Delight Ventures

Delight Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm based in Shibuya, Japan, dedicated to fostering early-stage startups. Established in 2019, the firm's core mission is to significantly reduce the hurdles entrepreneurs face, providing not only crucial capital but also comprehensive hands-on support. They primarily focus on the Japanese market, investing in companies poised to create a positive future across various sectors. Their strategic approach emphasizes deep engagement with founders, moving beyond mere financial transactions to become true partners in growth.

The firm manages two significant funds, underscoring its commitment to the Japanese startup ecosystem. Delight Ventures launched its first fund, Delight Ventures Fund I, in 2019 with a substantial 5 billion JPY (approximately $45 million USD at the time of launch). Building on this success, they subsequently launched Delight Ventures Fund II in 2021, which commanded an even larger capital pool of 10 billion JPY (approximately $90 million USD at its launch). This combined capital base positions Delight Ventures as a key player in early-stage venture funding in Japan, with total assets under management reaching approximately $135 million USD.

Delight Ventures primarily targets pre-seed, seed, and Series A stage companies, identifying high-potential ventures at their nascent stages. Their initial investment sizes are designed to provide meaningful support for early growth, typically ranging from tens of millions of yen to several hundreds of millions of yen. This translates to an investment range from approximately $65,000 USD up to $3.2 million USD per first cheque, depending on the stage and needs of the startup. Beyond capital, the firm offers robust operational assistance, including support for recruitment, business development, and subsequent fundraising rounds, demonstrating a holistic approach to portfolio company success.

With a portfolio boasting over 40 investments, including 12 lead investments and 10 reported exits, Delight Ventures has established a track record of identifying and nurturing promising ventures. Their commitment to hands-on support and strategic guidance aims to accelerate the development of their portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complexities of scaling and achieving market leadership. The firm's proactive engagement and substantial capital resources make it a valuable partner for ambitious founders in the Japanese startup landscape.