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DBJ Capital

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Otemachi

Description

DBJ Capital Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2004 by the Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ). As a corporate venture capital arm, DBJ Capital plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth within the Japanese and broader Asian venture ecosystems. The firm's investment strategy is primarily centered on high-growth potential companies, spanning from seed to growth stages. Their official website highlights a broad mandate to invest across various industries, emphasizing their commitment to supporting emerging businesses.

While their LinkedIn profile and some third-party descriptions, including the provided short description, suggest a specific focus on Chinese IT, bio healthcare, manufacturing, and services-related industries, particularly in China and potentially extending to post-IPO companies, DBJ Capital's official communication indicates a more general approach. Their primary geographic focus is stated as "mainly in Japan and Asia," reflecting a broader regional scope for their investments. This suggests a flexible strategy that adapts to promising opportunities across diverse sectors and geographies within the Asian market, not solely confined to Chinese IT.

DBJ Capital is an active investor, having supported over 100 companies since its inception. The firm typically deploys first cheques ranging from tens of millions of Japanese Yen to several hundreds of millions of Japanese Yen. Based on recent exchange rates, this translates approximately to a minimum check size of around $64,516 USD and a maximum check size that can reach up to $3,225,806 USD for initial investments. This wide range allows them to engage with companies at very early stages while also participating in more significant growth rounds. Their long-standing presence and backing from DBJ provide them with substantial resources and a long-term perspective in their investment decisions.

Investor Profile

DBJ Capital has backed more than 37 startups, with 20 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 14% of its total and boasts 28 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Series B, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Japan.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Apps.
  • Led 3 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $64.5K – $3.2M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (35%)
  • Series B (35%)
  • Seed (11%)
  • Series C (8%)
  • Series Unknown (5%)
  • Series E (3%)
  • Series H (3%)

Country Focus

  • Japan (100%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Health Care
  • Apps
  • Content
  • Health Diagnostics
  • Internet
  • Pharmaceutical
  • E-commerce
  • Virtual Reality
  • Information Services
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does DBJ Capital frequently co-invest with?

SMBC Venture Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 10
Co-Investments: 3
Global Brain Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4
Mizuho Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 7
JAFCO
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4
Keio Innovation Initiative
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 5
JIC Venture Growth Investments
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Marunouchi
Co-Investments: 5
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 14
Archetype Ventures
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 7
DNX Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Co-Investments: 9

Which angels does DBJ Capital often collaborate with?

Shinji Kimura
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by DBJ Capital?

Anaguma

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Anaguma is a software management company that develops and handles social networking app.

AdvertisingBusiness DevelopmentMarketingSustainability
Series AJul 8, 2025
Forest

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Forest is a tech-driven e-commerce platform acquiring third-party brands, optimizing marketing via algorithm insights for growth.

E-CommerceMarketingSales
Series BJun 4, 2025
Amount Raised: $13,306,306
Japan Culture and Technology

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Japan Culture and Technology is a travel booking platform that offers technology to make tourism seamless.

ConsultingEvent ManagementInformation ServicesIT ManagementWeb Development
Series BMay 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $7,762,348
Linqmed

Chiba, Chiba, Japan

Linqmed is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedicalOncologyPharmaceutical
Series BApr 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $15,932,011
Ababa

Suita, Osaka, Japan

Ababa is a recruitment solutions provider that assists job seekers by offering scouts from competing firms to facilitate the job search.

Career PlanningEmploymentHuman Resources
Series BMar 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,442,806
MOSH Japan

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

MOSH is an internet company that provides web page creation services for individual business owners.

E-CommerceE-Commerce PlatformsInternetMarketplaceMobile Apps
Series CFeb 5, 2025
Amount Raised: $14,739,625
DigitalArchi

Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan

DigitalArchi is a manufacturing company that offers interior parts, fixtures, concrete formwork for construction, recycle and sells plastic.

ArchitectureInterior DesignManufacturingRecycling
SeedJan 16, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,252,684
Linqmed

Chiba, Chiba, Japan

Linqmed is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research and development of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.

Health CareHealth DiagnosticsMedicalOncologyPharmaceutical
Series BJan 10, 2025
Amount Raised: $9,512,632
Precal

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Precal is an information technology company that develops applications for pharmacies, pharmacists, and dispensing clerks.

AppsInformation TechnologyPharmaceuticalSoftware
Series UnknownDec 4, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,527,748
Tradom

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Tradom is a company that offers the "Tradam Foreign Exchange Solution," an AI solution for managing foreign exchange risk.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Financial ExchangesForeign Exchange Trading
Series ANov 15, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,675,996