Division of Technology Transfer Strengthening Program for Pharmaceutical Startup Ecosystem / List of Registered Venture Capitals
Registered Venture Capital (Registered VC) Contact List（As of Nov 1, 2024）
| Name of registered VC | Contact | Person in charge | Administrative policies, communications, etc. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4BIO Partners LLP | info"AT" 4biocapital.com | Philippe Fauchet Kieran Mudryy |
4BIO Capital (‘4BIO’) is an international venture capital firm headquartered in London, focused solely on the advanced and emerging therapies sector. The 4BIO team, which has an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector, comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors. The firm maintains a global footprint across the UK, US, Europe and Asia with an objective to create, invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies. Its ultimate goal is ensuring access to potentially curative therapies for all patients, with a specific focus on viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome. The 4BIO team consists of leading scientists in advanced therapies and experienced life sciences investors. 4BIO possess both an extensive network within the advanced therapy sector and the ability to select the best investment opportunities to support global business growth. Leveraging our strong relationships with stakeholders in Japan, we aim to connect the science and technology originating in Japan with global business opportunities. (https://www.4biocapital.com/) |
| ANRI Inc. | https://anri.vc/contact | Yusuke MIYAZAKI Kazuhiro SAKAKIBARA |
ANRI Inc. is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm with extensive experience in seed and early-stage investments, providing support from the inception of business establishment. ANRI is dedicated to fostering technology-driven startups with the potential for global impact, including early-stage investments in biotech ventures focused on innovative drug development. Our team provides comprehensive support in areas such as team building, business strategy, and intellectual property, leveraging both ANRI’s internal expertise and a vast network of specialized professionals. Through this AMED grant project, we aim to accelerate R&D and clinical development, transforming cutting-edge technologies from Japan’s academic and research communities into groundbreaking therapeutic solutions. |
| ANV Management, LLC | info"AT" an.vc | Ken Horne FUTAMI Takashi Ari Nowacek |
AN Venture Partners (ANV), is a Tokyo- and San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests in the life sciences sector. ANV was founded by a group of experienced Japanese and US venture capital (VC) professionals with extensive experience in startups and investment activities. While Japan generates a large amount of innovative scientific research, the Japanese ecosystem faces challenges in creating global companies based on these innovations. ANV was created as a VC firm to connect Japan and the world so that Japan can maximize its scientific potential. Specifically, ANV invests in promising research from Japanese universities and supports the commercialization of these ideas by creating companies in the US, including pre-startup and early-stage startup firms. By developing business in the US, which has a more mature ecosystem, deeper talent pool and far larger capital market, ANV hopes to grow these companies, leading to the efficient social implementation of their innovations. Ultimately, the aim is to hold an initial public offering (IPO) for these startups, for example on NASDAQ; or to achieve an exit via a sale to a global pharma company. |
| Astellas Venture Management LLC | tadayoshi.hirata"AT" astellas.com | HIRATA Tadayoshi SAKURAI Nagisa William Watt Bradley Hardiman KONAGAI Satoshi MIYAKE Shinichi |
AVM is the wholly-owned venture capital organization within Astellas, dedicated to supporting pre-clinical, cutting-edge science that can bring VALUE to patients. We make investments in privately owned early-stage biotechnology companies focused on therapeutics programs and platform technologies for discovery and development. After making investments, we provide "Pharma View," based on our long history and experience in the pharmaceutical industry. We also offer business support leveraging the expertise, experience, and global network of our team members to implement portfolio companies' innovations and delivery them to patients more swiftly. |
| Beyond Next Ventures Inc. | https://beyondnextventures.com/contact/ | SAWABE Takehiko YATO Keigo |
