Participated · Seed · Dec 2025

LEP is an Osaka-based biotechnology startup developing self-illuminating plants that can serve as a new, energy-free light source. The company combines proprietary gene technology, light-intensity control, and color-conversion techniques originating from Osaka University and NAIST patents to produce what it calls “living light.” In April, the team showcased a glowing plant tea-room installation at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, drawing significant domestic and international attention. LEP’s vision is to replace part of the 15% of global energy now consumed by conventional lighting with sustainable, soothing plant-based illumination. The firm targets indoor and outdoor applications that deliver both aesthetic appeal and CO₂ reduction. Fresh capital will be used to launch an exhibition service employing luminous plant cells, create new glowing plant varieties, and hire talent for business expansion. The recent ¥160 million seed infusion strengthens its R&D and commercialization efforts, though the company has not yet disclosed revenue or user numbers.

Participated · Series A · Nov 2025

Pie Systems develops PIE VAT, a software platform that digitizes duty-free tax refunds while using the resulting data and network to link travelers with retail and hospitality businesses. The company positions itself as a broader "travel platform" that can redefine the shopping experience for inbound tourists and open new marketing channels for merchants. Originating in Japan, Pie Systems sees vast headroom in the inbound travel market, which it notes is second only to the automotive sector in size. By streamlining VAT refunds and aggregating transaction data, the firm aims to drive higher tourist spending and deliver actionable insights to partners. Pie Systems recently secured a USD 15.5 million Series A round, the only publicly disclosed financial metric to date. The fresh capital is intended to accelerate growth and expand the platform’s global footprint. To support this expansion, the company is actively hiring and seeking additional corporate partners.

Participated · Seed · Nov 2025

Founded in March 2024 and headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, AI Mage is building “AI Mage – 監修システム,” a cloud platform that centralizes and automates the supervision workflows required when anime IP is adapted into merchandise, games, or collaborations. The product leverages the company’s proprietary Anime General Intelligence (AGI) to search reference materials, perform first-pass reviews, and suggest corrections, reducing the burden on highly specialized supervisors and shortening licensing lead times. Key functions include unified task management for multiple file types, AI-assisted retrieval of past scenes and setting documents, and customizable review points that the AI can check automatically. The beta version has been released in partnership with several major IP holders, and AI Mage is recruiting additional pilot customers ahead of a full launch. With a vision of accelerating the digital transformation of the anime industry, the company plans to upgrade AGI and explore new business models that support global licensing expansion. To fund these initiatives, AI Mage has secured ¥170 million in seed financing.

Participated · Series A · Mar 2024

Tensor Energy develops Tensor Cloud, a cloud SaaS platform that manages the finance and power operations of distributed renewable power plants and battery portfolios. The platform leverages AI and digital technologies to support planning through multi-decade (up to 30 years) operation and now includes an automated battery charge/discharge optimization service. The new service generates economically optimized charging/discharging schedules using market price and generation forecasts and per-plant AI models. Target customers include power producers and aggregators who can automate much of their operations without deep in-house expertise. The company plans to accelerate product and service development, deepen customer partnerships, and use hire-driven organizational strengthening to support growth.

Participated · Equity · Feb 2024

TopoLogic is a research-driven startup originating from the University of Tokyo that leverages topological materials to tackle computational and thermal challenges. The company aims to commercialize applications that visualize energy and enable energy savings by exploiting unusual electronic band structures. TopoLogic is developing a new MRAM chip called TL-RAM targeting low power consumption and fast write speeds to address rising data-center power use driven by AI. It is also developing a thermal flux sensor, TL-SENSING, which promises ultra-fast response and low cost for heat visualization with applications such as battery anomaly detection and thermal management. The recent fundraising announced provides capital to accelerate these two core projects and further industrial deployment of topological-materials technology.