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AN Venture Partners is a multi-stage, global biotech venture capital firm founded in 2022. The firm operates from offices in Tokyo and San Francisco, focusing on bridging innovative science from Japan with the US startup ecosystem. AN Venture Partners aims to strengthen Japan's biotech landscape by establishing initiatives that accelerate growth and development in the sector.
As of now, the firm manages a fund size of $200 million, known as ANV Fund I, which closed in June 2025. This fund is one of the largest Japan-focused biotech VC funds to date, supported by over 20 limited partners, including prominent entities such as Japan Investment Corporation, Shionogi & Co., Otsuka Pharmaceutical, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. The firm is aligned with Japan's policy to become a global biotech leader by 2030 and is officially certified as a venture capital by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
AN Venture Partners invests primarily in biotech startups that originate from Japanese scientific research. The firm operates across various investment stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, Series B, and Series C. The check sizes vary according to the stage and specific needs of the startups, but the overall fund size of $200 million allows for significant investments in promising companies.
The firm emphasizes collaboration with leading global venture investors to support its portfolio companies, ensuring robust capitalization and facilitating global development. AN Venture Partners seeks to build blockbuster biotech companies by leveraging the scientific advancements from Japan, focusing on company creation and early-stage investments. Their investment strategy is designed to bridge the gap between innovative Japanese science and the resources available in the US biotech ecosystem.
AN Venture Partners has a diverse portfolio of seven notable biotech companies, each focusing on innovative solutions in the healthcare sector. The current portfolio includes:
These companies represent a strategic focus on leveraging Japanese scientific research to create impactful biotech solutions.
Ken Horne - Managing Partner. Ken has extensive experience in biotech company building and venture investment, having led multiple successful investments in the sector.
Ari Nowacek, MD, PhD, MBA - Partner. Ari brings a strong medical and business background, focusing on identifying promising biotech innovations.
Takashi Futami, PhD, MBA - Partner. Takashi joined in March 2023 and has a deep understanding of the Japanese biotech landscape.
Jun Hashimoto - Partner. Jun joined in January 2025 and has a background in venture capital and biotech commercialization.
Atsushi Shimada - Senior Principal. Atsushi has a strong track record in supporting biotech startups through various stages of development.
Toshikazu Ban - Executive Partner. Toshikazu provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies.
Mike Hickey - CFO. Mike oversees the financial operations of the firm, ensuring sound financial management.
Masaki Tanaka, PhD - Investment Manager. Masaki focuses on evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Paula Schultheiss, PhD - Associate. Paula assists in research and analysis for potential investments.
Dai Hata, PhD - Associate. Dai supports the investment team with due diligence and market analysis.
Shiho Hirose, PhD - Analyst. Shiho conducts research on biotech trends and potential investment opportunities.
Yumiko Nejo - Controller. Yumiko manages the financial reporting and compliance for the firm.
Olivia Laxton - Fellow. Olivia supports various projects within the firm, gaining experience in venture capital.
Natsuko Kayashima - Executive Assistant. Natsuko provides administrative support to the team.
To pitch to AN Venture Partners, founders should use the preferred channel of email at info@an.vc. It is important to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of inquiries.
Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. The firm appreciates detailed and well-structured pitches that clearly articulate the startup's potential and alignment with their investment thesis.
In June 2025, AN Venture Partners successfully closed its first fund, ANV Fund I, at $200 million, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This fund is one of the largest Japan-focused biotech VC funds to date, indicating strong institutional backing and commitment to the biotech sector.
The firm has been actively establishing its presence in the biotech industry since its founding in 2022, aligning with Japan's policy to become a global biotech leader by 2030. AN Venture Partners is officially certified as a venture capital firm by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), further solidifying its credibility in the market.
What are AN Venture Partners' investment criteria?
AN Venture Partners focuses on biotech startups that originate from Japanese scientific research. They invest across multiple stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, Series A, Series B, and Series C, with a strong emphasis on early-stage investments.
How can startups apply or pitch to AN Venture Partners?
Startups interested in pitching to AN Venture Partners can reach out via their website at an.vc or email them directly at info@an.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes AN Venture Partners different from other VCs?
AN Venture Partners distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on biotech companies that leverage Japanese scientific research. Their strategic partnerships with leading global venture investors enhance the support they provide to portfolio companies, ensuring robust capitalization and global development.
What is the geographic scope of AN Venture Partners?
The firm has a global investment approach, with a particular focus on Japan and the United States. This dual focus allows them to bridge innovative science from Japan with the resources available in the US biotech ecosystem.
What is the fund size and check size range?
AN Venture Partners manages a fund size of $200 million. The check sizes vary depending on the stage of investment, allowing for flexibility in supporting startups at different growth phases.
What kind of post-investment involvement does AN Venture Partners have?
AN Venture Partners provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging its deep connections within the US biotech ecosystem. This includes guidance on navigating the complexities of biotech commercialization and facilitating partnerships with other investors.
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