We are a venture capital firm dedicated to addressing global challenges through the social implementation of innovative science and technology and the enhancement of ecosystems. Our team, specializing in the biopharmaceutical sector, includes capitalists, advisors, and an extensive external network (including partnered CROs), all working together to support the formation of management teams, the planning and execution of business, intellectual property, and partnership strategies, as well as domestic and international marketing and fundraising. Our goal is to reduce business risks and enhance business value. Additionally, we have established a shared wet lab, "Beyond BioLAB TOKYO," in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, to further support research and development in the life sciences sector. |
| Catalys Pacific, LLC | info"AT"catalyspacific.com | TAKAHASHI Takeshi NAGATA Megumi |
Catalys Pacific is an independent venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in life sciences. The firm’s mission is improving patient lives worldwide by driving impact and innovation in healthcare and contributing to advancements in life sciences. Founded in 2019, the firm acts as a trusted regional partner, building companies and catalyzing transpacific partnerships to fulfill its mission. The Catalys Pacific team is based in Tokyo, Japan and San Francisco, California. Learn more at website. |
| D3LLC | info"AT"d3growth.com | NAGATA Tomoya WATATANI Kenji HASEBE Yasuaki |
D3 LLC is a Japanese venture capital firm specializing in bio-healthcare. Our investment professionals with a background in science (bio, med, pharma) and global business experience at McKinsey or US based VC/PE funds provide global standard bio-healthcare investments that have not been made in Japan before. We actively collaborate with investors and business companies in Japan and abroad, with the purpose of "contributing to global medical health from Japan". If you are an investor or a company that sees the potential of science and startups in Japan, please feel free to contact us. |
| DBJ Capital Co., Ltd. | https://www.dbj-cap.jp/contact/ | MITSUGUCHI Hisashi ISHII Hiroshi YASUDA Yorinobu |
DBJ Capital invests in wide range of industries as the venture capital arm of the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ). Life science sector is one of the focus areas of DBJ Capital. We have venture capitalists with extensive business and investment experience in this field and invest approximately 30% of our fund in this sector. As for hands-on activities, we focus on supporting fundraising, business management, recruitment, R&D, and business development, etc. We are unique in supporting alliances with large companies and domestic and international life science VCs by leveraging DBJ's client base. For more information, please visit our website. |
| DCI Partners Co., Ltd. | dcip_info"AT"daiwa.co.jp | YOKOTA Junichi TANAKA Shoma NIIMI Yuka |
We have over 20 years' history of investing in biotech start-ups. We are currently managing the largest size of the life science fund in Japan and playing a key role in supplying funds to promising start-ups. We aim at increasing the value of our portfolios by providing various hands-on supports utilizing our team's expertise of clinical development, intellectual property and business development as well as our extensive network across academics, biotech and pharmaceutical industry primarily in Japan and Taiwan. Beyond classical venture capital firms, we act as a platform to incubate seeds and create new start-ups that have great potential. |
| Eight Roads Ventures Japan | admin"AT"eightroads.com | KOMOTO Shinichiro ASHIDA Hiroki |
Global venture capital firm with deep analysis and understanding to science and technologies that can solve unmet medical needs and social problem. Stage agnostic investment from pre-foundation stage or seed stage to later growth stage. Leveraging global footprint as a fund and co-work with F-Prime Capital in US, a sister fund, Eight Roads Ventures Japan provides Japanese biotech startups with patient capital and hands-on support for global business expansion. |
| Eisai Innovation, Inc. | info"AT"eisaiinnovation.com | Ryutaro Adachi | Eisai Innovation, Inc. serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Eisai Co., Ltd. and engages in global investment activities in the areas of neurology, oncology, and global health. Our team of professionals has extensive experience in drug discovery, as well as investment and business development. We work closely with and support entrepreneurs both financially and collaboratively in their pursuit for impactful therapeutics. https://www.eisaiinnovation.com/ |
| F-Prime Capital Partners | admin"AT"eightroads.com | KOMOTO Shinichiro ASHIDA Hiroki |
Global venture capital firm with 20+ years experience in providing biotech startup with patient capital and hands-on support, based in US and cross-boarder to Japan, China, India and Europe. Deep analysis and understanding to science and technologies that can solve unmet medical needs and social problem. Stage agnostic investment from pre-foundation stage or seed stage, to later growth stage. Japan is one of focusing areas by co-working with the sister fund, Eight Roads Ventures Japan. |
