An important factor in the success of a startup is the opportunity to meet a venture capital (VC), who can help the startup not only as a financial partner but also as an expert in the business.
In this article, we will explain the relationship between VCs and startups in an easy-to-understand fashion, as well as tips and advice on how to find the perfect VC from JP Startups’ past interviews with startup entrepreneurs. Find the best VC partner and make your business successful!
What is Venture Capital (VC)?
A Venture capital (VC) firm is like a partner that finances new startups with the potential for future growth by purchasing company shares and providing capital to support the startup’s growth. Incidentally, the equity includes shares that may be issued in the future, called latent shares. The VC then aims to sell those shares for a profit in the future. This is the VC’s primary business model.
Types of VC
There are many VC firms in Japan and overseas, each with characteristics in its management body, investment approach, and which stage of startups they invest in. Here, we will introduce the types of VC and representative VC firms.
Independent Venture Capital
They can make investments based on their judgment since they manage funds independently without a parent company or business organization. They may be flexible partners for startups.
Incubate Fund
Incubate Fund Co., Ltd. | A long-established VC with one of the largest seed investment records in Japan
Introducing the appeal of "Incubate Camp", an entrepreneur/investor management training camp that has only merits for entrepreneurs
Incubate Fund, a long-established VC with the largest seed investment track record in Japan. Support recipients and support details, held in mid-October 2022 ...
Beyond Next Ventures Inc.
Beyond Next Ventures Co., Ltd. | Provides support for R&D startups even before their launch
The challenge of Beyond Next Ventures, which continues to challenge the creation of startups that change the world with researchers
“The greatest joy of being involved in Deep Tech is seeing the moment when the future changes.” Masashi Tsuda, who himself devoted himself to research when he was a student…
KUSABI / Wedge, Inc.
KUSABI / Wedge Co., Ltd.｜Providing hands-on support to seed and early phase startups
Having attracted much attention after establishing its first fund with a size of 10 billion yen, what is the world KUSABI aiming for with entrepreneurs?
“Aiming to improve national power through the creation of a trillion-yen company” Kenyuki Nagai, who invests in entrepreneurs in the early stages of business as a capitalist.
There are many independent VC firms in Japan, some specializing in high-risk investments targeting the seed phase as described above and others making large-scale investments after the company has reached a certain scale.
Financial Venture Capital
Banks and securities companies act as the parent companies and provide funds. They have a rich capital network and tend to invest in large-scale companies.
- Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
- SMBC Venture Capital
- Mizuho Capital
and others
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
The VC is operated by a business company, which is attractive because it can provide startups with expertise in the business domain and collaborate with the business company.
- ITOCHU Technology Ventures
- Cyber Agent Ventures
- GREE Venturs
and others
University Venture Capital
Operated by universities and research institutes, these venture capital firms fund new technologies and ideas. They have active partnerships with universities and support the development of research results into businesses.
- The University of Tokyo Collaborative Platform Development (The University of Tokyo IPC)
- Osaka University Venture Capital
- Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)
and others
Region-specific Venture Capital
Invests in startup companies in specific regions to promote economic development and growth.
- Hokkaido Venture Capital, Inc.
- Tohoku Innovation Capital Corporation
- DOGAN beta, Inc.
and others
Overseas Venture Capital
Invests in startup companies on a global scale.
- Antler
- Sequoia Capital
- 500 Startups Japan
and others
Antler Co., Ltd. | Global venture capital operating in 25 cities around the world
A chance to earn 20 million yen even before starting a business! Sneak peek into Antler Cohort Program, the first startup support program to be launched in Japan
Antler is a global venture capital company that operates in 25 cities around the world. Such Antler (antler) unfolds…
VC Funding is Equity Financing or Debt Financing
There are two main ways for startups to raise funds. One is equity financing, which raises funds by issuing shares; the other is debt financing, which raises funds by borrowing money from banks and other financial institutions. Equity means stock, and debt means borrowing or liability. The biggest difference is that equity finance does not, in principle, require the return of money to shareholders, whereas debt finance requires the money to be paid back eventually.
