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Nippon Venture Capital

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

Description

Nippon Venture Capital Co., Ltd. (NVCC) is a long-established venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1982. With a history spanning over four decades, NVCC has positioned itself as a key player in the Japanese venture ecosystem, dedicated to fostering new venture enterprises and providing both financial and managerial support to promising businesses. The firm's mission extends beyond mere capital injection, aiming to contribute to the growth and development of innovative companies across various sectors.

NVCC maintains a broad investment mandate, engaging with companies across multiple stages, from seed and early-stage ventures to more mature late-stage opportunities. Their portfolio spans a diverse array of industries, including biotechnology, enterprise software, financial services, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. This wide-ranging focus allows NVCC to capture opportunities in sectors undergoing significant technological advancement and market disruption. The firm reportedly manages a substantial total capital, with an estimated $1.7 billion in assets under management, demonstrating its significant capacity for investment.

The firm is highly active in the Japanese startup landscape, having made approximately 174 investments to date, with 11 instances as a lead investor. NVCC has also demonstrated a track record of successful exits, with 14 companies from its portfolio achieving liquidity events. While specific check sizes can vary significantly based on the investment stage and company needs, NVCC typically deploys capital from funds that have recently targeted around 10 billion JPY (approximately $65 million USD). Based on their multi-stage investment approach, typical first checks are estimated to range from a minimum of approximately $195,000 USD for seed-stage companies to a maximum of around $3.25 million USD for later-stage rounds.

NVCC's enduring presence and consistent investment activity underscore its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Japanese innovators. By combining financial backing with strategic guidance, the firm plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of high-potential startups and contributing to the broader economic development of Japan.

Investor Profile

Nippon Venture Capital has backed more than 35 startups, with 8 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 2 rounds, about 6% of its total and boasts 31 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series A, Series B rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States, Israel.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Medical, Mobile.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $195K – $3.3M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (26%)
  • Series A (20%)
  • Series B (17%)
  • Series C (14%)
  • Series D (11%)
  • Series E (3%)
  • Private Equity (3%)
  • Debt Financing (3%)
  • Seed (3%)

Country Focus

  • Japan (83%)
  • United States (14%)
  • Israel (3%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Medical
  • Mobile
  • Health Care
  • Information Services
  • Task Management
  • Information Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Analytics
  • Enterprise Software
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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 Nippon Venture Capital frequently co-invest with?

SMBC Venture Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 4
Nissay Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 6
Co-Investments: 5
Global Brain Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
Mizuho Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 5
JAFCO
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
Salesforce Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 5
Accord Ventures
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 9
DNX Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Co-Investments: 10

Which angels does Nippon Venture Capital often collaborate with?

SN
North America, Washington, United States, Medina
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Nippon Venture Capital?

A-SEEDS

Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

A-Seeds is a biotech company that researches and develops regenerative medicines, especially for cancer patients.

BiotechnologyGeneticsPharmaceutical
Series AJul 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $15,000,000
Upward

Nihombashi-hamacho, Tokyo, Japan

Upward provides an app that anyone can intuitively use on smartphones and tablets.

Business DevelopmentCloud Data ServicesCRMInformation ServicesMarketingNavigationTask Management
Series UnknownJul 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,132,935
Tech Doctor

Minato, Chiba, Japan

Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service that provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.

Health CareMedicalPersonal Health
Series BMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,382,025
Creatura

Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan

Creatura assists companies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating and distributing carbon credits.

Carbon CaptureEnvironmental ConsultingNatural Resources
Series AMar 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,345,356
Awarefy

Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan

Awarefy is a mental health tech startup that offers CBT-based apps to maximize well-being.

AnalyticsHealth CareMental HealthWellness
Series ADec 11, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,627,055
Enerbank Japan

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Enerbank is a development and operation of electric power auction system.

ContentEnergyEnvironmental ConsultingSocial Media
Series BDec 2, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,879,106
Gecipe

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Geshipi is a metaverse education firm that provides educational content in the virtual world of eSports.

AppsContentMetaverseMobileVideo
Series BNov 28, 2024
EneCoat Technologies

Uji, Kyoto, Japan

EneCoat Technologies is working on materials development for perovskite solar cells and the commercialization of modules.

EnergyEnvironmental ConsultingSolar
Series CNov 11, 2024
Rege Nephro

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Rege Nephro is a biotech company that specializes in R&D, production, and marketing of renal disease therapeutics.

BiotechnologyManufacturingMedicalRental
Series BOct 7, 2024
Amount Raised: $15,189,217
Revorf

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Revorf is a medical technology company that engages in the testing and discovery of diagnostic drugs for the healthcare industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Health CareMedical
Series UnknownAug 26, 2024
Amount Raised: $42,139,566