| Fast Track Initiative, Inc. | https://us.fasttrackinitiative.com/contact-us/ | KIRIYA Keita | Established in 2004, Fast Track Initiative (FTI) is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan and Boston, United States. Our mission since establishment has been to facilitate growth of innovative companies through investments that leads to life, vitality, and a healthier future. We turn to our depth of knowledge and experience in order to take on greater risks and challenges that lead to the discovery of novel sciences. We are always looking for new venture partners, corporate partners, and early stage startups. |
| JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. | https://jafco.co.jp/english/contact/ | KITAZAWA Tomotake KOBAYASHI Taira MIURA Kengo MIYAGAWA Yukari ISHIMOTO Yuki |
We understand and deeply empathize with the aspirations of entrepreneurs to realize their businesses. We have executed investments of several hundred million yen, mainly in the seed/early stage, and have continued to execute investments after the initial round. The investment theme of the Investment Group for Academy & Life Science is to capture and dedicate the technological innovations that will change the world. The main areas of our investment are biotech, medical device, and health technology, which are essential to society, have high growth potential, and are expected to expand their markets, and we support the challenges of companies that aspire to innovative and creative management. We have been actively supporting biotech since the dawn of investment in Japan and have accumulated a great deal of knowledge and network. We concentrate our investments on next-generation innovative technologies and medical seeds that can be delivered to a large number of patients. |
| JIC Venture Growth Investments Co., Ltd. | info_lifescience"AT"j-vgi.co.jp | URUNO Yoshiharu SUZUKI Hanae TSUZUKU Takuma HIRUTA Koichi |
JIC Venture Growth Investments Co., Ltd. (JIC VGI), a venture capital arm of Japan Investment Corporation group (JIC), strategically drives Japanese innovation and global competitiveness. Focusing on diverse investment stages in life science, JIC VGI nurtures startups through a robust network encompassing venture capitals, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. We contribute to the strengthening of the venture ecosystem and the creation of new drugs originating in Japan. |
| Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc. | https://www.keio-innovation.co.jp/en/contact/ | Tomokatsu Hongo | Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) is a venture capital that supports startups that create innovative new businesses by utilizing the outstanding research results of universities and research institutions, including Keio University. KII specialize in supporting startups based on research results and lead investment from the seed and early phases. Our main investment targets are startups that are working to innovate society through digital technology and solve issues in the fields of healthcare. In the field of healthcare, we provide a wide range of support, from pharmaceuticals (covering small molecure to new modalities) to regenerative medicine products, medical devices, and therapeutic apps. In the field of drug discovery, we have three track record of IPOs. https://www.keio-innovation.co.jp/en/ |
| Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. | ueno.hiroyuki"AT"kyoto-unicap.co.jp https://www.kyoto-unicap.co.jp/en/contact/ |
UENO Hiroyuki YAGI Nobuhiro KONO Osami TSUJIMURA Tsuyoshi YOKOO Koji |
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd is the venture capital firm established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoto University. We aim to contribute creating new industries that will lead the next generation by utilizing the research results of Kyoto University and Japanese national universities via investments. We’ve been supporting various biotech companies that promote the practical application from innovative university research results. In the “Drug Discovery Venture Ecosystem Enhancement Project”, we will support the research and development and business development of biotech companies to create new vaccine and new therapeutic option from the point of view of venture capital. |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd. | ninteivc"AT"mucap.co.jp | HASEGAWA Hiroyuki SHIOZAKI Mikihiko KAKIUCHI Akihito SEKIYA Michiko MIYOKO Nobuhiko IZAWA Yosuke KUBO Yuki |