When a startup raises funds from VC, it is equity financing. Since VCs can attract many investors to invest capital in the startup, raising a larger capital amount is possible than raising money from angel investors.
VC is the Savior of Startups!
New startups need funding to achieve rapid growth. However, it can often be difficult to borrow finance from banks because their business models are not yet established, their ability to repay is uncertain, or their future profits are unpredictable. Under such circumstances, VCs provide startups with the necessary funds and support their success by offering advice and industry networks to support business growth.
Why do VCs Invest in Startups?
The VC gets equity (including latent stock) in the startup in exchange for financial support to a startup. The startup can use the funds to hire a talented team or start new projects. When the startup goes public (IPO: Initial Public Offering) or is acquired by another large company (M&A: Mergers and Acquisitions) in the future, it is called an exit.
The important part is that VCs can sometimes earn thousands of times more with this than they did with the funds they originally invested in the startup. This is the main reason VCs financially support startups that may or may not succeed. VCs support the startups while taking risks, resulting in a huge profit for both parties.
Lessons from VCs and Entrepreneurs! 5 Tips for Raising Capital from VCs
JP Startups (Japasta) interviews VCs, especially targeting the phase called seed.
Here are five tips based on interviews with JP Startups for seed-stage startups to raise funds, as well as the factors that VCs focus on when investing in startups.
5 Tips for Raising Capital for Startups in the Seed Stage
- Have a great business idea
VCs focus on unique and attractive business ideas. Identifying market challenges and having an idea that solves them is important. Think about differentiating yourself from your competitors and emphasize your originality. - Prepare a business plan
A business plan is an important element for VCs. Plan your business vision and strategy well and clarify your vision. It is also important to prepare a proper financial plan. - Make your idea tangible
Confirm that your idea works in the real market. Evolve your ideas into tangible products and services by creating prototypes and MVP (minimum viable product). Receiving market feedback leads to business growth. - Build a strong team
VCs also pay attention to startup teams. Gather reliable and competent members and identify their roles and skills. A strong team is critical to your startup’s success. - Communicate your ideas and vision clearly
Hone your presentation skills. Communicate your business ideas and vision with enthusiasm. Approach VCs with clear and engaging communication.
What VCs look for when investing in seed-stage startups
Kenko Nagai, Representative Partner, KUSABI / Wedge, Inc.
KUSABI has three partners, so we have slightly different approaches, but the common denominator is that we look for entrepreneurs who are smart, flexible, and determined.
KUSABI / Wedge Co., Ltd.｜Providing hands-on support to seed and early phase startups
Having attracted much attention after establishing its first fund with a size of 10 billion yen, what is the world KUSABI aiming for with entrepreneurs?
“Aiming to improve national power through the creation of a trillion-yen company” Kenyuki Nagai, who invests in entrepreneurs in the early stages of business as a capitalist.
Masaya Minamide, Incubate Fund
We are investing in entrepreneurs who create new industries and businesses to become game changers.
Incubate Fund Co., Ltd. | A long-established VC with one of the largest seed investment records in Japan
Introducing the appeal of "Incubate Camp", an entrepreneur/investor management training camp that has only merits for entrepreneurs
Incubate Fund, a long-established VC with the largest seed investment track record in Japan. Support recipients and support details, held in mid-October 2022 ...
Masashi Tsuda, Incubation Group Manager, Beyond Next Ventures, Inc.
Not only are seeds unique, but they often have a strong ability to attract and involve the people around them.
Beyond Next Ventures Co., Ltd. | Provides support for research and development startups even before their launch
The challenge of Beyond Next Ventures, which continues to challenge the creation of startups that change the world with researchers
“The greatest joy of being involved in Deep Tech is seeing the moment when the future changes.” Masashi Tsuda, who himself devoted himself to research when he was a student…
Let’s look at some examples of what areas are important to focus on for fundraising from the management’s perspective as well. Interviews with notable startups that JP Startups (Japasta) has introduced include the following comments.
Jun Sugimoto, CEO, Sherpa & Company Co., Ltd.
The fact that our company was a pioneering startup in ESG data management may have been one of the major reasons why the fundraising proceeded smoothly.
