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§ Venture Capital · Tokyo
Venture capital firm investing in and supporting startups across various industries, focused on innovation and growth in Japan.
Global Brain is an independent venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, that provides investment capital, hands-on operational support, and strategic advisory services to early-stage and growth-stage startups. The firm currently manages total assets under management exceeding 100 billion Japanese yen, or approximately $900 million, positioning it as one of the largest domestic independent venture capital firms operating in the country. In December 2024, the organization successfully closed its Flagship Fund IX with approximately 32.5 billion Japanese yen in committed capital to back emerging technology enterprises globally. The firm invests across multiple diverse sectors, including mobile gaming and streaming, with a notable portfolio that features Mirrativ, a major mobile game streaming platform that recently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market. Global Brain was officially founded in January 1998 by representative Yasuhiko Yurimoto.
Key people at Global Brain.
Key people at Global Brain.
Global Brain is an independent venture capital firm headquartered in Tokyo, specializing in early-stage investments with a global reach, including Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific. Its mission is to "bring unimaginable innovation into society through business creation" by supporting startups that address pressing problems and create transformative innovation. The firm manages over $2.5 billion in assets, with a portfolio of more than 400 active companies across sectors such as deep tech (AI, climate tech), medical and healthcare, enterprise, and commerce. Global Brain emphasizes hands-on support to help startups scale globally and foster open innovation by bridging startups and corporations, thereby stimulating economic growth in Japan and beyond[1][2][3][4].
Founded in 1998, Global Brain was established with the vision of supporting startups and enterprises in creating new businesses that shape the future. Over time, it has evolved into Japan’s largest independent venture capital firm, expanding its focus from domestic startups to a global investment approach. Key partners include experienced professionals who leverage a broad global network to identify and nurture high-potential startups. The firm has developed multiple flagship funds, including corporate venture capital (CVC) funds in partnership with major Japanese corporations such as SMBC Group, Kirin Holdings, Shimadzu Corporation, and others, reflecting an evolution toward sector-specific and collaborative investment strategies[1][2][4][6].
Global Brain rides the global trend of innovation-driven economic transformation, particularly emphasizing deep tech, climate tech, and healthcare sectors. The timing is critical as global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and intense competition demand innovative solutions. By fostering open innovation between startups and corporations, Global Brain helps accelerate technological adoption and business model innovation, influencing Japan’s and the global startup ecosystems. Its role as an innovation hub facilitates the creation of new industries and contributes to social transformation through business creation[4][3].
Looking ahead, Global Brain is poised to continue expanding its global footprint and deepen its sector-specific investments, especially in emerging technologies and ESG-focused startups. Trends such as AI advancement, climate tech innovation, and healthcare digitization will shape its investment journey. The firm’s influence is likely to grow as it strengthens its role as a bridge between startups and large corporations, fostering ecosystems that drive sustainable innovation. This aligns with its mission to achieve the unimaginable in society by continuously supporting business creation on a global scale[4][3].
In summary, Global Brain stands out as a leading venture capital firm that not only invests capital but also actively cultivates innovation ecosystems, positioning itself as a prime mover in global startup and corporate collaboration.