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital invests in a wide range of industries as the venture capital of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. In the life science field, we have continuously established funds totaling ¥50 billion, including the Mitsubishi UFJ Life Science Fund IV (¥20 billion), since the first fund in February 2017. Our life science funds pursue the strategy of facilitating the creation of a drug discovery ecosystem in Japan. Specifically, besides follower investments in start-ups, we aim to support various processes from the nurturing of seeds for drug discovery to clinical development, by (1) drug discovery in academia: investing in start-ups that spun off from universities, (2) carveouts: investing in start-ups that were carved out from pharmaceuticals and specialize in specific technology or disease fields, and (3)open-innovation projects between academia and pharmaceuticals. Through these activities, we trust that we could contribute to advances in pharmaceutical development. We have several capitalists with pharmaceutical backgrounds, and we cover a wide range of drug discovery processes and disease areas in pharmaceuticals. In addition, we have concluded comprehensive agreements with specialized companies and organizations that can consult on intellectual property, non-clinical trials, pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical development strategies, and medical needs, and have established a system that allows consultation before investment. |
| Miyako Capital Inc. | info"AT"miyakocapital.com | MISAWA Hiroyuki OTANI Takayuki TAMIYA Taiga |
We will invest in technology development-focused startup companies that utilize advanced intellectual assets from academia and research institutions, such as Kyoto University, across all stages from seed and early stages to middle and later stages, contributing to the SDGs. Additionally, we aim to foster the creation of next-generation leading industries and innovations through growth support activities such as industry-academia collaboration leading to the social implementation of technology. We will continuously support by implementing effective industry-academia collaboration strategies tailored to the circumstances and needs of each company. Additionally, since all our members have extensive experience in VC investments in Japan, and overseas, including the United States, as well as in managing startup companies, we will provide comprehensive, hands-on support in practical aspects. This time, especially regarding drug discovery startups, we intend to actively support challenges from those who come from pharmaceutical companies and contribute to updating the drug discovery startup ecosystem. |
| MP Healthcare Venture Management, Inc. (MPH) | hsttp://www.mp-healthcare.com/contact | OZAWA Shota | MP Healthcare Venture Management (MPH) is a Boston-based Lifesciences venture capital firm affiliated with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). MPH invests globally in early-stage companies developing innovative therapeutics and platform technologies. Our focus therapeutics areas are neurodegeneration, immunology, oncology, and rare diseases. Please see the detail of our current portfolio companies. |
| Newton Biocapital Partners | https://newtonbiocapital.com/en/contact | SUZUKI Sadashi WADA Michihiko FUCHIKAMI Kinji |
Newton BioCapital ("NBC") is a venture capital fund with offices in Belgium and Japan investing in pre-clinical and clinical stage early stage companies in the life sciences sector in Europe and Japan. With a focus on reducing the burden on patients and society, NBC's strategy is to leverage innovation in the treatment of chronic diseases. The team members have a wealth of experience and a wide range of knowledge in the fields of chemistry, industry, and venture capital. |
| OSAKA University Venture Capital Co., Ltd. | info"AT"ouvc.co.jp | UOTANI Akira UEHIRA Masahiro |
Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (OUVC) is a venture capital firm that supports ventures utilizing outstanding research outcomes not only from Osaka University but also from other national universities. 1) Up until now, we have track records of investing primarily in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, and we have provided comprehensive support from startup to exit assistance. 2) In recent times, we are focusing on finding CxO talent. We also leverage our status as a venture capital funded 100% by Osaka University and place emphasis on specialized hands-on support, including regulatory authority interactions, in collaboration with Medical Center for Translational Research Osaka University Hospital. We are ready to accept consultations from researchers at national universities who are not yet fully prepared for entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on national university settings. For more detailed information and contact details, please refer to our website. |
