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gumi Cryptos Capital (gCC) is a boutique early-stage venture capital firm established in 2018 and headquartered in Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in investments within the blockchain and digital asset sectors, aiming to support innovative companies that are shaping the future of digital finance. gCC has a strong connection to Japanese institutional capital, which allows it to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley's crypto builders and the Asian market.
As of now, gumi Cryptos Capital manages assets totaling $110 million across its funds. The firm has backed 36 portfolio companies, primarily at the seed stage, and has established itself as a credible player in the crypto investment space. Notable milestones include the successful launch of Fund II, which closed in March 2022, and the impressive performance of Fund I, which achieved a 24.6x TVPI as of January 2022.
gCC is backed by gumi Inc., a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed mobile game developer, along with seven other Japanese public companies, including banks and IT firms. This unique backing enhances gCC's ability to provide valuable insights and connections to its portfolio companies.
gumi Cryptos Capital focuses on early-stage investments in the blockchain and digital asset sectors. The firm invests in companies that are developing new protocols to facilitate the transfer of digital assets, resources, and intellectual property. gCC emphasizes the importance of decentralization and incentivizing network participants, which aligns with its investment thesis.
The firm typically invests in pre-seed, seed, seed+, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. gCC's investment strategy includes both equity and tokens, allowing for flexibility in supporting its portfolio companies. The firm seeks to identify and partner with builders who are innovating within the blockchain space, particularly those focused on creating decentralized solutions.
Geographically, gumi Cryptos Capital operates on a global scale, leveraging its connections in both Silicon Valley and Japan to identify promising investment opportunities. The firm looks for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and capability to execute their ideas in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
gumi Cryptos Capital has a diverse portfolio of 36 companies, primarily focused on the blockchain and digital asset sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these notable companies, Fund II has invested in several emerging projects, including Proof of Learn, XY Finance, Solv Finance, and Alliance Labs. The firm continues to seek out innovative startups that align with its investment thesis.
Hironao Kunimitsu - Co-founder and Managing Partner. He is a serial entrepreneur who founded gumi Inc. in 2007 and took it public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2014. He manages investments at gumi Cryptos Capital.
Rui Zhang - Co-founder and Managing Partner. Formerly the VP of gumi Inc., Rui led global investments in gaming, VR/AR, and social networks. He oversees investments and operations at gCC.
Miko Matsumura - Managing Partner since 2018. Miko is a serial entrepreneur with a focus on open source software startups in Silicon Valley. He manages investments and works closely with entrepreneurs on go-to-market strategies and fundraising. Miko is also a speaker at major crypto conferences.
Evans - Joined in 2024, managing investments in Asia and portfolio strategy. He previously served as Head of Investment at Huobi Ventures.
To pitch gumi Cryptos Capital, founders should use the preferred channel available on their website at gumi-cryptos.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. The firm values detailed information that demonstrates the startup's potential for growth.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission. gumi Cryptos Capital appreciates warm introductions, which can enhance the chances of getting noticed by the investment team.
In March 2022, gumi Cryptos Capital announced the closing of Fund II, which raised $110 million to invest in early-stage blockchain startups. At the time of the announcement, the fund had already made nine investments as lead or co-lead, including Proof of Learn, XY Finance, Solv Finance, and Alliance Labs.
Fund I, which launched in 2018 with $21 million, backed 36 portfolio companies and achieved a remarkable 24.6x TVPI as of January 2022, driven primarily by the success of OpenSea.
In 2024, gumi Cryptos Capital welcomed a new managing partner, Evans, who will focus on investments in Asia and portfolio strategy, further enhancing the firm's capabilities in the region.
What are gumi Cryptos Capital's investment criteria?
gumi Cryptos Capital invests in early-stage companies within the blockchain and digital asset sectors. The firm looks for innovative startups that are developing new protocols for digital asset transfer and promoting decentralization.
How can founders apply or pitch to gumi Cryptos Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the firm's website at gumi-cryptos.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and information about the team and market opportunity.
What makes gumi Cryptos Capital different from other VCs?
gumi Cryptos Capital has a unique connection to Japanese institutional capital, which allows it to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley's crypto builders and the Asian market. This positioning provides portfolio companies with valuable insights and access to a broader network.
What is the geographic scope of gumi Cryptos Capital's investments?
The firm invests globally, focusing on early-stage blockchain and digital asset companies in various regions, particularly those that can leverage its connections in both Silicon Valley and Japan.
What is the typical check size for investments?
gumi Cryptos Capital typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million in each company, which includes both initial and follow-on investments.
What kind of post-investment involvement does gumi Cryptos Capital have?
The firm provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, including access to industry experts, resources for go-to-market strategies, and guidance on fundraising. This involvement helps accelerate growth and enhances the chances of success for the startups.
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