Sherpa & Company Co., Ltd. | Provides ESG information disclosure support cloud “SmartESG”
Making sustainability the norm in corporate activities. Jun Sugimoto of Cierpa & Company is challenging the Japanese ESG market through the utilization of technology
“ESG investment” and “ESG information disclosure” are spreading around the world, mainly in Europe and the United States, and are attracting attention in Japan. When companies disclose ESG information…
Katsuya Todaka, CEO, ZABoooN, Inc.
The investors evaluated it as a “product that can compete globally” more than I had imagined, and the negotiations for funding proceeded very smoothly.
Zaboon Co., Ltd. | Develops and operates the standard platform for ship management “MARITIME 7”
ZABoooN's Sales Force Takes on Ships! Interview with ZABoooN's CEO, Mr. Todaka, who is revolutionizing the working environment for seafarers
“Challenging the maritime industry that supports imports and exports of Japan, an island country” Katsuya Todaka tackles problems while leveraging his deep knowledge of the maritime industry as his strength…
Koya Iwasa, CEO, Cloudbase Inc.
I believe that the public cloud security SaaS market in Japan has growth potential, and our company was recognized as the first to cut into the market.
Cloudbase Co., Ltd. | Development of cloud security platform “Cloudbase”
A startup is like an RPG. Meet Mr. Koya Iwasa of Cloudbase, the platform which is making rapid progress in cloud security SaaS and which came to fruition after 6 failed attempts
Public cloud services such as AWS, GCP, and Azure serve as the foundation for building various web services and applications. …
Satoko Otsuki, CEO, Spider Labs Inc.
Sharing your vision or passion with investors is crucial, but in my opinion, it’s even more crucial to explain the rational numbers and strategies that will help you achieve your goal.
Spider Labs Co., Ltd. | Provides ad fraud countermeasure service “Spider AF”
Japanese cyber security company Spider AF ventures into the global market.
"Throw your best at what you want to do at any time" Spid Co., Ltd., a Japanese cyber security startup that competes in the world...
Additionally, learn about the difficulties and hardships startups have faced and get tips on how to raise funds.
Hidetoshi Hayashi, CEO, SmartShopping Inc.
It was challenging to gain the support of VCs and others regarding the hardware and services we were developing.
Smart Shopping Co., Ltd. | Development of inventory management and ordering automation solution using IoT weight scale
Change the Flow of Merchandise by 180 Degrees Based on Consumption Data. Mr. Hidetoshi Hayashi, CEO of SmartShopping, Challenges to Realize a New Future of Shopping
About 40 years have passed since the term "supply chain management" was first used in logistics research in 1982.
Naomi Kurahara, CEO, Infostella Inc.
It wasn’t easy to reconcile the perceptions of the business timespan with the investors.
Infostellar Inc. | Development and operation of StellarStation, a common ground station platform for orbiting satellites
The Space business has become more interesting. The challenge of Infostellar, which supports the space business as an infrastructure.
After working as a postdoctoral researcher at a university and as a satellite control system engineer, Kurahara is taking on the challenge of space business.
Yuki Ejiri, CEO (at the time), Bitkey Inc.
I think the lack of similar examples of our business model in Japan was a hurdle.
Bitkey Co., Ltd. | Develops and operates the digital key platform “bitkey Platform” that performs ID collaboration/authentication/rights processing
Bitkey: creating a world where everything is connected with an all-in-one solution
Bitkey Co., Ltd.'s mission is to "connect" everything safely, conveniently and comfortably with the power of technology. Established in 2018…
Yuya Yamamoto, CEO, The Ethical Spirits & Co.
I understand that from an investor’s standpoint, they are looking for a reasonable story that is worth investing in, so I have to be smart about how to get them interested.
Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd.｜Production of craft gin using waste materials and operation of a regenerative distillery
Continuous entrepreneurship in the SAKE industry! "The Ethical Spirits & Co." founder's challenge to rewrite the norm
"When I drank delicious gin, that was ethical." …
Kohei Nishiwada, CEO, Asuene Inc.
I rather viewed the negotiation process positively because I believe that the DD process, in which we brush up on the market, business model strategy, competitive advantages, and issues together through discussions with investors, is a place where entrepreneurs and management teams can be trained.