| Remiges Ventures, Inc. / RDiscovery, KK | info"AT"remigesventures.com | MATSUMOTO Kyoko | Remiges is a venture capital operated by the investment team in Japan and the US and invests in and supports drug discovery startup companies. Our investments target all disease areas and all modalities. We invest in early-stage drug discovery ventures (Seed to Series A/B) that are developing advanced drugs. In addition, we create new ventures based on technologies from universities and other institutions. We typically act as lead investor and support comapnies through participation in the board of directors where we participate in a wide range of management activities including business strategy planning, external alliances and exit activities. Also, to increase company value after investment, we implement various measures such as strengthening the management team by hiring key management personnel, strengthen intellectual property by conducting detailed examinations, providing input in development strategy and clinical trial design, fundraising activities including inviting new investors, and introducing external advisors. We provide direct value-added services in drug development by assisting in accessing needed technologies, scientific expertise, and outsourced services to help ventures develop their business. |
| Saisei Ventures LLC | info"AT"saiseiventures.com | SAITO Hikaru Jonathan Yeh |
Saisei Ventures LLC is a leading venture capital firm focused on growing and harnessing the Japanese biotechnology ecosystem; a region rich in opportunities and potential. We create ventures that start from bold ideas and empower dynamic entrepreneurs by filling in technical, operational, or financial gaps. Our approach combines Western expertise and Japanese innovation to build globally competitive companies that will have the greatest impact on patient lives. We have offices in Japan and Boston, and our first fund is focused on fostering companies related to regenerative medicine, from fundamental technologies to groundbreaking cell and gene therapies originating in Japan. |
| Taiho Innovations, LLC | https://www.taihoinnovations.com/contact/ | Toshiyasu Shimomura Hitoshi Miyakoshi |
Taiho Innovations, LLC. is the corporate venture capital arm of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japanese specialty pharma company focused on oncology and immune-related diseases. In addition to investing in early-stage Japanese biotech companies with innovative drug seeds, drug discovery platform technologies, and consumer healthcare seeds, Taiho Innovations incubates promising seeds and foundational technologies from academia to create new startups. Taiho Innovations is composed of members with diverse experience in global investment and pharmaceutical R&D, enabling it to provide comprehensive hands-on financial and business development support, including global expansion. |
| Taiho Ventures, LLC | info"AT"taihoventures.com | ASANUMA Sakae ISHII Takaaki |
Taiho Ventures, LLC is a strategic corporate venture capital arm of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Japanese specialty pharma focusing on oncology and immune-related diseases. We actively invest in early-stage private companies in the areas of our focus and review a wide variety of modalities including biologics and small molecules. Taiho Ventures focuses on delivering cutting-edge technologies and therapies of startups to society not only by providing financial support but also by leveraging its experience in research and development and business management. The company also considers option type of investments and spin outs, in addition to the pure equity investments. |
| The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. | utec-kanri"AT"ut-ec.co.jp | USAMI Atsushi SHIOHARA Azusa |
Since its inception in April 2004, UTEC, in collaboration with entrepreneurs and researchers, has been investing in numerous startups that are tackling global challenges and advancing human progress. In the field of drug discovery, UTEC's investments span a diverse range of startups focusing on assets such as peptides, nucleic acids, cellular genes, and small molecules, as well as those equipped with advanced drug discovery platform technologies. These efforts are directed towards addressing areas of disease where new treatments are eagerly anticipated. Our members of highly specialized professionals in life sciences and drug discovery leverage our expertise and networks across various domains, including research and development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, business development, and management and administration. We contribute significantly to the business expansion of drug discovery startups, both within Japan and internationally. |
| UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. | https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp/en/contact/ | OHORI Makoto BINGO Atsuhiro |
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo-IPC) is a wholly-owned investment company by the University of Tokyo, actively investing in venture projects that utilize the achievements of the University of Tokyo and other universities. We provide hands-on support from experienced capitalists with a rich history of pharmaceutical investments, business development, and exit strategies in the United States and Japan. We welcome contact with bio-tech ventures engaged in innovative technology development, ranging from preclinical to Phase 2 clinical trials. |
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Last updated 11/15/24