Leading Mark
Venture Round in 2025
Leading Mark Inc. is an employment agency based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on enhancing the recruitment process through its online platform. The company aims to streamline job searches by aggregating listings tailored to users' interests, thereby improving the match between job seekers and employers. Recognizing the needs of the average job seeker, Leading Mark prioritizes providing essential information and support to applicants, differentiating itself from larger, traditional agencies that may favor the interests of hiring companies. Additionally, Leading Mark is expanding its services to include mid-career and international hiring, with a dedicated team in China to connect top Japanese-speaking Chinese students with opportunities in Japan. This approach seeks to alleviate common frustrations in the job market and foster more fulfilling career paths for candidates.
HIGHRESO
Venture Round in 2024
HIGHRESO operates as a GPU cloud service provider in Japan, specializing in high-speed calculations utilizing advanced GPU technology. Recognized as the first GPU cloud operator in the country to achieve "NVIDIA Elite Partner" status, it has also been honored with the "Best CSP Partner of the Year" award at the NVIDIA NPN Partner Award 2022. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including university research institutes, large corporations, and AI venture firms, facilitating over 100 distinct use cases annually. HIGHRESO's services enable clients to perform complex calculations essential for applications such as artificial intelligence and deep learning while optimizing their cloud storage and computing resources effectively.
Thirdverse
Series D in 2023
Thirdverse, Inc. is a game development studio based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in creating and operating multiplayer virtual reality games. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on combining blockchain technology with virtual reality to establish an immersive economic zone within its gaming environments. Thirdverse offers services that encompass the planning, development, distribution, and management of virtual reality content, aiming to deliver seamless gameplay experiences for its users. The firm is dedicated to advancing the virtual reality gaming landscape by integrating innovative technologies and fostering engaging virtual worlds.
BionicM is a Tokyo-based company focused on researching, developing, and commercializing advanced mobility devices that integrate robotics with the human body. Established as a joint-stock company in 2018, BionicM specializes in high-performance robotic prosthetics, including ankle-foot and knee joints, designed to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. The company has been engaged in innovative technology research since 2015 at the University of Tokyo's Information Systems Engineering Laboratory, working under the guidance of Professor Inaba. BionicM's products aim to enable users, including both handicapped and non-handicapped individuals, to perform essential daily activities such as standing, walking, and climbing stairs.
Ukka Inc. operates a direct-to-consumer platform that connects consumers with manufacturers of agricultural products, including those from farming, fisheries, and processed goods. Founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company offers an online procurement service that allows producers to list their products, enabling consumers to purchase these commodities directly. Ukka's platform aims to streamline the supply chain by networking production areas with processing companies, thereby facilitating the procurement of food-processing raw materials and enhancing operational efficiency for producers and manufacturers. Through its innovative approach, Ukka fosters improvements in the food supply chain.
KOALA Tech
Venture Round in 2021
Koala Tech Inc. is an innovative high-tech startup company, whose goal is to pioneer practical applications of the world's first organic semiconductor laser diode that has been realized in the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics Research (OPERA) at Kyushu University.
Leading Mark
Series C in 2021
Leading Mark Inc. is an employment agency based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on enhancing the recruitment process through its online platform. The company aims to streamline job searches by aggregating listings tailored to users' interests, thereby improving the match between job seekers and employers. Recognizing the needs of the average job seeker, Leading Mark prioritizes providing essential information and support to applicants, differentiating itself from larger, traditional agencies that may favor the interests of hiring companies. Additionally, Leading Mark is expanding its services to include mid-career and international hiring, with a dedicated team in China to connect top Japanese-speaking Chinese students with opportunities in Japan. This approach seeks to alleviate common frustrations in the job market and foster more fulfilling career paths for candidates.
Fermenstation
Venture Round in 2021
Fermenstation Co., Ltd., founded in 2009 and based in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, specializes in consulting services aimed at the utilization of unused biomass. The company focuses on ethanol production, animal feed production, and the development of aromatic products, offering feasibility studies and co-development projects. Fermenstation also leverages fermentation technology to add value to local resources and create innovative products. In addition to its consulting services, the company provides brand consulting, logo design, packaging design, website development, and public relations services, helping clients to establish sustainable new products. Furthermore, Fermenstation manufactures rice-based home ethanol, Komesshu air freshener, and Oshu soap, enhancing its portfolio with practical applications of its expertise.
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.
YeLL, Inc. is a human resources consulting firm based in Shinagawa-ku, Japan, founded in 2013. The company specializes in employee engagement and organizational development, offering solutions that enhance communication and support individual employee growth. YeLL's platform includes coaching and career consultancy services, aimed at helping employees identify and address their challenges. By making the voices of employees more visible, YeLL assists organizations in transforming their workplace culture and improving overall effectiveness. Through its innovative approach, the company seeks to strengthen organizational dynamics and foster a more engaged workforce.
