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D4V (Design for Ventures) is a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in November 2016 through a partnership between global design consultancy IDEO and Genuine Startups. The firm focuses on investing in disruptive consumer and enterprise technology startups, emphasizing the integration of design thinking into every stage of the investment and portfolio support process. D4V aims to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship by providing hands-on assistance and coaching to startups.
As of now, D4V manages approximately $50 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in a total of 71 companies. The firm operates primarily in Japan but has global ambitions, leveraging its unique design-driven investment model to support startups that are committed to making a positive impact on society. D4V's notable milestones include its partnership with IDEO, which allows portfolio companies access to world-class design resources.
D4V invests in early-stage companies, specifically from seed to Series A, within the Japanese market. The firm targets startups across various sectors, including healthcare, fintech, industrial, and deep technology. D4V emphasizes a human-centered approach to user experience, seeking companies that leverage design as a core component of their business strategy. The firm looks for strong execution teams, unique solution approaches, and demonstrated early demand signals in potential investments.
Investment checks typically range from ¥20 million to ¥200 million (approximately $130,000 to $1.3 million), varying by deal. D4V prioritizes sectors with substantial social implementation impact, including healthcare and fintech. The firm’s investment criteria include team credentials, problem significance, solution uniqueness, early demand signals, and what they term “design compatibility,” which refers to customer understanding and experience design fit.
D4V has built a diverse portfolio of 71 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
Tom Kelley serves as the Founder and Chairman of D4V and is a co-founder of IDEO. Mak Takano is also a co-founder, contributing to the firm's vision and strategy. The team comprises professionals with backgrounds in entrepreneurship, venture capital, finance, consulting, and design, ensuring a diverse skill set to support portfolio companies.
To pitch D4V, founders should submit their proposals through the contact form on their website. It's important to include details about the team, the problem being addressed, and how design plays a role in the solution.
D4V runs the First Designers program, which is an intensive training and networking community for designers at early-stage startups. Additionally, the D4V Seed Investment Program offers ¥30 million investments along with integrated design and business support to help startups grow effectively.
What are D4V's investment criteria?
D4V evaluates startups based on team credentials, problem significance, solution uniqueness, early demand signals, and design compatibility.
How does D4V support its portfolio companies?
D4V provides hands-on design research, UX/UI, branding, and organizational design services to enhance business strategies.
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