
Samurai Incubate
Description
Samurai Incubate is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2009. The firm has carved out a significant niche in the global startup ecosystem by focusing primarily on seed and pre-seed stage companies. Beyond capital injection, Samurai Incubate is distinguished by its hands-on approach, providing comprehensive support and mentorship to its portfolio companies through various incubation programs and community-building initiatives.
While deeply rooted in the Japanese market, Samurai Incubate has notably expanded its geographical footprint, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering innovation in emerging markets. The firm has established a significant presence in Africa, with offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Cape Town, South Africa. This strategic expansion underscores their belief in the potential of diverse startup ecosystems and their dedication to supporting founders globally, regardless of their immediate location.
Samurai Incubate's investment strategy emphasizes active engagement with its portfolio companies. They provide crucial guidance and resources in core business areas such as management, marketing, sales, and human resources. This holistic support system is designed to help nascent ventures navigate the complex challenges of early-stage growth, accelerate their development, and build sustainable businesses from the ground up.
Since its inception, Samurai Incubate has made over 200 investments globally, showcasing a broad and active portfolio across various sectors. Typically, their initial cheque sizes for seed and pre-seed rounds range from approximately $30,000 to $350,000, catering to the specific capital needs of nascent ventures. Their long-standing presence, strategic global expansion, and commitment to hands-on support solidify their position as a key partner for early-stage startups seeking not just funding, but also invaluable operational guidance.
Investor Profile
Samurai Incubate has backed more than 25 startups, with 8 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 3 rounds, about 12% of its total and boasts 10 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Series Unknown rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, Nigeria, Israel.
- Strong thematic focus on Information Technology, Health Care, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Led 1 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $30K – $350K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (48%)
- Series A (20%)
- Series Unknown (12%)
- Pre Seed (8%)
- Series C (4%)
- Series F (4%)
- Series B (4%)
Country Focus
- Japan (48%)
- Nigeria (20%)
- Israel (16%)
- United States (8%)
- Germany (4%)
Industry Focus
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Fashion
- B2b
- Consulting
- Financial Services
- Retail
- E-commerce
- Content
Frequently Asked Questions
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