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JAFCO

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

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
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does JAFCO frequently co-invest with?

Resona Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Koto
Co-Investments: 7
SMBC Venture Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 12
Co-Investments: 5
Global Brain Corporation
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 7
Mizuho Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 13
Globis Capital Partners
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 5
Shizuoka Capital
Asia, Shizuoka, Japan, Shimizu
Co-Investments: 4
WiL (World Innovation Lab)
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Co-Investments: 6
Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Co-Investments: 13
DNX Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Mateo
Co-Investments: 6

Which angels does JAFCO often collaborate with?

SI
North America, California, United States, Cupertino
Shared Deals: 1
JD
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1
NA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Rahul Mehta
Asia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Shared Deals: 1
Paul Kuo
Asia, Japan
Shared Deals: 1
CD
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Seio Nagami
Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo
Shared Deals: 1
HM
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by JAFCO?

QREATION

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

QREATION is a digital IP studio creating popular, high-quality short dramas, comedy sketches, and variety shows from social media content.

AdvertisingDigital MediaIntellectual PropertyMedia and Entertainment
Series AOct 22, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,591,354

Nanofiber Quantum Technologies is a research and manufacturing company that develops hardware for quantum communications.

Information TechnologyManufacturingMarket ResearchQuantum Computing
Series ASep 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $14,000,000
EISHIN

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

EISHIN is a technology company that specializes in pet tech business, recruitment consulting, website creation, and development services.

Business DevelopmentPetRecruitingWeb Development
Series ASep 24, 2025
Alxtal

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

Aixtal is a tech-based firm that offers AI, machine learning, and physical simulations to optimize manufacturing processes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Data Center AutomationMachine LearningTechnical Support
Series UnknownSep 19, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,041,856
Metagen Therapeutics

Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan

Metagen Therapeutics is a drug discovery and medical business company that utilizes microbiome science.

BiotechnologyClinical TrialsMedicalTherapeutics
Series BSep 8, 2025
Amount Raised: $15,690,352
Commune

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Commune is a developer of a platform that supports connections, community building, and customers between organizations and people.

CRMDeveloper PlatformInformation Technology
Series CSep 3, 2025
Amount Raised: $27,009,241
LayerX

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

LayerX is a software company that develops and provides products to enhance creativity and resolve social issues.

AppsBlockchainInformation TechnologySoftware
Series BSep 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $101,912,559

Yokohama Vanilla is a Company which operates Yokohama-based gift sweets brand.

Food and BeverageGift
Series AAug 28, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,515,253
Japan AI

Shinjuku, Yamanashi, Japan

Japan AI specializes in R&D of artificial intelligence and consulting services.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)ConsultingProduct Research
Series BJul 31, 2025
Amount Raised: $12,772,145
Logomix

Harumi, Tokyo, Japan

Logomix is a biotechnology company that specializes in medication research, cell therapy, and clinical trials.

BiotechnologyClinical TrialsHealth CareMedical
Series UnknownJul 30, 2025
Amount Raised: $18,924,145