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Gazelle Capital is a venture capital firm established in April 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in startups that aim to modernize legacy industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and public administration. Gazelle Capital has built a reputation for working closely with entrepreneurs from the early stages of their ventures, providing essential support to help them navigate challenges and foster innovation.
As of now, Gazelle Capital manages five funds, including Gazelle Capital II, and has made a total of 33 investments. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, actively partnering with portfolio companies to ensure their growth and success. Gazelle Capital's office is located at 8F SF Uchikanda Building, 1-9-5 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The firm is recognized as an emerging manager in Tokyo's investment ecosystem, as noted in Fincity.Tokyo's Japan EM Catalogue.
Gazelle Capital specializes in pre-seed and seed stage investments, primarily targeting startups that leverage digital technologies to drive innovation in traditional sectors. The firm invests in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) companies, with a particular emphasis on digital transformation (DX) within existing industries. The maximum investment amount is up to 50 million yen, approximately $500,000, per company.
The firm seeks to back high-growth 'gazelle companies' that demonstrate strong employment and innovation potential. Gazelle Capital anticipates exits through various channels, including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, or secondary sales. Their investment strategy is focused on sectors such as SaaS, healthcare, HRTech, fintech, and commerce, all aimed at modernizing Japan's legacy industries.
Gazelle Capital's portfolio consists of 33 startups across various sectors, reflecting its commitment to digital transformation in traditional industries. The portfolio includes:
Gazelle Capital actively invests in companies that aim to modernize Japan's legacy industries, ensuring a diverse and impactful portfolio.
Ishibashi Kotaro - Representative Partner. Kotaro has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in the Japanese market. He focuses on identifying high-growth startups that can transform traditional industries.
Kondo Emi - Principal. Emi brings a strong background in finance and startup development, contributing to the firm's investment strategy and portfolio management.
Otani Naoyuki - Senior Capitalist. Naoyuki specializes in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies in their growth journeys.
Tange Midori - Capitalist. Midori plays a key role in sourcing new deals and providing operational support to startups within the portfolio.
Founders interested in pitching to Gazelle Capital should submit their proposals through the application form available on their website. It is essential to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. Gazelle Capital prefers to receive pitches that clearly articulate how the startup plans to leverage digital technologies to innovate traditional sectors.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
Gazelle Capital runs a YouTube channel called 'Startup Investment TV,' which offers funding guidance and startup advice. They also provide a 'Fundraising Window' service to assist entrepreneurs with funding and subsidy applications.
In recent months, Gazelle Capital has continued to expand its portfolio, actively investing in startups that aim to modernize Japan's legacy industries. The firm has made several notable investments in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and SaaS, reflecting its commitment to digital transformation.
Gazelle Capital has also hosted pitch events for pre-seed to early-stage companies, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations. These events facilitate connections between startups and potential investors, enhancing the overall investment ecosystem in Japan.
What are Gazelle Capital's investment criteria?
Gazelle Capital focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments in startups that leverage digital technologies to innovate traditional sectors. They look for high-growth potential companies, particularly those that can digitally transform legacy industries.
How can I apply or pitch to Gazelle Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups through the application form available on Gazelle Capital's website. It is advisable to include a comprehensive business plan and details on how the startup addresses challenges in traditional industries.
What makes Gazelle Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Gazelle Capital emphasizes a hands-on support model, actively partnering with portfolio companies to guide them through early-stage challenges. They also provide resources such as funding guidance and startup advice through their YouTube channel.
What is Gazelle Capital's geographic scope?
The firm primarily focuses on the Asian market, with a strong emphasis on Japan. They are dedicated to investing in startups that aim to modernize Japan's legacy industries.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Gazelle Capital typically invests up to 50 million yen (approximately $500,000) per startup, depending on the specific needs and potential of the company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Gazelle Capital have?
Gazelle Capital maintains an active role in the development of its portfolio companies, offering mentorship, operational support, and assistance with funding and subsidy applications.
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