Venture Investment

In Venture Investment, we invest in promising seed and early-stage startups from Japan and support their growth, helping them to take off globally.

Run by entrepreneurs and experienced business managers
Venture Investment is run by our entrepreneurs and experienced business managers, including Tomoko Namba, and we give the required support of our partners, capitalists, marketing, PR, finance, and strategic planning.
Global professional experience
Two of our managing partners, both with professional experience outside Japan, reside in the United States. They provide startups with expertise on global standards and support those taking on the challenge of creating a global-scale business.
Extensive network
We work with DeNA to maintain a community of DeNA alumni. We set up frequent information exchange and collaboration opportunities with people active in startups, and also offer recruitment opportunities to our investment target companies.

We support startups that are trying to create
great value for society

*As of July 2023

Investment Policy

We focus on businesses in the following three areas for investment.

Businesses that resolve information asymmetry
Businesses that resolve information asymmetries that exist in society, including between consumers and companies, employees and employers, and entrepreneurs and investors, as well as the unfair transactional relationships that occur as a result.
Businesses that dramatically improve social productivity
Businesses that harness the power of technology to resolve out-of-date, inefficient procedures or unbalanced systems that are often present in society and particular industries.
Businesses that directly contribute to social sustainability
Businesses that contribute to long-term social sustainability by resolving issues caused by capitalism with an overemphasis on shareholders, including problems in the environment, health and welfare, and equal opportunity.

*We will still consider investment even if the above conditions are not applicable.

Investment Process

Investment decisions will be made in two weeks at the earliest, and on average in one to two months.

1
First interview, initial examination
After an interview with an Investment Manager, we will make an initial examination before deciding to advance to the next step.
See Investment Managers
2
Due diligence
Due diligence will be conducted while also engaging in Q&A and dialogue about the business plan and other documents.
3
Management presentation
A presentation and discussion with our Managing Partners (Namba, Watanabe, Asako) will take place.
4
Final decision
After the final decision is made by the investment committee, we will provide our offer, including investment terms, etc.