Ghelia
Venture Round in 2020
Ghelia Co., Ltd., founded in 2017 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in integrated artificial intelligence solutions designed to enhance business operations. The company develops a comprehensive AI platform that includes both hardware, such as Deep Station, and software, such as Deep Analyzer. This platform facilitates algorithm development, rapid server calculations, and supervised data evaluation, making advanced deep learning technology accessible to a wide range of users. Ghelia's mission is to democratize the benefits of AI, enabling individuals and organizations across various sectors to leverage cutting-edge technology for improved efficiency and collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence.
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.
ingage()
Venture Round in 2020
INGAGE Inc., founded in January 2014 and based in Japan, develops a communication platform called "Re:lation." This cloud-based software is designed to help companies manage and track all communications with customers, clients, and partners. By consolidating correspondence from various channels, including email, phone, and social media, Re:lation allows users to maintain a shared inbox that can be assigned to designated team members. This centralization of communication not only streamlines customer support but also enhances collaboration within organizations, enabling them to efficiently manage internal and external interactions. With a founder who has a background in video game development and over a decade of experience in the United States, INGAGE focuses on providing effective IT solutions for businesses.
Yuwaeru
Venture Round in 2020
Yuwaeru focuses on promoting a modern brown rice lifestyle, aiming to transform eating habits and values related to food and health. The company specializes in producing traditional Japanese brown rice, known as "Nekase Genmai," which is offered through direct-to-consumer channels. Yuwaeru manages all aspects of production and sales in-house, allowing customers to experience its products at nine physical locations nationwide, including its flagship store in Kuramae. In addition to rice, Yuwaeru also sells rice balls and spice curry, which feature authentic flavors, through various sales channels, including its own e-commerce site and health salons.
Nulab Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2004, specializing in the development of web-based collaboration software solutions. Its primary offerings include Backlog, a project management tool that facilitates task management and project updates; Cacoo, an online drawing tool for sharing plans and layouts; and Typetalk, a business chat application designed for team communication. Nulab's software supports various industries, including technology, education, healthcare, marketing, and manufacturing. The company has its headquarters in Fukuoka, Japan, and operates additional offices in New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, Amsterdam, and Singapore. Nulab is also known for NuSpace in Singapore, a community space that fosters collaboration among startups and developers through events, seminars, and support for digital projects. The founders, Masanori Hashimoto and Shinsuke Tabata, were motivated by a desire to enhance communication and collaboration among software developers and users.
Bitkey, Inc. is a technology company based in Chuo-ku, Japan, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a smart lock device that utilizes blockchain technology and encryption to create a digital key infrastructure. The company's innovative platform is designed to enhance connectivity by integrating digital platforms and smart devices, allowing for seamless identification and authorization through a single identity document. Bitkey's products are applicable in various settings, including homes, offices, and hotels, and aim to improve convenience in workplace environments. Additionally, the platform facilitates the digitalization of existing locks and integrates tenant applications with real estate management systems, enabling services such as parcel delivery and housekeeping even in the absence of tenants.
Justincase
Series A in 2019
justInCase, Inc. is the first pure InsurTech insurance company started its business in July 2018 in Japan. justInCase was founded by experienced actuaries and data scientists. justInCase provides AI based smartphone insurance, API based accident insurance, P2P insurance, COVID-19 insurance, as well as AI based healthtech insurance.
Bitkey, Inc. is a technology company based in Chuo-ku, Japan, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a smart lock device that utilizes blockchain technology and encryption to create a digital key infrastructure. The company's innovative platform is designed to enhance connectivity by integrating digital platforms and smart devices, allowing for seamless identification and authorization through a single identity document. Bitkey's products are applicable in various settings, including homes, offices, and hotels, and aim to improve convenience in workplace environments. Additionally, the platform facilitates the digitalization of existing locks and integrates tenant applications with real estate management systems, enabling services such as parcel delivery and housekeeping even in the absence of tenants.
NURVE INC. is a technology firm based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in developing a virtual reality (VR) platform aimed at enhancing customer experiences. Founded in 2015, NURVE combines computer graphics and sound effects to create immersive environments. Its platform delivers cloud services for live video, allowing clients to engage with panoramic images that provide a 360-degree preview of properties. By incorporating computer-generated furniture and accessories, NURVE enables users to visualize spaces realistically, thereby accelerating their business operations through the effective use of images and videos.
