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Delight Ventures is an independent venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The firm was established by entrepreneurs with the mission of supporting startups that create significant societal value. Delight Ventures aims to help Japanese startups expand globally, leveraging its dual focus on venture investment and venture building.
As of 2023, Delight Ventures manages assets totaling approximately $100 million (JPY 10 billion) across its funds. The firm operates multiple funds, including Delight Ventures I Investment Limited Partnership and Delight Ventures II Investment Limited Partnership, which focus on venture investment and startup co-creation. The firm has a growing portfolio of 51 companies, showcasing its active role in the startup ecosystem.
Delight Ventures is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan. The firm emphasizes its role in venture building, providing an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive alongside their core business activities. This approach not only supports startups financially but also helps them navigate the challenges of early-stage growth.
Delight Ventures primarily invests in seed and early-stage startups, focusing on sectors such as AI, healthcare, and SaaS. The firm operates two main business lines: venture investment, which involves providing capital to startups, and venture building, which offers an environment for entrepreneurs to develop their businesses. This dual approach allows Delight Ventures to support startups in a comprehensive manner.
The investment strategy emphasizes businesses that resolve information asymmetries, improve social productivity, and contribute to social sustainability. Delight Ventures seeks to partner with founders who are passionate about creating significant societal value through their innovations. The firm is particularly interested in startups that can leverage technology to address pressing challenges in their respective sectors.
Geographically, Delight Ventures focuses on Japan-based startups, with a mission to help these founders expand their reach globally. The firm actively co-invests alongside established Japanese and US firms, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies through strategic partnerships.
Delight Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of innovative startups across various sectors. Notable investments include:
These companies represent Delight Ventures' commitment to investing in startups that provide innovative solutions and contribute to societal value.
Tomoko Namba - Co-founder & Managing Partner; founder and executive chairperson of DeNA Co., Ltd., a major player in Japan's social and mobile gaming industry.
Dai Watanabe - Co-founder; a veteran tech operator with extensive experience across Japan, China, and the US.
Shintaro Asako - Managing Partner; brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and investment.
Natsuki Arii - Associate; focuses on supporting portfolio companies and identifying new investment opportunities.
Masato Ushio - Director, Global Strategy; responsible for shaping the firm's international investment approach.
Shuhei Kawasaki - Managing Partner / Engineer; combines technical expertise with investment acumen.
Jun Kitamura - Business Development; works on expanding the firm's network and partnerships.
Takuya Sakata - Partner; involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Naoya Shibahara - Principal; focuses on due diligence and portfolio management.
Tetsuhiro Shimoyama - Controller; manages financial operations and reporting.
Yuto Tachibana - Engineer; supports technical assessments of potential investments.
Takashi Tsujiguchi - Partner / CFO; oversees financial strategy and fundraising efforts.
Kaoru Tsurumi - Manager / HR & PR; handles human resources and public relations.
Yusuke Nagano - Partner; involved in investment strategy and portfolio management.
Ryo Bando - Managing Partner; contributes to overall firm strategy and investment decisions.
Kosuke Nishida - Partner; focuses on sourcing new deals and supporting portfolio companies.
Kosuke Fujii - Partner; brings expertise in technology and market analysis.
Dai Watanabe - Managing Partner; plays a key role in firm leadership and investment strategy.
Submit your pitch through their website form at [URL]. Ensure your proposal aligns with their focus on societal value and early-stage innovation.
Delight Ventures operates several funds to support its investment strategy:
These programs are designed to provide comprehensive support to startups at various stages of their development, enhancing their chances of success in the competitive market.
In April 2025, Delight Ventures launched the DelightX AI accelerator, aimed at providing Japanese founders with $60K seed checks to support their AI startups. This initiative reflects the firm's commitment to fostering innovation in the technology sector.
As of July 2025, Delight Ventures has expanded its portfolio to include 51 companies, with six new investments made in the trailing 12 months. This growth demonstrates the firm's active engagement in the startup ecosystem and its ability to identify promising opportunities.
Delight Ventures continues to strengthen its position in the venture capital landscape, leveraging its ties to the DeNA ecosystem to attract top talent and innovative startups.
What are Delight Ventures' investment criteria?
Delight Ventures focuses on seed and early-stage startups, particularly in sectors such as AI, healthcare, and SaaS. The firm looks for businesses that resolve information asymmetries and contribute to social sustainability.
How can I pitch to Delight Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups by reaching out through the firm's website. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team is essential.
What makes Delight Ventures different from other VC firms?
Delight Ventures combines venture investment with venture building, providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. This dual approach allows the firm to offer both financial backing and operational support.
What is the geographic focus of Delight Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in Japan-based startups but aims to help these companies expand globally. Delight Ventures actively seeks opportunities that allow for cross-border collaboration.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Delight Ventures primarily invests at the seed stage, which typically involves smaller initial investments to support early growth.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Delight Ventures have?
Delight Ventures engages with its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational support, and strategic guidance, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses.
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