Participated · Series A · Jul 2019

Connected Robotics develops specialized robot systems for cooking by combining robot-control know-how from manufacturing with sensing and deep-learning technology to make kitchen robots intelligent. Founded in February 2014 and led by CEO Tetsuya Sawanobori, the company offers commercial services for food preparation automation. Its current products include Octo Chef, a takoyaki robot that uses deep learning to judge cooking condition, and Reita, an automatic soft-serve ice cream robot service. The company plans to accelerate R&D toward productization of an automatic dishwasher 'Dish Washing System', Hot Snack Robots for convenience stores, and an automatic breakfast cooking robot service called Loraine. Connected Robotics raised an ¥850m Series A, bringing total funding to ¥950m, and intends to use the funds to expand sales channels, enhance marketing, hire employees, and strengthen technological capabilities. The solutions target automation of kitchen tasks through integrated control, sensing and learning technologies.

Participated · Series A · Sep 2017

Infostellar runs an "Airbnb"-style platform that lets satellite owners and operators book time on available ground antennas. The service monetizes idle antenna capacity and addresses the short contact windows for low-earth-orbit satellites, which have about a 40-minute daily communication window per antenna. Infostellar is currently pre-launch, with a limited beta scheduled for October and a wider launch planned for early 2018. Its business model takes a cut of rental revenue and includes a credit system that lets users exchange rental time for access to other antennas. CEO Naomi Kurahara says the company ultimately hopes to expand to interplanetary communication options, though near-term focus is on terrestrial infrastructure. Following the fundraise, the company plans to scale its Tokyo-based operations and expand its team from 10 by adding about 20 new hires.