UNITED

UNITED, Inc., a prominent Tokyo-based internet company established in 1998, extends its operations beyond its core ad-tech and content businesses to include a robust Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) arm. This investment division is strategically focused on identifying and nurturing innovative startups within the broad internet domain. As a CVC, UNITED leverages its deep industry expertise and operational insights to not only provide capital but also to act as a strategic partner for its portfolio companies, aiming to foster new value creation in the digital economy.

UNITED's investment mandate is notably flexible, encompassing a wide range of startup stages from Seed to Later-stage companies. This broad approach allows them to engage with promising ventures at various points in their growth trajectory. The typical first check sizes provided by UNITED are stated to range from tens of millions of Japanese Yen to hundreds of millions of Japanese Yen. Based on a current exchange rate of approximately 155 JPY to 1 USD, this translates to an investment range roughly from $65,000 to $3,200,000 for initial cheques, though specific amounts can be flexible depending on the strategic fit and stage of the company.

The CVC arm has built an extensive portfolio, with Crunchbase indicating over 100 investments across various internet sectors. This significant number underscores their active participation in the Japanese startup ecosystem. UNITED has also demonstrated a strong track record of successful exits, including numerous IPOs and M&As, which highlights their ability to pick and support companies that achieve significant milestones. Their value proposition extends beyond mere capital infusion, offering strategic guidance, business development support, and access to their network and resources, which is particularly beneficial for early-stage companies navigating the complexities of market entry and growth.