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Mitsubishi Corporation

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

Description

Mitsubishi Corporation stands as Japan's largest sogo shosha, or general trading company, with a vast global network and a highly diversified business portfolio. As a core member of the Mitsubishi keiretsu, the conglomerate operates across virtually every industrial sector, including natural gas, industrial materials, petroleum and chemicals, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure, automotive and mobility, food industry and consumer services, and urban development. With annual revenues typically exceeding $100 billion, the company leverages its immense scale and extensive relationships to identify and cultivate new business opportunities worldwide.

Mitsubishi Corporation's investment strategy is fundamentally strategic, aimed at creating long-term value and fostering synergies across its existing business segments while also exploring entirely new growth areas. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, its investments are often driven by the need to secure resources, acquire advanced technologies, expand into emerging markets, or develop innovative solutions for global challenges. The company actively seeks out startups and innovative companies that align with its strategic priorities, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, renewable energy, next-generation mobility, and sustainable food systems.

The conglomerate engages in various forms of investment, ranging from direct equity stakes and joint ventures to participation in corporate venture capital funds and strategic partnerships. While specific investment amounts can vary widely depending on the project's scale and strategic importance, Mitsubishi Corporation has a history of participating in significant funding rounds for promising startups. For instance, it has been involved in rounds for companies developing advanced materials, clean energy solutions, and sustainable agriculture technologies, often contributing multi-million dollar investments as part of larger syndicates. Its extensive network of over 1,700 consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates provides a unique platform for portfolio companies to scale and access global markets.

Mitsubishi Corporation's role as an investor extends beyond mere capital injection; it often provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to its vast ecosystem of partners and customers. This long-term, collaborative approach reflects its commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable development globally. The company's diverse investment activities underscore its ambition to remain at the forefront of industrial evolution and to shape the future of various industries worldwide.

Investor Profile

Mitsubishi Corporation has backed more than 47 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 12 rounds, about 26% of its total and boasts 16 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series B, Series D rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Japan, United Kingdom.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Automotive, Energy.
  • Led 4 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $2M – $25M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (19%)
  • Series B (19%)
  • Series D (17%)
  • Series C (15%)
  • Series A (11%)
  • Corporate Round (11%)
  • Series F (4%)
  • Series E (2%)
  • Debt Financing (2%)

Country Focus

  • United States (55%)
  • Japan (13%)
  • United Kingdom (6%)
  • Canada (4%)
  • Singapore (4%)
  • Finland (4%)
  • Indonesia (2%)
  • Norway (2%)
  • Germany (2%)
  • France (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Transportation
  • Marketing
  • Internet
  • Advanced Materials
  • Information Technology
  • Mining
  • E-commerce
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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 Mitsubishi Corporation frequently co-invest with?

EV
North America, Washington, United States, Kirkland
Co-Investments: 2
Mizuho Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
BV
Asia, Isabela, Philippines, Australia
Co-Investments: 3
T. Rowe Price
North America, Maryland, United States, Baltimore
Co-Investments: 4
AP Ventures
Europe, Enfield, United Kingdom, Enfield
Co-Investments: 3
Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 3
Sands Brothers Asset Management
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Bessemer Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
Intel Capital
North America, California, United States, Santa Clara
Co-Investments: 3

Which angels does Mitsubishi Corporation often collaborate with?

JC
North America, California, United States, San Jose
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Mitsubishi Corporation?

Descycle

London, England, United Kingdom

British e-waste recycling & metal recovery startup

CleanTechRecyclingSustainability
Corporate RoundJun 2, 2025
DennoKotsu

Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan

Denno Kotsu specializes in taxi dispatch systems and contract dispatch services for taxi companies.

AutomotiveSoftwareTask ManagementTaxi ServiceTransportation
Series DApr 10, 2025
Amount Raised: $341,786,862
Mangrove Lithium

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Develops a platform for the most cost-effective production of battery grade lithium hydroxide from diverse input streams and assets.

BatteryElectric VehicleRenewable Energy
Series UnknownJan 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $35,000,000
Infinium

Sacramento, California, United States

Infinium produces synthetic electrofuels to decarbonize transportation and chemical processes.

ConsumerFuelTransportation
Series CJan 16, 2025
Preferred Networks

Otemachi, Tokyo, Japan

Preferred Networks develops real-world applications of deep learning, robotics and other latest technologies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)BiotechnologyInternet of ThingsMachine LearningRoboticsSoftware
Corporate RoundDec 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $120,923,987
Ample

San Francisco, California, United States

Ample provides a energy delivery solution for electric vehicles through modular battery swapping.

AutomotiveCharging InfrastructureElectric VehicleEnergyEnergy StorageTransportation
Corporate RoundNov 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
Finnforel

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

Finnforel is a fish farm that grows, processes, and supplies fish meat.

AquacultureManufacturingWholesale
Corporate RoundOct 24, 2024
Amount Raised: $259,768,373
enechain

Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan

Enechain provides energy market services by brokering OTC energy transactions.

EnergyMarketingOil and GasService Industry
Series BApr 26, 2024
Amount Raised: $37,951,864
Lilac Solutions

Oakland, California, United States

Lilac Solutions offers an ion exchange technology to address the challenges faced by lithium producers.

Advanced MaterialsChemicalEnergy StorageNatural Resources
Series CFeb 12, 2024
Amount Raised: $145,000,000
Quaise

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Quaise is an energy company that develops a millimeter-wave drilling technology to access deep geothermal energy.

Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyGeothermal EnergyIndustrial
Series ADec 12, 2023
Amount Raised: $21,000,000