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GMO VenturePartners

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

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)
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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 GMO VenturePartners frequently co-invest with?

Japan Finance Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4
SMBC Venture Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 5
SBI Investment
Asia, Chiba, Japan, Minato
Co-Investments: 4
Soma Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 4
Global Brain Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 10
DG Daiwa Ventures
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Marunouchi
Co-Investments: 4
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 14
STRIVE
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4
WiL (World Innovation Lab)
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 4
Eight Roads Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does GMO VenturePartners often collaborate with?

MS
North America, Georgia, United States, Alpharetta
Shared Deals: 2
Daniel Curran
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Shared Deals: 2
JM
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 2
TA
Europe, Harjumaa, Estonia, Tallinn
Shared Deals: 4
Kunal Shah
Asia, Karnataka, India, Bengaluru
Shared Deals: 3
KM
North America, Texas, United States, Dallas
Shared Deals: 2
SB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 2
AG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AS
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
AD
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by GMO VenturePartners?

10x

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

10X is a IT company that develops digital platform for chain stores such as supermarkets and drugstores to develop their business.

AppsBusiness DevelopmentContent
Series UnknownApr 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $14,773,612
RightTouch

Mita, Tokyo, Japan

RightTouch is a media company that offers customer support with KARTE RightSupport, and media CS Mag for tailored solutions and insights.

B2BCustomer ServiceDigital MediaTechnical Support
Series AApr 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,618,258
Zolve

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Zolve is a neo-banking platform that provides financial products to consumers.

BankingFinancial ServicesFinTech
Series BMar 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $51,000,000
Trace

San Francisco, California, United States

Trace is an AI based Intenet firm offering AI agents for customer support for banking, insurance and other financial Services.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)B2BFinanceInternet
SeedMar 8, 2025
Bureau

San Francisco, California, United States

Bureau is a no-code identity decisioning platform that facilitates end-to-end identity verification, compliance, and fraud prevention.

Cyber SecurityFraud DetectionIdentity ManagementRisk Management
Series BDec 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $30,000,000
Habitto

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Habitto is a digital banking platform that offers personal wealth advice as well as deposits, investments, and insurance services.

AdviceBankingFinTechInsurancePersonal Finance
Series ANov 27, 2024
Amount Raised: $11,893,415
Tacoms

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Tacoms is a developer of restaurant management software that is designed to manage orders from multiple ordering platforms.

Food and BeverageRestaurantsSoftware
Series BNov 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,112,155
Smart Bank

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Smart Bank is a softawre firm that has developed an application for money spending management.

AppsFinancial ServicesFinTechPersonal Finance
Series BNov 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $18,944,823
Newmo

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Newmo develops ride-sharing service platform designed to provide a means of transport to local communities and consumers.

Public TransportationService IndustryTransportation
Series AOct 31, 2024
Amount Raised: $41,466,192
Leaner Technologies

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Leaner Technologies provides cloud-based software for cost reduction analysis.

Cloud ManagementSoftwareTask Management
Series BOct 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $9,849,952