21 Series A Investors in Japan

The article spotlights the top Series A investors in Japan, focusing on their influence in the startup ecosystem in 2024. It reveals that Japanese venture capital firms have invested over $2 billion in early-stage startups this year, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. These investors are playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors.

Quick list of series a venture capital firms in Japan

SoftBank: Transforming Japan's technology landscape, SoftBank has significantly accelerated innovation and connectivity.
Rakuten Capital: Strengthens Japan's startup ecosystem through strategic investments and support.
JAFCO Japan: Stimulate innovation and economic growth by providing crucial venture capital to emerging Japanese businesses.
NTT DoCoMo Ventures: Accelerating innovation, they significantly boost Japan's startup ecosystem.
CyberAgent Capital: Accelerating the growth of startups, they significantly influence Japan's tech industry.
Incubate Fund: Catalyzing entrepreneurship, they have significantly boosted the startup ecosystem in Japan.
Global Brain: Facilitating innovation, they have significantly advanced the startup ecosystem in Japan.
Dentsu Digital Holdings: Pioneering innovation, Dentsu Digital Holdings significantly reshaped Japan's digital advertising landscape.
DG Ventures: Accelerating startup growth, they significantly influence Japan's innovation landscape.
Deepcore: Revolutionizing Japan's tech landscape, Deepcore fosters innovation by supporting AI-driven startups.
ANRI: Revolutionizing Japan's startup ecosystem, ANRI fosters innovation and growth across various industries.
Axil Capital: Revolutionizing Japan's investment landscape, Axil Capital drives innovation and economic growth.
Beyond Next Ventures: Accelerating innovation, they significantly boost Japan's startup ecosystem.
Digital Garage: Facilitate innovation and connectivity in Japan through transformative digital solutions.
GMO Venture Partners: Drive innovation in Japan by investing in technology startups and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Coral Capital: Transforming Japan's startup ecosystem by providing vital funding and support for early-stage companies.
Strive VC: Fuel innovation in Japan by supporting early-stage tech startups.
Genesia Ventures: Transforming Japan's startup ecosystem by fostering innovation and supporting early-stage companies.
Beenos: Pioneering cross-border e-commerce, Beenos significantly transformed Japan’s online marketplace.
Money Forward: Revolutionizing financial management, Money Forward has significantly enhanced personal and business finance tracking in Japan.
SMBC Venture Capital: Facilitating innovation, the firm significantly boosts Japan's startup ecosystem through strategic investments.

How to get yes from series a investors in Japan?

There is no guarantee series a investors in Japan or any other place will say yes, and the chances are low, on average 1/100 will invest. The best you can do is to capture interest as soon as possible or get no and move on.

How? Share your pitch deck as a link not as an attachment and get insights if investors are interested

Get notified when investor view your deck
Track how long they were on each page of your deck
Capture emails of investors who viewed your deck
Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
Securely send data room with multiple documents

Pitch deck sharing

How to find series a investors in Japan?

Selecting the right series a investors in Japan for your startup is crucial for success. Consider these factors:

Industry Focus: Identify investors who specialize in or have a strong track record in your industry to ensure alignment and valuable expertise.
Reputation and Network: Research the investor's reputation in Japan and their network within your industry to leverage potential partnerships and business opportunities.
Investment Portfolio: Review the investor’s existing portfolio to understand their past investments and to determine if they have supported companies similar to yours.
Investment Strategy: Assess the investor's strategy to ensure it aligns with your company’s growth plans and values.
Stage Expertise: Ensure the investor has experience in Series A investments and understands the needs and challenges typical at this stage of business development.
Value-added Support: Consider investors who offer operational expertise, mentorship, and strategic guidance beyond just financial backing.
Cultural Fit: Evaluate cultural and communication compatibility, especially important in Japan, to ensure a smooth working relationship.
Terms and Control: Understand the terms they typically propose and their level of control, ensuring they align with your company’s long-term vision.
Success Stories: Seek out testimonials or case studies from other founders who have worked with the investor to gauge their effectiveness and impact.
Long-term Vision: Compare the long-term vision of the investors to see if they are aligned with your company’s future goals.
Reach out: Turn your pitch deck into trackable link and send it when reaching out to investors, analyse the engagement on each page and follow up after it.

