluation. Founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, the company offers a suite of services, including the Dr. Asset checker for real-time property value analysis and the Dr. Asset Recommender for investment suggestions. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the platform aggregates extensive data on properties, considering factors such as room size, proximity to transportation, and property age to deliver objective insights. Estate Technologies aims to enhance transparency in real estate transactions and foster individual asset formation, ultimately increasing the global value of Japanese real estate. The company also specializes in information system design, development, and consulting services, leveraging its IT expertise and real estate knowledge.

Beatrust

Seed Round in 2020
BeaTrust Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that develops a collaboration application aimed at enhancing employee connectivity within organizations. Founded in 2020, its platform enables employees to search for and discover colleagues' skills, experiences, and interests, fostering collaboration and innovation across departments. By facilitating connections among individuals with similar backgrounds and expertise, BeaTrust's application empowers users to work together effectively on projects, ultimately driving new value within the workplace.

KAKEHASHI

Series B in 2019
KAKEHASHI Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2016 that develops a software as a service (SaaS) application tailored for health insurance claim and drug history management, specifically designed for dispensing pharmacists using iPads. The company aims to bridge the gap between medical treatment and patients, reflecting its mission to connect medical care with a brighter future. As Japan faces an aging population, with projections indicating that by 2060, one in four individuals will be over 75 years old, KAKEHASHI seeks to innovate and enhance healthcare delivery. The organization's focus on leveraging Japan's advanced medical technology and systems aligns with the need for effective solutions that support healthy life expectancy in an increasingly elderly society.

SkyDrive

Series A in 2019
SkyDrive Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of flying electric vehicles. Founded in 2018, SkyDrive focuses on two primary products: Air Mobility, which includes electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for manned transport, and Cargo Drones, which cater to logistics needs. The company's innovative solutions aim to provide efficient aerial transportation services, addressing challenges related to time and cost while enhancing the overall quality of life for consumers. With additional operations in Toyota, Japan, SkyDrive is positioned to revolutionize urban mobility and logistics through its advanced aerial technology.

Mirrativ

Venture Round in 2019
Mirrativ Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in mobile game streaming services. Its application allows users to live-stream content directly from their smartphones and tablets, enabling real-time sharing of gameplay experiences. The platform incorporates user interaction features similar to those of established live-streaming services, allowing viewers to comment and show appreciation for streams. Although current broadcasts are not saved for later viewing, the application facilitates seamless communication among users through texting and sharing of videos during streams. In addition to gaming, Mirrativ is also focused on developing a game distribution platform and exploring innovative advertising solutions within the live gaming space.

Qubena

Series B in 2018
Qubena is an educational technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in artificial intelligence solutions. The platform is designed to assess each child's strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized learning experiences. By utilizing AI, Qubena develops software that enables students to address study-related queries online. Additionally, the platform assists parents by analyzing their children's performance, highlighting both areas of improvement and strengths. This approach aims to enhance the educational experience for students while offering valuable insights to parents.

Sukedachi

Series A in 2018
Sukedachi Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in developing a mobile application aimed at the construction industry. The application connects construction sites with skilled craftsmen by allowing workers to receive notifications about job opportunities tailored to their pre-registered criteria, such as location and expertise. This service addresses the unique dynamics of the Japanese construction market, where workers often operate as both job seekers and small business owners. By facilitating direct communication between craftsmen and construction sites, Sukedachi effectively helps alleviate the chronic manpower shortages faced by constructors, enabling on-demand recruitment that meets their specific needs.

CureApp

Series B in 2018
CureApp, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing mobile applications aimed at treating various health conditions, particularly nicotine addiction. The company's flagship product, a nicotine addiction treatment app, was launched in February 2015 in collaboration with the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Keio University’s School of Medicine. CureApp is recognized as a prominent player in the digital health sector, focusing on applications that exhibit therapeutic effects against diseases. The company is actively conducting clinical trials to validate the efficacy of its applications. Additionally, CureApp's medical treatment platform allows users to keep daily activity logs, which are analyzed to identify triggers exacerbating their conditions. This technology enables patients to receive personalized guidance in managing lifestyle diseases, addressing health issues that are typically not managed by conventional medications or devices.