ASENE Co., Ltd. Developing CO2 emissions visualization, reduction, and reporting cloud service "ASZERO"
Business that changes society! A Better World for the Next Generation, Aims of Asuene Inc's Nishiwada, who Achieved Series B in Less Than Two Years, Driven by Decarbonization
With the “Decarbonization Declaration” in October 2020, the time has come for Japan to appreciate CO2 reduction and renewable energy as a business.
Hirotake Kubo, CEO, CLAS, Inc.
When people with such high perspectives and worldviews asked me questions about the world that I hadn’t yet seen, I tried my best to answer them.
CLAS Co., Ltd.｜Operation of furniture and home appliances subscription service “CLAS”
Aiming to realize a “recycling-oriented and sustainable "society that does not throw away things"
Furniture and home appliances are bought and thrown away every time an individual's lifestyle or a corporation's business scale changes. Among them, cyclical and sustainable “things…
Ryo Tsuyuki, CEO, STANDS, inc.
When you are unfamiliar with the process, you don’t even know what went wrong when a VC (venture capitalist) turns you down. So, I consulted with people who had participated in accelerators with me or who had already succeeded in raising funds. While following the process and learning in real-time, I was able to align my perspective with the VCs.
STANDS Co., Ltd. | Development and provision of UI/UX improvement tool "Onboarding" that installs a guide that guides users to web services
An engineer's frustrating experience spurred him to start his own company, STANDS, inc.
Development can only be done by engineers... There are still many people who feel that they are not good at coding. On the other hand, recently…
4 Benefits and 3 Precautions of Receiving Investment from VCs
Receiving investment from a VC can benefit a startup beyond just the financial aspect. On the other hand, however, some considerations must be considered. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Advantages of receiving VC investment
- Easier to raise funds
Receiving investment from a VC often makes it easier to obtain loans from banks as a side benefit, as the company gains social recognition and credibility as “VCs value this company”. It may also attract the attention of other investors, increasing your chances of additional investments or meeting new investors. - Potential to expand business partners
By leveraging the VC’s network with many companies and receiving support, you will have more opportunities to find new business and collaboration partners. - Management know-how can be utilized
VCs are management professionals with extensive business knowledge. Startups can achieve better management with advice and support from VCs. - No obligation to repay
In principle, funds from VC do not need to be repaid. Startups can grow without the pressure of repayment for future business success.
Points to consider when receiving investment from VCs
- Management control may be taken over
Receiving investment from VCs may result in interference with management. As investors, VCs may offer management opinions and suggestions to ensure the business’s success. However, in the process, the VC’s options for management may be limited, or they may take control of the company, so startups should carefully check the details of the investment agreement. It is a good idea to clarify your company’s vision and management policies in advance and develop your negotiation skills. Sometimes, having an advisor with no equity stake in the company may be necessary. - Shareholding ratio decreases
When a startup receives investment from a VC, the shareholding or the ownership ratio of the startup’s management may decrease as the VC acquires new shares. A decline in the shareholding ratio will affect the startup’s future profit distribution and management rights. Hedge your risks by making firm strategic arrangements for capital policies from the early stages. - Early results (exits) are required
VC firms require startups to exit early (IPO, M&A, etc.) to earn a return on their investment. Startups are expected to grow and increase revenue quickly. While they need to respond to these expectations, discussing exit strategies with VCs is essential, as they may conflict with medium- to long-term growth perspectives.
When a startup receives investment from VCs, it is important to build a relationship with the VC carefully, keeping these precautions in mind. If a mutually beneficial and understanding relationship is established, great results can be achieved for startups and VCs.
The following comments can be found in the interviews with high-profile startups that JP Startups (Japasta) has introduced.
Yuichi Sasaki, CEO, Spiral.AI Inc
Some VCs say they can help, but it’s difficult to trust them 100% because they’re business partners with potential conflicts of interest.
Spiral.AI Co., Ltd. | Develops software specializing in large language models (LLM)
Expanding Human Potential with the Power of Large-scale Language Models (LLMs): This is the challenge for Spiral.AI.
