
GMO VenturePartners
Description
GMO VenturePartners is the dedicated venture capital arm of the prominent Japanese internet conglomerate, GMO Internet Group. Established in 2005, the firm leverages its parent company's extensive network and expertise to identify and support promising technology startups. Headquartered in Tokyo, GMO VenturePartners maintains a global outlook, actively investing in IT and internet-focused companies across various stages, from seed to growth, with a presence that extends to key international markets like New York and Singapore.
The firm's investment strategy is broad yet focused on disruptive technologies and innovative business models within the digital economy. GMO VenturePartners targets a diverse range of sectors, including FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AdTech, Media, E-commerce, Gaming, and Healthcare IT. Their approach involves not just capital injection but also strategic support, leveraging the GMO Internet Group's operational insights and market access to foster portfolio company growth.
GMO VenturePartners has built an impressive portfolio with over 200 investments globally, demonstrating a significant footprint in the venture landscape. Their investment philosophy spans the entire startup lifecycle, from initial seed funding to substantial growth capital. While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and needs of the company, typical first cheques from GMO VenturePartners generally range from approximately $500,000 for early-stage ventures to potentially $10,000,000 for more mature, growth-stage companies seeking significant capital for expansion. The firm has also demonstrated a strong track record of successful exits, with over 40 liquidity events recorded, underscoring their ability to identify and nurture high-potential enterprises.
Investor Profile
GMO VenturePartners has backed more than 70 startups, with 12 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 3% of its total and boasts 30 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series B, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States, India.
- Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Financial Services, Software.
- Typical check size: $500K – $10M.
Stage Focus
- Seed (29%)
- Series B (24%)
- Series A (23%)
- Series C (11%)
- Series Unknown (9%)
- Pre Seed (1%)
- Series D (1%)
- Series F (1%)
Country Focus
- Japan (39%)
- United States (27%)
- India (17%)
- Singapore (11%)
- Indonesia (3%)
- Mexico (1%)
- Taiwan (1%)
Industry Focus
- Fintech
- Financial Services
- Software
- Finance
- E-commerce
- Payments
- Information Technology
- Marketplace
- Banking
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
Frequently Asked Questions
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