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Samurai Incubate

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

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
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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 Samurai Incubate frequently co-invest with?

SMBC Venture Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
SBI Investment
Asia, Chiba, Japan, Minato
Co-Investments: 2
Global Brain Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
Mizuho Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 3
Rheos
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
Shizuoka Capital
Asia, Shizuoka, Japan, Shimizu
Co-Investments: 3
Chui Ventures
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Co-Investments: 2
15th Rock
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 2
Future Africa
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Samurai Incubate often collaborate with?

CA
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
Nobuhiro Ariyasu
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Shared Deals: 1
MB
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
NS
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
Tomohito Ebine
Asia, Fukuoka, Japan, Kitakyushu
Shared Deals: 1
HH
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
MD
Africa, Nairobi Area, Kenya, Nairobi
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Samurai Incubate?

SolvifAI

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

SolvifAI is a project management application that includes a problem-solving feature.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)B2BInformation Technology
SeedJul 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,155,188
Anaguma

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Anaguma is a software management company that develops and handles social networking app.

AdvertisingBusiness DevelopmentMarketingSustainability
Series AJul 8, 2025
Newlocal

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Newlocal offers planning, development, and consulting services related to real estate, construction, and community development sectors.

B2BConstructionConsultingReal Estate
Series AMay 20, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,769,798
JIZAIE

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

JIZAIE is an artificial intelligence firm that wants to combine VR, robots, and wearable computing to create a solution.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Business DevelopmentRoboticsVirtual Reality
Series AApr 8, 2025
Redcliff

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Redcliff is a drone management company that organizes aerial shows and events for private and public organizations.

DronesEventsPhotography
Series BApr 7, 2025
Emole

Meguro, Hokkaido, Japan

Emole is a platform that connects content creators with it's viewers through short drama content.

AppsContentDigital EntertainmentVideo
Series AMar 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,672,150
Mign

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Mign offers a generative AI-related SaaS solutions for the construction and real estate fields.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ConsultingSaaS
SeedFeb 12, 2025
Gaudi Clinical

Hongo, Tokyo, Japan

Gaudi Clinical is a health care firm that engages in regenerative medicine outsourcing and cell processing contract establishments.

Health CareOutsourcingTest and Measurement
Series AFeb 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,918,073
Gojo & Company

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Gojo extends financial inclusion to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

FinanceFinancial ServicesMicro Lending
Series FOct 24, 2024
Amount Raised: $115,292,002
Moon-X

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

MOON-X serves as a launch pad for brands through co-creation with communities and manufacturing partners.

Brand MarketingCustomer ServiceManagement Consulting
Series COct 10, 2024
Amount Raised: $51,375,505