With the advent of ChatGPT and BingAI, there is a gradual demand for cooperation with AI these days. Especially writing and sentences…
Naoto Yokoyama, CEO, FLYWHEEL Inc.
The first is that it is important to proceed with equity financing with the understanding that the policies of finance and the business itself will change significantly depending on who is the lead investor..
Flywheel Co., Ltd.｜Using advanced AI technology to provide solutions that utilize big data
Just like customized orders. Aim to optimize society with "Conata", an all-in-one platform that turns data into value｜FLYWHEEL, Inc.
Advances in AI have enabled us to create innovative solutions using big data. Even today, many…
Benefits Beyond Financial Support! How VCs Network and their Advice
VC investment is a critical part of a startup’s success, but it is not the only value of a VC. VC includes strategic collaboration, an unparalleled network, and advice from a wealth of experience. Let’s find out how much they contribute to a startup’s business growth through JP Startups’ interviews with VCs and startups.
Incubate Fund
Mr. Masaya Minamide
We participate in management meetings with the investees and provide a wide range of assistance to business growth, help with fundraising, and team building.
Incubate Fund Co., Ltd. | A long-established VC with one of the largest seed investment records in Japan
Introducing the appeal of "Incubate Camp", an entrepreneur/investor management training camp that has only merits for entrepreneurs
Incubate Fund, a long-established VC with the largest seed investment track record in Japan. Support recipients and support details, held in mid-October 2022 ...
“Incubate Camp” is an acceleration program for entrepreneurs in the early stages of starting a business.
The editorial department went behind the scenes to cover the final pitch of "Incubate Camp", in which 16 entrepreneurs selected from over 600 applicants participated.
Incubate Fund, a long-established VC with the largest seed investment track record in Japan. On a certain day in October, the management training camp “Incu…
Tomohiro Tada, CEO, AI Medical Service Inc
Incubate Camp is an event that brings together Japan’s top capitalists, so the actual amount of money involved is off the charts. Incubate Camp was also the catalyst for our investment.
AI Medical Service Co., Ltd. | Research and development of endoscopic image diagnosis support AI, promoting joint research and product development with more than 100 medical facilities
AI Medical Service's Challenge to Spread Medical Care without Disparity
Tomohiro Tada, who has worked on the development of the world's highest level AI endoscope through endoscopic medicine for about 10 years to "realize a world of medical care without disparities".
Futoshi Kitayama, COO, Arch
The Incubate Camp, which the Incubate Fund ran, helped us get the funding we needed.
Arch Co., Ltd. | Developing a digital platform that connects construction companies and rental companies
Make the construction industry everyone's dream industry with the genuine digitization of construction. This is the challenge for Arch, which provides an online ordering tool for construction equipment rentals
"Aiming for true construction DX" Mr. Tadashi Matsueda and Kitayama talk about such a vision with a light tone while mixing Osaka dialect ...
Beyond Next Ventures
Masashi Tsuda, Incubation Group Manager
After the investment from our company, we provide support for recruiting CXO human resources, cooperation with large companies, support for IPO, etc.., with teams with excellent expertise. Our capitalists accompany the investee companies daily as board members and advisors.
“BRAVE” is an acceleration program for research and development startups.
The challenge of Beyond Next Ventures, which continues to challenge the creation of startups that change the world with researchers
“The greatest joy of being involved in Deep Tech is seeing the moment when the future changes.” Masashi Tsuda, who himself devoted himself to research when he was a student…
Tomohiro Tada, CEO, AI Medical Service Inc
BRAVE specializes in the growth of R&D ventures. They provide training for researchers and university professors on the basics of startup finance and how to involve CXOs.
AI Medical Service Co., Ltd. | Research and development of endoscopic image diagnosis support AI, promoting joint research and product development with more than 100 medical facilities
AI Medical Service's Challenge to Spread Medical Care without Disparity
Tomohiro Tada, who has worked on the development of the world's highest level AI endoscope through endoscopic medicine for about 10 years to "realize a world of medical care without disparities".
KUSABI / Wedge, Inc.
“KUSABI α” is an approximately 18-month program that nurtures seed-stage startups.