LeapMind

Series B in 2017
LeapMind Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in hardware architecture and platforms for deep learning applications. The company focuses on making deep learning technology compact and accessible, particularly within the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) sector. LeapMind has developed its own algorithms and innovative chip architectures that enhance the accuracy of neural network models while reducing the computational complexity necessary for implementation in small computing environments. This approach enables the use of advanced deep learning capabilities in devices with limited power and memory, facilitating advancements in both the IoT and robotics industries.

Yappli

Series B in 2017
Yappli is a Tokyo-based B2B SaaS company that offers a no-code platform for developing, managing, and analyzing mobile applications. The platform empowers users to create enterprise-grade native apps without any coding skills, allowing for full control over the app's design and functionality. Yappli's innovative solutions cater to notable clients such as The North Face, GYAO, Azul by Moussy, and Cartoon Network, positioning the company as a significant player in the app development industry. With numerous API integrations and external services, Yappli enhances the app experience while ensuring users retain ownership of their accounts and applications. The company is recognized for its achievements, having placed in various prestigious rankings, including CLOUD TOP10 Forbes Japan and Deloitte Fast 50 Japan. Through its dedicated support team, Yappli assists businesses in effortlessly designing customized applications tailored to their needs.

Crevo

Venture Round in 2017
Crevo operates a web-based platform for language free open-crowd sourcing contest that enable user to find custom design from all over the world. The company was formerly known as PurpleCow Inc. Crevo was founded in 2012 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Schoo

Venture Round in 2017
Schoo is a Tokyo-based MOOC (massive open online course) startup providing livestreamed lectures on the internet.

TVISION INSIGHTS

Venture Round in 2016
TVISION INSIGHTS is a company that measures the "viewing quality" of television. Utilizing state-of-the-art human body recognition technology developed by TVISION, it is rare in the world to acquire TV viewing status in the living room and convert it into data, and a very unique data set that does not exist is founded It has been acquired and accumulated since then. Currently, we have expanded our bases globally and have expanded to Tokyo, Boston and New York. While challenging challenges in different markets,we are continuing to grow rapidly to realize the original potential of TV.

LeapMind

Series A in 2016
LeapMind Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in hardware architecture and platforms for deep learning applications. The company focuses on making deep learning technology compact and accessible, particularly within the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) sector. LeapMind has developed its own algorithms and innovative chip architectures that enhance the accuracy of neural network models while reducing the computational complexity necessary for implementation in small computing environments. This approach enables the use of advanced deep learning capabilities in devices with limited power and memory, facilitating advancements in both the IoT and robotics industries.

Rescale

Series A in 2016
Rescale, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and operating cloud-based platforms for scientific and engineering simulations. Its offerings include the ScaleX Pro platform for independent professionals and small to medium-sized businesses, and ScaleX Developer, which allows external application developers to integrate their software directly with Rescale’s systems. Additionally, the ScaleX Enterprise platform provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise-level simulation needs, managing on-premise high-performance computing resources and software licenses. Serving a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and life sciences, Rescale facilitates more than 300 customers, from startups to large corporations, in accelerating their design processes and reducing time to market. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, Rescale also has offices in Tokyo, Munich, and Singapore, and it is supported by a variety of investors from the technology and venture capital sectors.

Clintal

Seed Round in 2016
Clintal Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that operates an online platform designed to facilitate healthcare consultations. Founded in 2015, Clintal provides users with access to detailed information about qualified medical professionals, enabling individuals to find the most suitable doctor for their needs. The platform allows users to diagnose symptoms and receive medical referrals through a chat application, which connects them with doctors based on their expertise and experience. By streamlining the process of identifying diseases and appropriate treatments, Clintal aims to enhance the overall healthcare experience for its users.

MONEY DESIGN

Venture Round in 2015
MONEY DESIGN Co., Ltd. is a fintech company based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in asset management and investment advisory services. Founded in 2013, the company provides automated investment management solutions aimed at simplifying the investment process for clients. By leveraging technology, MONEY DESIGN offers tailored investment strategies and advice to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

iGrid Solutions

Venture Round in 2015
iGrid Solutions Inc. is a technology firm based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in energy demand chain management services. Founded in February 2004, the company develops and operates platforms that integrate various energy resources and solar power generation. Its energy management platform employs artificial intelligence to predict power consumption and encourage energy-saving behaviors among users. This innovative approach aims to enhance energy self-sufficiency and contribute to the goal of achieving a carbon-free society.