How to send your pitch deck to series a VC funds in Japan

To effectively engage with series a investors in Japan:

Research Potential Investors: Identify Series A investors who have a presence or experience in the Japanese market, and understand their investment focus and portfolio companies.
Cultural Understanding: Gain an understanding of business etiquette in Japan, including the importance of hierarchy, consensus-building, and formality in communication.
Language Considerations: While not all investors may require it, having Japanese-language materials and the ability to communicate in Japanese can be advantageous.
Local Partner or Presence: Consider partnering with a local advisor or establishing a presence in Japan to build credibility and facilitate introductions.
Networking Events and Conferences: Attend relevant startup events and conferences in Japan to meet potential investors and gain insights into the local ecosystem.
Tailored Pitch: Customize your pitch to highlight how your business aligns with Japanese market opportunities and investor interests.
Follow-Up and Persistence: Be prepared for a longer decision-making process and follow up appropriately to keep the conversation moving forward.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that you understand Japan's regulatory environment and have appropriate legal and financial structures in place.
Cultural Sensitivity in Negotiations: Approach negotiations with an understanding of Japanese cultural nuances and values, prioritizing relationship-building.
Leverage Success Stories: Highlight any existing connections, partnerships, or successes your company has in Japan to build credibility.
Send Your Pitch Deck and track results: Use pitch deck sharing software to send your deck and track time investors spend on each page and capture feedback from them.

1. SoftBank

SoftBank has significantly shaped Japan's telecommunications and technology sectors, driving innovation and connectivity.

Sector: nan
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: nan

2. Rakuten Capital

Rakuten Capital significantly influences the Japanese startup ecosystem through strategic investments and fostering innovation.

Sector: AI, Fintech, E-Commerce, Financial Services, Agnostic
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth
Location: Japan
Website: https://capital.rakuten.com

3. JAFCO Japan

JAFCO Japan plays a significant role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by providing venture capital to startups across the nation.

Sector: Software, IT, E-Commerce, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth
Location: Japan
Website: https://jafco.co.jp/english

4. NTT DoCoMo Ventures

NTT DoCoMo Ventures has significantly boosted innovation in Japan by investing in and nurturing promising tech startups.

Sector: Enterprise, Media and Entertainment, Consumer Electronics, VR/AR, Gaming, Marketplaces, Fintech, AI, Digital Health
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth
Location: Japan
Website: http://www.nttdocomo-v.com/

5. CyberAgent Capital

CyberAgent Capital has significantly contributed to the growth of Japan's startup ecosystem by investing in numerous early-stage technology companies.

Sector: E-Commerce, Software, Mobile, Media and Entertainment, Education, Advertising, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://www.cyberagentcapital.com/

6. Incubate Fund

Incubate Fund has significantly influenced Japan's startup ecosystem by providing early-stage venture capital to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Sector: Media and Entertainment, Financial Services, Lending and Investments, Advertising, E-Commerce, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://incubatefund.com

7. Global Brain

Global Brain is a leading venture capital firm based in Japan, known for significantly boosting the local startup ecosystem through strategic investments and mentorship.

Sector: Financial Services, Advertising, Agriculture, Software, AI
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://globalbrains.com/en

8. Dentsu Digital Holdings

Dentsu Digital Holdings significantly influences Japan's advertising and digital marketing landscape through innovative strategies and technologies.

Sector: nan
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://www.dentsudigital.co.jp:443/

9. DG Ventures

DG Ventures has significantly influenced Japan's startup ecosystem by providing essential capital and support for innovative companies.