Yoriso, a Japanese startup founded in 2009 and headquartered in Tokyo, operates a funeral planning platform designed to connect bereaved families with funeral homes and other end-of-life service providers. The platform provides online access to funeral home reviews and pricing information, allowing individuals to make informed decisions regarding funeral arrangements that suit their needs. By facilitating these connections, Yoriso aims to empower families to navigate the complexities of end-of-life planning while offering flexibility in the services they choose.
Kyash Inc. is a Japanese fintech startup founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo. The company develops a mobile wallet application and payment platform that enables users to make payments at Visa merchants and conduct peer-to-peer transfers. Kyash offers a proprietary technology platform that allows businesses to issue their own Visa cards instantly through APIs, enhancing their payment processing capabilities. The services provided by Kyash include sending and requesting money quickly and securely using virtual and prepaid cards, making it a convenient option for users seeking efficient money transfer solutions.
Jolly Good
Corporate Round in 2019
Jolly Good Inc. is a Japan-based company that specializes in developing virtual reality (VR) mobile applications tailored for the television and film industry, notably through its application GuruVR, which offers 360° content. In addition to its entertainment-focused offerings, Jolly Good also incorporates medical and digital therapy VR technology aimed at enhancing both medical and industrial applications. The company has created high-precision augmented reality (AR) and VR systems that support various initiatives, including medical training, long-term care training, and social skills development for individuals with developmental impairments. Through these innovative solutions, Jolly Good aims to improve treatment outcomes and optimize training processes for professionals in both the medical and entertainment sectors.
TBM Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the research, production, and sale of LIMEX, a limestone-based alternative to traditional paper and plastics. Founded in 2011, the company offers a diverse range of LIMEX products, including sheet alternatives like business cards, menus, and posters, as well as plastic alternatives such as containers, flags, and biodegradable items. TBM distributes its innovative products globally and also has offices in Kyoto, Japan, and San Francisco, California. As of early 2005, TBM operates as a subsidiary of ZERO Co., Ltd.
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.
Crowd Realty
Series A in 2018
Crowd Realty, Inc. operates a crowdfunding platform focused on real estate assets and securities backed by real estate, catering to both domestic and international markets. Founded in 2014 and based in Tokyo, Japan, the company facilitates stable, medium to long-term funding schemes for commercial properties and urban development projects, including the renovation and revitalization of underutilized assets. By leveraging its online marketplace, Crowd Realty enables individual investors to participate in real estate investment opportunities, thereby democratizing access to capital for various real estate initiatives.
Megakaryon
Series C in 2017
Megakaryon Corporation is a medical research company based in Kyoto, Japan, with an additional office in Tokyo. Founded in 2011, it specializes in the development of blood products, particularly platelets and red blood cells, derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines. The company focuses on creating transfusion medicine technologies that allow medical practitioners to maintain patients' platelet counts without relying on traditional blood donations. Megakaryon's innovative approach aims to advance the clinical application of its platelet production techniques, contributing to improved patient care in transfusion medicine.
EdiGENE Japan
Series A in 2017
EdiGENE Japan, now known as Modalis Therapeutics Corporation, is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo that focuses on developing innovative therapies for serious genetic disorders. Founded in 2016, the company leverages its proprietary CRISPR-GNDM technology, which allows for precise modulation of gene expression and histone modification without the need for traditional gene editing methods. Modalis Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs related to orphan genetic diseases, building a robust intellectual property portfolio in collaboration with the University of Tokyo.
Wisdom Academy
Venture Round in 2017
Wisdom Academy Inc. operates a range of educational and childcare services in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the development of children and adults. The company runs Wisdom Afterschool centers that provide after-school care and a variety of lessons, including calligraphy, abacus, tea ceremony, art, music, and brain training exercises. Additionally, Wisdom Academy offers childcare services at Wisdom After Kindergarten centers for nursery and kindergarten children, ensuring a nurturing environment that fosters independence and leadership. The organization also caters to adult learners through its Wisdom Lesson centers, providing rich learning experiences. Founded in 2010, Wisdom Academy is dedicated to enhancing the educational journey of its students through a well-rounded curriculum and attentive services, including transportation and meal provisions.
Veritas In Silico
Venture Round in 2017
Veritas In Silico Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in drug discovery focused on medium and small molecules, particularly those targeting messenger RNA (mRNA). Utilizing its proprietary ibVIS platform, the company integrates informatics with experimental biology to develop mRNA-targeted drugs, including small molecules and antisense oligonucleotides. Veritas In Silico aims to address unmet medical needs by providing effective treatments for diseases that currently have limited therapeutic options.
Monstar Lab
Venture Round in 2017
Headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Monstar Lab, Inc. provides access to top talent and specialists around the world as the foundation for all of the group’s activities. The company consists of more than 1200 engineers and creators in offices in 26 cities and 15 countries worldwide. The core consultancy arm of the company engineers awesome solutions that perform for clients around the world. In addition, the company’s array of products and services ranging from co-working spaces, robotic process automation, game development, streaming services, HR tech and education programs empower thinkers and makers globally.