Having attracted much attention after establishing its first fund with a size of 10 billion yen, what is the world KUSABI aiming for with entrepreneurs?
“Aiming to improve national power through the creation of a trillion-yen company” Kenyuki Nagai, who invests in entrepreneurs in the early stages of business as a capitalist.
Yuichi Kurosaki, CEO, WAND,inc.
The greatest benefit of the program was that I was able to learn how to start up a business through mentoring with a capitalist. Through the weekly mentoring, I was able to learn the inputs and outputs necessary to launch a business from zero with a sense of speed.
Antler
"Antler Cohort Program" to support entrepreneurs' day zero
A chance to earn 20 million yen even before starting a business! Sneak peek into Antler Cohort Program, the first startup support program to be launched in Japan
Antler is a global venture capital company that operates in 25 cities around the world. Such Antler (antler) unfolds…
Ask the Entrepreneurs! What was the Deciding Factor in Choosing a VC?
The relationship between a startup and a VC is sometimes compared to a marriage, when both parties become important partners who work together toward the goal of exiting. Senior startups will answer questions that those who are considering starting a business in the future or those considering raising funds may have.
Q. How should one raise Series A funding?
Ryoga Okunishi, CEO, IVRy Inc
We raised funds from a VC who evaluated our company’s potential properly.
IVRy Inc. | Operation of "IVRy", a service that allows you to create a free automatic telephone answering system (IVR system) in as little as 5 minutes
"Telephone calls" are the key to improving productivity in Japan. We interviewed Mr. Ryoga Okunishi of IVRy, a company that is taking on the challenge of DX in telephone operations with SaaS
Despite the fact that many companies find it complicated, telephone services have remained analog for a long time, and it has been difficult to improve operational efficiency except for large companies with sufficient funds.
Shinya Takayanagi, CEO, 207, Inc.
For startups aiming for the Series A round, I personally recommend having an investor who you can talk flat out with.
207 Co., Ltd. | Aiming to DX the last mile of the logistics industry, we are developing a business specializing in improving delivery efficiency.
207, Inc Challenge to Create a Japan-originated Logistics Standard and Create a World Where Goods Can Be Delivered Anytime, Anywhere
I have a package at a nearby sales office, but I can't pick it up because it's been out of the office for a long time-I'm sure many of you have had such an experience. The last one in logistics...
Q. What are the factors to consider when looking for a VC?
Hiroaki Hanaoka, COO, SUPER STUDIO Inc.
When we first raised funds, the investors’ personality was a significant factor. There are various types of people, but we were a good fit with investors who valued our team and corporate culture.
SUPER STUDIO Co., Ltd. | Provides D2C support business and EC core system "ecforce"
Rapid Growth with an SaaS EC Platform. Interview with the Co-Founder of SUPER STUDIO、 an unconventional startup that emphasizes the concept of "It's Not What You Do, But Who You Do It With"
A “D2C boom” has been occurring for several years. The boom has received a tailwind due to the corona disaster, and we will start working on D2C ...
Yukito Kondo, CEO, Fanfare Inc.
For investment, we consider whether they agree to improve the industry from a medium- to long-term perspective as a very important point.
Fanfare Co., Ltd. ｜Developed SaaS “Vehicle Dispatch Head” that automatically creates vehicle dispatch plans for waste collection
I want to contribute to society by demonstrating "intervention value". Mr. Yukito Kondo of Fanfare, challenges to solve problems in the waste industry without any experience
The history of the waste industry in Japan is long. In 1900, the Sewage Cleanup Act was enacted. This is the first time that waste is processed under government control.
Kosuke Kuzuoka, CEO, HireRoo Co., Ltd.
We are determined to “go to the global market and absolutely win”.We were looking for an investor to support us in this seemingly reckless challenge..
HireRoo Co., Ltd. | Provides “HireRoo”, an online complete coding test service
From being a backpacker after junior high school to an entrepreneur after a stint at Mercari. Mr. Kosuke Kuzuoka of HireRoo is trying to solve problems of engineer recruitment
It has been a long time since the shortage of IT human resources was cried out. It is said that there will be a shortage of 450,000 IT human resources by 2030.
