SMBC Venture Capital

Clear Inc. is an IT corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in web media services with a focus on the sake brewing industry. Founded in 2013, the company provides comprehensive information about the sake market, including trends, legal developments, and challenges faced by brewers both domestically and internationally. Clear aims to enhance understanding of the sake business by offering insights into various aspects such as liquor tax law revisions, overseas brewing opportunities, and marketing strategies. Through its services, the company enables stakeholders to access valuable information, thereby contributing to the growth and innovation within the sake industry.

Matsuri Technologies is a real estate technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing tools for vacation rental management, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of private property rentals. Its flagship product, m2m Systems, serves as an Airbnb management platform that assists operators in managing their accounts, communicating with guests, and automating check-ins, among other tasks. By collaborating with real estate brokerages, Matsuri Technologies provides comprehensive solutions that support various rental needs, including short-term rentals and meeting room bookings, helping operators streamline their business operations.

Clear Inc. is an IT corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in web media services with a focus on the sake brewing industry. Founded in 2013, the company provides comprehensive information about the sake market, including trends, legal developments, and challenges faced by brewers both domestically and internationally. Clear aims to enhance understanding of the sake business by offering insights into various aspects such as liquor tax law revisions, overseas brewing opportunities, and marketing strategies. Through its services, the company enables stakeholders to access valuable information, thereby contributing to the growth and innovation within the sake industry.

WARPSPACE Inc. is a space technology company based in Tsukuba, Japan, founded in 2016. It specializes in the design and development of satellite modules and ground system instruments. The company provides communication infrastructure services tailored for low Earth orbit satellites, which include on-demand ground stations, intersatellite communication infrastructure, and portable ground station services. WARPSPACE originated from a satellite development project at the University of Tsukuba, where its team gained substantial experience over five years before establishing the company.

M&A Cloud is a technology company that operates a matching platform aimed at facilitating mergers and acquisitions for small and medium-sized enterprises. The platform enables buyer companies to publicly express their merger, acquisition, and investment needs, thereby broadening their reach in soliciting potential acquisition and investment opportunities. This functionality allows seller companies to identify suitable buyers, facilitating connections that can accelerate their growth. By streamlining the process of matching buyers and sellers, M&A Cloud enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of transactions within the M&A landscape.

Zehitomo Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a fee-based online platform designed to connect clients with local service professionals in Japan. Founded in 2015, the platform facilitates the hiring of various experts, including photographers and personal trainers, by allowing users to find and engage with specialized professionals across multiple fields. This service not only empowers clients to easily access the expertise they need but also helps local professionals expand their businesses and enhance profitability through increased customer volume.

Clear Inc. is an IT corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in web media services with a focus on the sake brewing industry. Founded in 2013, the company provides comprehensive information about the sake market, including trends, legal developments, and challenges faced by brewers both domestically and internationally. Clear aims to enhance understanding of the sake business by offering insights into various aspects such as liquor tax law revisions, overseas brewing opportunities, and marketing strategies. Through its services, the company enables stakeholders to access valuable information, thereby contributing to the growth and innovation within the sake industry.

JTOWER Inc. is a telecommunications infrastructure company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in infrastructure sharing services. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on the design and construction of information communication infrastructure, as well as the development of communication-related solutions. JTOWER provides a range of services that include in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi, outdoor tower sharing, and local 5G services, catering primarily to landlords and mobile network operators. Additionally, it offers site locator systems to facilitate the deployment of mobile infrastructure. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a vital role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure across Japan.

Zehitomo Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that operates a fee-based online platform designed to connect clients with local service professionals in Japan. Founded in 2015, the platform facilitates the hiring of various experts, including photographers and personal trainers, by allowing users to find and engage with specialized professionals across multiple fields. This service not only empowers clients to easily access the expertise they need but also helps local professionals expand their businesses and enhance profitability through increased customer volume.

Mobilus Corporation, founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing a real-time communication and social gaming platform for mobile devices. The company focuses on transforming communication through the integration of artificial intelligence, offering solutions that enhance mobile communication experiences. Mobilus has successfully partnered with major carriers and system integrators to deliver its innovative platforms, which aim to improve connectivity and user engagement in the mobile landscape.

JTOWER Inc. is a telecommunications infrastructure company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in infrastructure sharing services. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on the design and construction of information communication infrastructure, as well as the development of communication-related solutions. JTOWER provides a range of services that include in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi, outdoor tower sharing, and local 5G services, catering primarily to landlords and mobile network operators. Additionally, it offers site locator systems to facilitate the deployment of mobile infrastructure. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a vital role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure across Japan.