New standard
Venture Round in 2017
NEW STANDARD Co., Ltd. moves society through three STUDIO businesses, and provides ideas that the millennials are enthusiastic and solutions for business issues for companies and brands.
Anaeropharma Science
Venture Round in 2017
Anaeropharma Science, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Chiyoda, Japan, founded in 2004. The company specializes in developing therapeutics aimed at treating solid cancers characterized by hypoxic environments. Utilizing its proprietary platform technology, which involves recombinant Bifidobacterium, Anaeropharma has created innovative therapies such as APS001F, an anticancer solution, and FGF2, which addresses ischemia. Its approach involves genetically enhanced bacteria that thrive in the oxygen-deprived areas of tumors, where they convert a pro-drug into a cytotoxic agent. This technology enables healthcare professionals to provide more effective and safer treatments for various cancers and related hypoxic conditions.
Mama Square
Venture Round in 2017
Mama Square operates a network of working spaces across Tokyo and other regions in Japan, designed specifically for working mothers. Each facility features an office area, a daycare, and a cafeteria, allowing mothers to work while keeping their children nearby. This setup supports women in maintaining their careers without the challenges of separation from their children or the need to work from home. By providing these integrated services, Mama Square enables mothers to balance their professional responsibilities with parenting, thereby facilitating their continued participation in the workforce.
Chatwork is a business chat application aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration among global teams. It offers features such as secure messaging, video chat, task management, and file sharing, making it a comprehensive tool for increasing productivity. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Chatwork is recognized as Asia’s leading business chat app, serving over 200,000 companies across various industries. The platform is available in five languages and has a workforce of 89 employees located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Taipei. In addition to its core chat services, the company engages in peripheral services and new business development.
Mynet
Venture Round in 2015
Mynet Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that provides game services primarily in Japan and the broader Asian market. Founded in 2006, Mynet specializes in the transfer and redesign of game titles, along with consulting services that include data analysis and the application of artificial intelligence. The company also focuses on marketing services and operates CroPro, a mutual customer network designed for smartphone games. Mynet's portfolio includes community games and role-playing games, such as Emblem of Falkyrie and Angel Master, catering to a diverse audience within the gaming industry.
Mynet
Venture Round in 2015
Mynet Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that provides game services primarily in Japan and the broader Asian market. Founded in 2006, Mynet specializes in the transfer and redesign of game titles, along with consulting services that include data analysis and the application of artificial intelligence. The company also focuses on marketing services and operates CroPro, a mutual customer network designed for smartphone games. Mynet's portfolio includes community games and role-playing games, such as Emblem of Falkyrie and Angel Master, catering to a diverse audience within the gaming industry.
Mynet
Venture Round in 2014
Mynet Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that provides game services primarily in Japan and the broader Asian market. Founded in 2006, Mynet specializes in the transfer and redesign of game titles, along with consulting services that include data analysis and the application of artificial intelligence. The company also focuses on marketing services and operates CroPro, a mutual customer network designed for smartphone games. Mynet's portfolio includes community games and role-playing games, such as Emblem of Falkyrie and Angel Master, catering to a diverse audience within the gaming industry.
Gumi Inc. is a Tokyo-based entertainment company established in 2007, specializing in the development, operation, and distribution of online games for mobile devices. The company has expanded its reach beyond Japan, establishing subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Gumi offers a variety of gaming experiences, including native applications and browser-based games, while also providing publishing services that involve localizing third-party game content for various markets. In addition to its core gaming business, Gumi is involved in emerging technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the entertainment sector.
Gumi Inc. is a Tokyo-based entertainment company established in 2007, specializing in the development, operation, and distribution of online games for mobile devices. The company has expanded its reach beyond Japan, establishing subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Gumi offers a variety of gaming experiences, including native applications and browser-based games, while also providing publishing services that involve localizing third-party game content for various markets. In addition to its core gaming business, Gumi is involved in emerging technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the entertainment sector.
Smart Education
Series B in 2013
Smart Education, Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing educational applications aimed at enhancing the learning experience for children. One of its flagship products is the "Rhythm Book," a music app available for smartphones and tablets that allows children to learn rhythm by tapping instruments along with popular songs and nursery rhymes in both English and Japanese. The app features over 100 songs, recorded in high-quality studio settings, to stimulate young minds. It is designed for interactive play between parents and children, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Users can purchase additional songs online, which can be shared across devices linked to the same Apple ID via iCloud. Through its innovative applications, Smart Education seeks to simplify the learning process and support children's intellectual development.