Raksul

Series C in 2015
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.

Schoo

Seed Round in 2015
Schoo is a Tokyo-based MOOC (massive open online course) startup providing livestreamed lectures on the internet.

FiNC

Series A in 2014
FiNC Technologies Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in health and wellness solutions through an AI-enabled platform. This platform is designed to help consumers manage their wellness by offering preventive medicine and smartphone-based healthcare services. By combining data analysis, rich content, and social elements, FiNC's platform enables users to log and understand their health and lifestyle choices, including diet, sleep, and exercise habits. The company's focus is on providing personalized healthcare support, empowering individuals to improve their overall well-being.

Raksul

Series B in 2014
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.

Xica

Series A in 2014
Xica Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company specializing in applied data science and information technology systems. Founded in February 2012, it focuses on the development of tools and consulting services aimed at enhancing marketing effectiveness. Xica is known for MAGELLAN, a leading Marketing Mix Modeling tool in Japan that supports over 200 major brands. This tool enables clients to quantify the impact of both offline and online advertising campaigns by integrating and analyzing promotional data. By automating and visualizing complex data, Xica helps advertisers optimize their marketing strategies without requiring extensive analytical expertise.

Timers

Venture Round in 2013
Timers offers a range of mobile applications based on match-making for singles. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Retty

Series B in 2013
Retty Inc. operates a gourmet platform that provides comprehensive information on restaurants in Japan. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo, Retty offers users the ability to search for dining options and access reviews and recommendations tailored to their tastes. The platform encourages social interaction by allowing users to share their dining experiences and preferences with friends. This personalized approach simplifies the process of choosing where to eat. Additionally, Retty is developing mobile applications for both iPhone and Android, enabling users to access its services conveniently while on the go.

Schoo

Seed Round in 2013
Schoo is a Tokyo-based MOOC (massive open online course) startup providing livestreamed lectures on the internet.

Peatix

Series A in 2013
Peatix Inc. is a global event registration platform that offers tools for event organizers to create, promote, manage, and sell tickets for events of all sizes. Founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, Japan, Peatix has facilitated over 30,000 events across various categories, including concerts, conferences, and workshops. The platform is designed to enhance the event experience for attendees through mobile applications and a mobile website that allow for social interactions and event discovery. Peatix distinguishes itself with low ticketing fees and customizable event pages, making it easier for organizers to manage their events. The company has expanded its reach internationally, launching operations in the United States and Singapore in 2013, and aims to connect individuals with shared interests while fostering vibrant communities.

Muse

Series B in 2013
Muse & Co is a Japanese fashion startup, aiming to satisfy Japan's savviest and most stylish shoppers--young, professional women.

Fringe81

Venture Round in 2013
Fringe81 is a Tokyo-based company engaged in internet-related business. Fringe81 operates in internet advertisement and human resources technology. Fringe's advertisement business comprise three services. The advertising agency service is involved in the sale of internet advertisements. The media growth service provides support for smartphone media to monetize via advertisement. The solution service provides software to help advertisers efficiently plan and execute advertisements. Fringe also operates in the human resources technology space with a product named Unipos to help build a culture of recognition and reward employees through peer bonus.

Crowdworks

Series A in 2012
CrowdWorks Inc. is a prominent crowdsourcing service provider based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2011. The company operates a platform that connects businesses with individuals seeking freelance work, offering a variety of services including project matching for engineers, writers, designers, and system developers. CrowdWorks enables users to apply for diverse projects, encompassing tasks such as app development, website creation, and logo design. With over 130,000 registered users and partnerships with more than 25,000 companies, including governmental bodies and publicly traded firms, CrowdWorks has established itself as a significant player in the Japanese freelance market. The company also provides specialized services tailored to high-value professionals, facilitating opportunities for side jobs and second businesses.

CMerTV Japan

Seed Round in 2012
CMer TV provides video adverts to each and every location via its own private network and enables video branding. It interacts with platforms and media in a variety of real-world contexts. They offer a platform for video advertising that works online and offline.

