Monozukuri Ventures

Monozukuri Ventures is a specialized early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, with an additional presence in San Jose, California. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing exclusively on hardtech and manufacturing-related startups, aiming to foster innovation in physical product development. Beyond capital, Monozukuri Ventures provides "Monozukuri Support," a hands-on approach offering technical, supply chain, and production expertise, including access to their own "Monozukuri Factory" in Kyoto. This unique value proposition helps bridge the gap between innovative concepts and scalable production for their portfolio companies.

The firm primarily targets startups in the Seed to Series A stages, seeking to invest in companies poised to revolutionize various sectors through advanced manufacturing. Their investment thesis centers on deep technology, robotics, IoT, new materials, and other hardware innovations. Monozukuri Ventures manages multiple funds, including their latest, Monozukuri Ventures Fund III (MV3), which closed in 2023 at ¥5 billion, equivalent to approximately $33 million USD. This fund is earmarked to invest in around 20 companies, with typical initial checks ranging from $660,000 to $2 million.

With a total assets under management exceeding ¥10 billion, or roughly $66 million USD, Monozukuri Ventures has established itself as a significant player in the hardtech ecosystem. Since its inception, the firm has invested in over 50 startups, demonstrating a consistent commitment to nurturing companies that leverage cutting-edge manufacturing processes. Their dual presence in Japan and the United States underscores a strategic vision to support a global pipeline of hardware innovators, providing them with both financial backing and critical operational guidance to navigate the complexities of product development and mass production.