• Shizen Energy

  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.

• Sakana AI

  Participated · Series B · Nov 2025

  Sakana AI is a Tokyo-based AI research lab focused on creating foundation models inspired by natural systems. The company builds AI foundation models and positions its expertise around using AI to optimize business operations. It intends to use the new investment to expand operations and advance its development efforts. Sakana AI entered a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric, which plans to leverage the startup’s capabilities to expand solutions and businesses tied to its Serendie digital platform. The company is led by co-founders David Ha (CEO), Llion Jones (CTO) and Ren Ito (COO).

No current team members are available.