An Expansion stage VC firm
With an operations team in Tokyo and investment team in silicon valley, we are structured to catalyze the global growth of startups
Why Japan matters?
- Japan's market is high-margin and loyal
- Success in Japan matters throughout Asia
- Best companies in Japan are global category leaders
- Japanese sectors are highly regulated with 2-3 dominant players
- Those category leaders can support and expedite regulatory approval in Japan
- Keiretsu's still matter
- Today, direct to Japanese customer is best (tech, culture)
- Your brand image is established by the status of first customers and is often permanent
- Best logos/corporations work in silicon valley in English
- Top-level support in Japan is crucial for success
- Hire with care; English is not a metric
- Top media coverage from outlets such as the Nikkei validates a startup