
JAFCO
Description
JAFCO Co., Ltd. is a prominent and long-standing venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1973. As one of Japan's largest and most experienced VC players, JAFCO has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of innovative startups across various sectors, both domestically and internationally. The firm operates as a comprehensive investment entity, encompassing venture capital, incubator services, and private equity, demonstrating a versatile approach to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
JAFCO's investment strategy is broad, targeting companies across all stages from seed to pre-IPO growth. They primarily focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and services, reflecting the diverse landscape of technological and industrial innovation. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and extensive network access to its portfolio companies, aiming to accelerate their market entry and expansion.
With a formidable track record, JAFCO has managed a substantial amount of capital over its decades of operation. As of recent reports, the firm has raised approximately ¥1.2 trillion (equivalent to over $8 billion USD) across numerous funds, underscoring its significant financial capacity. This extensive capital base has enabled JAFCO to make over 1,400 investments, leading to more than 600 successful exits through IPOs and M&As, making it a key driver of liquidity and growth in the Japanese startup scene. Their commitment to long-term partnerships and deep industry expertise positions them as a preferred partner for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to scale. For instance, their JAFCO SV6 Investment Limited Partnership, established in 2023, closed at ¥60 billion (approximately $400 million USD), further solidifying their capacity for substantial investments.
Investor Profile
JAFCO has backed more than 96 startups, with 28 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 24 rounds, about 25% of its total and boasts 78 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States, Israel.
- Strong thematic focus on Information Technology, Software, Biotechnology.
- Led 10 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1M – $15M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (29%)
- Series A (27%)
- Series C (15%)
- Series Unknown (9%)
- Seed (9%)
- Series D (5%)
- Series E (3%)
- Private Equity (1%)
- Series H (1%)
Country Focus
- Japan (68%)
- United States (23%)
- Israel (2%)
- Canada (2%)
- United Kingdom (2%)
- India (2%)
- Taiwan (1%)
Industry Focus
- Information Technology
- Software
- Biotechnology
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Health Care
- Medical
- Financial Services
- E-commerce
- Medical Device
- Manufacturing
Frequently Asked Questions
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