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ANOBAKA Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in December 2020. The firm is the successor to KLab Ventures, which operated as a seed-stage internet VC from approximately 2015 until its rebranding. ANOBAKA focuses on managing venture capital funds aimed at seed-stage internet companies, emphasizing support for unconventional entrepreneurs.
As of September 2025, ANOBAKA has invested in a total of 102 companies across multiple funds, including a dedicated Generative AI fund launched in April 2023. The firm operates from its headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, and is staffed by a team of experienced professionals in the venture capital space. ANOBAKA's mission is to back seed-stage internet entrepreneurs who others might dismiss, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation within the digital landscape.
Notable milestones include the launch of the ANOBAKA GAI Fund I, which positions the firm as Japan's first dedicated VC fund for generative AI-native startups. The firm also runs the ANOBAKA U-25 AI Accelerator, targeting young entrepreneurs in the generative AI space. ANOBAKA's approach combines capital investment with value-added services, including engineering consulting and international marketing assistance.
ANOBAKA primarily invests in seed-stage internet companies, without restricting itself to specific subsectors. The firm emphasizes backing founders at the earliest stages, including consumer apps, enterprise applications, fintech, medtech, and mobile technology. Its recent focus includes generative AI through the ANOBAKA GAI Fund I, which was launched in April 2023.
The firm seeks to support unconventional dreamers and contrarian founders across a broad range of internet and technology sectors. ANOBAKA's investment strategy is characterized by a willingness to engage with founders who may be overlooked by traditional investors. This approach aligns with their mission to foster innovation and creativity in the digital space.
While specific check sizes and fund sizes are not disclosed, ANOBAKA operates multiple funds, including its first fund established in April 2016, a second fund in October 2018, and a third fund in November 2021. The firm maintains a primary geographic focus on Japan, positioning itself as a key player in the seed-stage investment landscape.
As of September 2025, ANOBAKA has invested in a total of 102 companies, showcasing a diverse portfolio of early-stage internet startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these current investments, ANOBAKA has confirmed a notable exit with fixU, which occurred in September 2025. This exit highlights the firm's ability to identify and support promising startups within its investment strategy.
The portfolio reflects ANOBAKA's commitment to backing a wide range of internet and technology ventures, with a particular emphasis on seed-stage investments. The firm has made 12 new investments in the past 12 months, indicating a consistent pace of deal-making and a focus on expanding its portfolio.
Hirokazu Nagano — Representative Director / Partner. Previously the President of KLab Ventures, he has extensive experience in seed-stage internet investments and is based in Tokyo.
Satoshi Hagiya — Partner. Hagiya brings a wealth of experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in shaping ANOBAKA's investment strategy.
Mai Izumino — Corporate Development. Izumino focuses on corporate partnerships and strategic initiatives to enhance portfolio company growth.
Hiroki Oda — Capitalist. Oda is involved in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the firm's focus sectors.
Takamasa Kawano — Junior Associate. Kawano supports the investment team in due diligence and portfolio management activities.
Ko Kobayashi — Senior Associate. Kobayashi plays a key role in deal sourcing and analysis, contributing to the firm's investment decisions.
Yusuke Nagata — Associate. Nagata assists in evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies.
Miyu Hasegawa — Community Manager. Hasegawa engages with the startup community and fosters relationships with entrepreneurs.
Yuriko Hara — Portfolio Manager. Hara oversees the performance of portfolio companies and ensures alignment with ANOBAKA's strategic goals.
ANO-kun — AI Capitalist. This AI-powered tool provides initial consultations for founders, helping them refine their pitches and business strategies.
To pitch ANOBAKA, founders should use the contact form available at anobaka.jp/contact. It is recommended to include a clear and concise overview of the startup, the problem it addresses, and the proposed solution. Founders should also highlight any traction or milestones achieved to date.
While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, ANOBAKA encourages open communication and aims to engage with founders promptly. A warm introduction is not required, but it can be beneficial for establishing rapport with the investment team.
ANOBAKA runs the ANOBAKA U-25 AI Accelerator, an annual program targeting students and entrepreneurs under age 25 working in the generative AI space. This accelerator aims to support young innovators by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.
Eligibility for the accelerator includes being a student or entrepreneur under 25 years old with a focus on generative AI projects. Interested participants can apply through the ANOBAKA website for consideration in the program.
In September 2025, ANOBAKA confirmed a notable exit with fixU, marking a significant milestone for the firm. This exit underscores ANOBAKA's ability to identify and support promising startups within its investment strategy.
Throughout 2025, ANOBAKA has been active in publishing blog posts related to AI applications and updates on strategic partnerships and funding activities. In March 2026, the firm released several posts, indicating ongoing engagement with the startup ecosystem.
As of September 2025, ANOBAKA has made 12 new investments in the past 12 months, demonstrating a consistent pace of deal-making and a focus on expanding its portfolio of seed-stage internet companies.
What are ANOBAKA's investment criteria?
ANOBAKA focuses on seed-stage internet companies across various sectors, including consumer apps, fintech, healthcare, and generative AI. The firm seeks to back unconventional entrepreneurs who may be overlooked by traditional investors.
How can I pitch to ANOBAKA?
Founders can pitch to ANOBAKA through their contact page at anobaka.jp/contact. They also provide an AI-powered pitch tool called 'ANO-kun' for initial consultations.
What makes ANOBAKA different from other VCs?
ANOBAKA emphasizes support for unconventional dreamers and contrarian founders, focusing on seed-stage investments without limiting itself to specific subsectors. The firm also provides value-added services such as engineering consulting and international marketing assistance.
What is the geographic focus of ANOBAKA?
ANOBAKA primarily focuses on investments in Japan, although it is open to opportunities in other regions as well.
What is the typical check size for ANOBAKA?
Specific check sizes are not disclosed, but ANOBAKA operates multiple funds aimed at seed-stage investments.
How involved is ANOBAKA post-investment?
ANOBAKA provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including engineering consulting, sales support, and international marketing assistance, ensuring that founders have the resources they need to succeed.
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