Q. What kind of relationship does an investor have with a startup?
Naotomo Obayashi, CEO, Another Works, Inc.
In my case, I think that fundraising, like hiring, is part of gathering associates I believe that meeting investors who are willing to move our business forward with us will help broaden our perspectives and human connections.
Another works Co., Ltd. ｜ Developing a SaaS type multi-business matching platform "Multi-business Cloud"
Revolutionize employment in Japan with "social implementation of multi-business". Mr. Naotomo Obayashi of Another works, a company that continues to create the norm for the future with the management philosophy he learned from his predecessors
It has been a long time since the diversification of work styles has attracted attention. Among them, "multiple jobs", which involve working in multiple jobs at the same time, enable flexible career development for individuals.
Hirotake Kubo, CEO, CLAS, Inc.
In conducting business, I can see the barriers I have to overcome, but the great thing about them is that they can see them ahead of time, so I have them as advisors.
CLAS Co., Ltd.｜Operation of furniture and home appliances subscription service “CLAS”
Aiming to realize a “recycling-oriented and sustainable "society that does not throw away things"
Furniture and home appliances are bought and thrown away every time an individual's lifestyle or a corporation's business scale changes. Among them, cyclical and sustainable “things…
Yota Yamada, CEO, iCARE Co., Ltd.
When we are lazy, he scolds us, and when we are depressed, he cheers us up, saying, “It’s okay”. He is genuinely a reassuring business partner.
iCARE Co., Ltd. | Development and operation of “Carely”, a health management system for companies, together with industrial health professionals
An active industrial physician started a business. After a crisis of bankruptcy, it became a fast-growing startup. Mr. Youta Yamada of iCARE, tackles workers' health issues
It has been a long time since health management has attracted attention. After the corona disaster, it seems that companies are becoming more aware of the health of their employees. death…
Q. What should one pay attention to in terms of financing?
Naka Imuta, CEO, Techtouch, Inc.
At the beginning of the establishment, we mainly used debt rather than equity finance.Japan has policy finance, so it’s a debt paradise where it’s easy to borrow even in the early stages of establishment. We are very grateful to Japan Finance Corporation’s startup loans and Credit Guarantee Corporation’s guaranteed loans, so I highly recommend taking advantage of them.
Tech Touch Co., Ltd. ｜Develops “Tech Touch” that can improve system user experience with no code
Bridging the Last Mile of DX; Techtouch's goal of making web systems easier to use and the future of field-driven DX
IT services are increasing day by day. As convenience increases, more and more people are finding it difficult to keep up with these rapid changes. I'm sorry...
Kaori Inoue, CEO, Radiotalk Inc.
I believe that fundraising is a very responsible and meaningful thing for a startup. When we raise funds, it means that our shareholders have expectations of us. I was once told by Mr. Saijo of XTech that “we must put the trust of our shareholders first and strive to maximize our corporate value”, which left a lasting impression on me.
Radiotalk Co., Ltd. Operates “Radiotalk”, an audio distribution platform that can be started immediately with one tap
Professional creators from Radiotalk Inc, a community where audio is the best tool to convey people's charms and enthusiasm.
Check platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube while commuting, doing housework, or studying.
Ami Sugiyama, CEO, Secai Marche Inc.
I would also like to tell you not to be too swayed by investors. Startups and fundraising are both means to an end, so if you can move forward with your business without raising equity, you don’t have to. Our company has been able to meet great investors and is able to move forward with our business.
SECAI MARCHE Co., Ltd. | Building a new supply chain for fresh food in Southeast Asia
Responding to the needs for direct-to-consumer EC in Southeast Asia, where logistics is still underdeveloped! Secai Marche Inc's Challenge to Connect Producers and Consumers
Our mission is to create a world in which information and goods are distributed equally and everyone can play a leading role by directly connecting creators and users.
Summary｜What Startups Should Do to Achieve Success with VC?
VCs provide startups with not only funds but also management know-how and networks. If you are considering starting a business or are thinking about raising funds, it is important to understand the benefits and precautions of VCs, consider which VC to raise funds from, and whether you need to raise funds from VCs or not.
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