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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?

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
SolvifAI

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

SolvifAI is a project management application that includes a problem-solving feature.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)B2BInformation Technology
SeedJul 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,155,188
Skygate Technologies

Koto, Tokyo, Japan

Skygate Technologies is a developer of a defense platform and provides cyber security and information management services.

Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologySatellite CommunicationTelecommunications
SeedJun 27, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,921,014
OPERe

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

OPERe is an IT company that specializes in the development of semi autonomous hospitalization guidance solutions.

B2BInformation ServicesInformation TechnologyMedicalSoftware
SeedJun 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $2,764,692
ADiXi

Shinjuku, Yamanashi, Japan

Adixi is a tech-driven business that supports the idea that people and technology may work together.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Information TechnologyTechnical Support
SeedJun 2, 2025
Sanu

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Sanu is an online platform that provides a monthly subscription and proposes a lifestyle with another house in nature.

E-CommerceLifestyleSubscription ServiceVacation Rental
Series BMay 12, 2025
Amount Raised: $23,599,695
Tech Doctor

Minato, Chiba, Japan

Tech Doctor is a health monitoring service that provides analysis and insights for self care reducing the need for health care workers.

Health CareMedicalPersonal Health
Series BMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $8,382,025
Pocket Sign

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Pocket Sign develops digital platforms that store e-signatures and other authentication details for it's users privacy and security.

E-SignatureSecurityWeb Development
Series BApr 22, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,136,991
Caguuu

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Caguuu offers high-quality designer furniture at affordable prices.

E-CommerceE-Commerce PlatformsFurniture
Series AMar 31, 2025
Amount Raised: $4,329,797