Participated · Series A · May 2026

Shizen Connect builds and operates a VPP energy management system that integrates batteries, EVs, heat pumps (eco-cute) and other devices using IoT and AI to enable aggregated control and market transactions. The company develops its own IoT devices, AI-based optimization, and a digital platform for large-scale VPP and DR services, and sells related hardware. Its platform has been adopted by major utilities and energy companies (including Tokyo Gas, Tokyo Electric Power Energy Partner, Hokkaido Electric Power, Hokuriku Electric Power, Osaka Gas, JERA, Tokyu Fudosan and others) across household DR and grid-scale battery control. Independent market research (Fuji Keizai) cited Shizen Connect as No.1 by corporate contract count in DR/VPP platforms and No.1 in AC/RA system corporate contract counts. The company aims to scale via capital-business alliances with 16 partners to become the de facto standard VPP platform. Shizen Connect was founded on October 2, 2023 and is headquartered in Tokyo; it plans to use newly raised funds to hire engineers and invest further in R&D.

Participated · Series D · Jun 2024

Nature develops smart-home IoT products (the Nature Remo series) and a smartphone HEMS (Nature Remo E) and is building an energy-management stack to accelerate renewable adoption. The company aims to construct the Nature DER Platform to optimally control distributed energy resources (DERs) using its smart remotes, HEMS, app, and demand-response know‑how. Nature has sold over 650,000 units of the Nature Remo smart remote and offers multiple Remo models including Nature Remo Lapis, Remo 3, Remo mini 2, and Remo nano. Recent commercial partnerships and pilots include Tokyo Gas (battery utilization / IGNITURE), ENEOS Power (EV optimal charging trial), and au Energy & Life (a “Smart節電 with Nature Green” service using Nature Remo Lapis started June 2024). The company was founded in December 2014 and is headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa. Proceeds from the Series D are intended to fund construction of the Nature DER Platform, expand partner-led deployments and device integrations, develop new products, and strengthen hiring.