
Skyland Ventures
Description
Skyland Ventures is a prominent Tokyo-based venture capital firm deeply committed to the seed-stage startup ecosystem in Japan and increasingly across Asia. Operating under the mission “The Seed Maker. & Unlearning.”, the firm specializes in being the very first institutional investor for promising early-stage companies. Their investment thesis is centered on identifying and nurturing disruptive innovation, with a strong focus on emerging technologies such as Web3, artificial intelligence, and SaaS.
The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only crucial early capital but also extensive strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a robust network to help founders navigate the initial challenges of building a startup. Skyland Ventures has built a substantial portfolio, having invested in over 300 startups since its inception, underscoring its role as a prolific early-stage backer. This extensive portfolio reflects their commitment to fostering a vibrant and innovative startup landscape.
Skyland Ventures manages multiple funds, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the seed ecosystem. Their latest vehicle, SV Fund 4, successfully closed at 5 billion JPY (approximately $35 million USD), providing significant capital to continue their mission of supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. They typically participate in initial seed rounds, often leading or co-leading, and are prepared to follow on in subsequent funding stages as their portfolio companies grow. Their dedication to “unlearning” also suggests an adaptive and forward-thinking investment strategy, constantly evolving with market trends and technological advancements.
Investor Profile
Skyland Ventures has backed more than 29 startups, with 13 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 7 rounds, about 24% of its total and boasts 4 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Japan, United States, Singapore.
- Strong thematic focus on Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Web3.
- Led 5 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $50K – $700K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (79%)
- Series Unknown (14%)
- Series A (7%)
Country Focus
- Japan (38%)
- United States (17%)
- Singapore (17%)
- United Kingdom (3%)
- The Netherlands (3%)
Industry Focus
- Blockchain
- Cryptocurrency
- Web3
- Information Technology
- Fintech
- Bitcoin
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Financial Services
- Ethereum
- Service Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
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