Sector: Software, E-Commerce, SaaS, Advertising, Applications, IT, Media and Entertainment, Mobile, Sales and Marketing, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://dgventures.com

10. Deepcore

Deepcore has significantly influenced the Japanese AI landscape by nurturing startups and fostering innovation.

Sector: AI, Software, IT, Robotics, Health Care, Lifestyle and Wellness, Blockchain, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A
Location: Japan
Website: https://deepcore.jp

11. ANRI

ANRI has significantly impacted Japan's investment landscape by fostering innovation and supporting early-stage startups.

Sector: Consumer, Enterprise, Health Care
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://anri.vc

12. Axil Capital

Axil Capital significantly enhances innovation and growth in Japan by investing in transformative technologies and startups.

Sector: Biotechnology, Health Care, AI, Robotics, Life Sciences
Stage: Seed, Series A
Location: Japan
Website: https://www.axilcapital.com/home-en

13. Beyond Next Ventures

Beyond Next Ventures is a key catalyst in Japan's innovation ecosystem, fostering the growth of startups through strategic investment and support.

Sector: nan
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://beyondnextventures.com

14. Digital Garage

Digital Garage has significantly impacted Japan by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through its investment in technology startups and digital transformation initiatives.

Sector: Enterprise, Software, E-Commerce, Media and Entertainment, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://www.garage.co.jp/

15. GMO Venture Partners

GMO Venture Partners is a significant force in Japan's technology investment landscape, driving innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.

Sector: Financial Services, Advertising, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://gmo-vp.com

16. Coral Capital

Coral Capital is a venture capital firm significantly contributing to the growth and innovation of startups in Japan.

Sector: nan
Stage: Seed, Series A
Location: Japan
Website: https://coralcap.co

17. Strive VC

Strive VC has significantly contributed to the growth of Japan's startup ecosystem by supporting early-stage technology companies.

Sector: B2B, E-Commerce, Fintech, Marketplaces, SaaS, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: https://strive.vc

18. Genesia Ventures

Genesia Ventures has made a significant impact in Japan by supporting innovative startups and fostering entrepreneurial growth.

Sector: Advertising
Stage: Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A
Location: Japan
Website: https://www.genesiaventures.com/

19. Beenos

Beenos has significantly influenced Japan's e-commerce landscape by fostering cross-border online transactions.

Sector: E-Commerce, Enterprise
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://beenos.com

20. Money Forward

Money Forward has significantly transformed personal finance management in Japan through its innovative financial software solutions.

Sector: nan
Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C
Location: Japan
Website: https://corp.moneyforward.com

21. SMBC Venture Capital

SMBC Venture Capital plays a pivotal role in fostering startup growth and innovation in Japan.

Sector: Health Care, IT, Software, Agnostic
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Location: Japan
Website: nan

Did not find the right series a investors in Japan ?

Check our open investors database with 7k+ VC funds listed.

Search investors ■ by sector ■ by stage ■ by location ■ by name

Conclusion: series a VC firms in Japan actively investing in 2024

In conclusion, the landscape of Series A investment in Japan is dynamically evolving, with notable venture capital firms such as SoftBank, Rakuten Capital, and JAFCO Japan leading the charge. These investors have not only contributed over $2 billion to the Japanese startup ecosystem in 2024 but have also strategically focused on sectors like technology and healthcare, which are crucial for the country's economic growth and innovation. Their efforts have expanded the reach and capabilities of startups, providing both financial resources and invaluable strategic guidance that help propel these young companies onto the global stage.

For entrepreneurs navigating this landscape, choosing the right investor involves not only securing funding but also aligning with an investor who shares their strategic vision, industry focus, and cultural values. Given the unique business culture in Japan, understanding the importance of reputation, networks, and mutual respect cannot be overstated. As investors continue to support early-stage ventures, they are not only fueling the growth of individual companies but also contributing to a broader ecosystem that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development throughout Japan.