EXest is a Tokyo-based startup focused on promoting inbound travel to Japan. The company operates the WOW U platform, which links international visitors with licensed interpreters and tour guides, enhancing their travel experiences. In addition, EXest offers WOWU-media, a service that shares engaging video content on social media to introduce potential travelers to popular destinations and local souvenirs. By revitalizing local regions through tourism, EXest connects foreign tourists with professional English-speaking guides, fostering a deeper understanding of the culture and attractions. The company also provides media management services and educational opportunities for guides, ensuring high-quality experiences for those visiting Japan.

Mobilus Corporation, founded in 2011 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in developing a real-time communication and social gaming platform for mobile devices. The company focuses on transforming communication through the integration of artificial intelligence, offering solutions that enhance mobile communication experiences. Mobilus has successfully partnered with major carriers and system integrators to deliver its innovative platforms, which aim to improve connectivity and user engagement in the mobile landscape.

47 Holdings provides office planning and internet services. It was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo. 47 Holdings has a total of 58 employees as of October 2018.

Chatwork is a group chat application aimed at enhancing communication and collaboration among global teams, ultimately boosting productivity. The platform offers a range of features, including secure messaging, video chat, task management, and file sharing. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Chatwork has established itself as Asia's leading business chat app, serving over 200,000 companies across various industries. With a multilingual interface available in five languages, Chatwork caters to a diverse user base. The company operates with a workforce of 89 employees located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Taipei, and is also involved in peripheral services and new business development.

JTOWER Inc. is a telecommunications infrastructure company based in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in infrastructure sharing services. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on the design and construction of information communication infrastructure, as well as the development of communication-related solutions. JTOWER provides a range of services that include in-building infrastructure sharing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi, outdoor tower sharing, and local 5G services, catering primarily to landlords and mobile network operators. Additionally, it offers site locator systems to facilitate the deployment of mobile infrastructure. As a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, JTOWER plays a vital role in enhancing telecommunications infrastructure across Japan.

Aiming Inc. is a Japanese company based in Tokyo that specializes in the development and production of online games for various platforms, including PCs, smartphones, and home consoles. Founded in 2011, it has grown to a team of over 200 members who possess extensive experience in the online gaming industry, particularly in the Free-to-Play model. Aiming has developed a range of titles such as Browser Three Kingdoms, Sengoku IXA, and Hero Quest, showcasing its focus on both browser-based and social games. Additionally, the company has differentiated itself by creating a 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) titled Blade Chronicle. As the gaming landscape evolves with the rise of mobile technology, Aiming aims to leverage its expertise to expand its presence in the global market.

Aiming Inc. is a Japanese company based in Tokyo that specializes in the development and production of online games for various platforms, including PCs, smartphones, and home consoles. Founded in 2011, it has grown to a team of over 200 members who possess extensive experience in the online gaming industry, particularly in the Free-to-Play model. Aiming has developed a range of titles such as Browser Three Kingdoms, Sengoku IXA, and Hero Quest, showcasing its focus on both browser-based and social games. Additionally, the company has differentiated itself by creating a 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) titled Blade Chronicle. As the gaming landscape evolves with the rise of mobile technology, Aiming aims to leverage its expertise to expand its presence in the global market.

SiTime Corporation is a semiconductor company that specializes in MEMS-based silicon timing solutions, which are designed to replace traditional quartz products. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, SiTime operates internationally, with significant market presence in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States. The company's diverse product offerings include programmable OCXOs, precision super-TCXOs, MHz oscillators, and embedded resonators, catering to various industries such as automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, and the Internet of Things. With a notable market share, SiTime has shipped over 50 million devices, driving the industry's shift towards fully silicon-based timing solutions. The company's configurable products enable clients to enhance performance while reducing size and increasing reliability, ultimately streamlining their supply chains. SiTime's commitment to using standard semiconductor processes ensures high availability and short lead times, making it a preferred choice for leading manufacturers in the timing market.

Japan Communications Inc. is a mobile virtual network operator based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1996. The company specializes in offering mobile communication services by leveraging the networks of various carriers and public wireless LAN service providers. Its diverse portfolio includes data communication services for individuals, corporations, and equipment, as well as MVNE services, utilizing 3G, LTE, and PHS networks. Additionally, Japan Communications provides value-added telecom services tailored for businesses, which encompass mobile phone service, communication lines, and PHS terminals. Beyond mobile services, the company develops network security solutions and technologies aimed at preventing unauthorized access, while also engaging in research and development for the mobile virtual network industry.