Locondo

Series A in 2011
Locondo is a Japanese e-commerce company established in 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo. It specializes in the online sale of a diverse range of apparel and footwear for men and women, including shoes, bags, and clothing. The company operates a mail-order website that serves as a platform for customers to access various fashion items. In addition to its retail operations, Locondo focuses on enhancing logistical infrastructure and information technology to improve its services. The company aims to integrate its e-commerce capabilities with physical retail spaces, utilizing the assets gathered through its online platform to create a comprehensive omni-channel shopping experience.

Locondo

Series A in 2011
Locondo is a Japanese e-commerce company established in 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo. It specializes in the online sale of a diverse range of apparel and footwear for men and women, including shoes, bags, and clothing. The company operates a mail-order website that serves as a platform for customers to access various fashion items. In addition to its retail operations, Locondo focuses on enhancing logistical infrastructure and information technology to improve its services. The company aims to integrate its e-commerce capabilities with physical retail spaces, utilizing the assets gathered through its online platform to create a comprehensive omni-channel shopping experience.

VASILY, Inc.

Venture Round in 2011
VASILY, Inc. is a company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2008. It operates an online fashion coordination community known as iQON, which allows users to create collages of clothing and accessories to coordinate complete outfits. The platform serves as a space for fashion enthusiasts to explore and share their styles.

Teknovus

Venture Round in 2009
Teknovus, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor and software solutions company based in Petaluma, California, specializing in access chips and embedded software for the fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) market. The company develops Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) integrated chips designed for both central office and customer premises applications, as well as EPON customer premises equipment. Teknovus also offers TDM transport chips that facilitate circuit emulation on various Ethernet switched networks, alongside evaluation kits aimed at supporting original equipment manufacturers and service providers. Their EPON optical line terminal (OLT) solutions utilize a system-on-a-chip architecture, and the TK3401 Intelligent EPON Node Controller helps service providers adapt to diverse network topologies and subscriber densities. Teknovus markets its products through distributors across the United States, Europe, and China, and maintains additional sales and support centers in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and San Jose. Founded in 2002, Teknovus focuses on delivering innovative communication chipset solutions for digital broadband networks.

E-Guardian

Venture Round in 2009
E-Guardian Inc. is a comprehensive Internet security company based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 1998. The company specializes in providing a wide range of solutions to address Internet security needs, including post monitoring, customer support, and cyber security services. E-Guardian offers consulting for blogs, social networks, and bulletin boards, as well as real-time port monitoring and online game support. Its services also encompass compliance measures, harmful rumor investigations, and community site planning. The company’s monitoring solutions, such as Net Petrol and E-Trident, enhance the efficiency of web oversight, while ROKA SOLUTION provides advanced image filtering capabilities. Additionally, E-Guardian offers staffing services and advertisement management, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and brands looking to secure their online presence.

Teknovus

Series D in 2007
Teknovus, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor and software solutions company based in Petaluma, California, specializing in access chips and embedded software for the fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) market. The company develops Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) integrated chips designed for both central office and customer premises applications, as well as EPON customer premises equipment. Teknovus also offers TDM transport chips that facilitate circuit emulation on various Ethernet switched networks, alongside evaluation kits aimed at supporting original equipment manufacturers and service providers. Their EPON optical line terminal (OLT) solutions utilize a system-on-a-chip architecture, and the TK3401 Intelligent EPON Node Controller helps service providers adapt to diverse network topologies and subscriber densities. Teknovus markets its products through distributors across the United States, Europe, and China, and maintains additional sales and support centers in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and San Jose. Founded in 2002, Teknovus focuses on delivering innovative communication chipset solutions for digital broadband networks.

HI

Venture Round in 2002
HI Corporation, established in April 1989 and headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the planning, development, and licensing of middleware. The company also offers support services and production operations for content, focusing primarily on the mobile phone market. Additionally, HI Corporation provides 3D software engines that enhance mobile applications, positioning itself as a key player in the technology sector within Japan.

Mebix

Seed Round in 2002
Mebix, Inc. specializes in the development and sale of clinical trial support systems, particularly known for its CapTool, an Internet-based platform designed to facilitate the collection and management of clinical data. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Mebix offers a range of services aimed at supporting clinical research, including study design proposals, protocol drafting, data management, statistical analysis, and article preparation. The company operates as a subsidiary of M3, Inc., which is part of a broader medical portal group. Mebix aims to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials.
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