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HERO Impact Capital is a venture capital firm established in February 2022, based in Japan. The firm focuses on collaborating with young researchers to co-found companies that leverage scientific research and innovation. HERO Impact Capital operates with a fund size of approximately ¥3 billion (around $20–22 million USD), emphasizing a unique co-founding model that integrates closely with academic talent.
The firm is dedicated to addressing significant societal challenges, particularly in sectors such as biotech, agtech, and healthcare. By partnering with researchers, HERO aims to transform groundbreaking ideas into viable businesses. Their approach not only provides capital but also access to research resources through collaborations with ZERO FOUNDATION and 24C Impact Lab.
HERO Impact Capital's commitment to innovation is reflected in its selective investment strategy, focusing on deep co-founding relationships that foster the development of impactful solutions. The firm is positioned to play a crucial role in Japan's startup ecosystem, particularly in addressing issues related to decarbonization and the super-aging society.
HERO Impact Capital invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically those founded by researchers. The firm targets sectors that utilize scientific research and innovation, including biotech, agtech, and healthcare. Their investment strategy is characterized by a co-founding model, where HERO partners directly with young academic researchers to build companies from the lab outward.
The firm typically invests at the pre-seed and seed stages, with an average check size of approximately $2 million. HERO Impact Capital emphasizes the importance of addressing global challenges through innovative solutions, particularly in areas such as decarbonization and the aging population in Japan. This focus on deep science and research-driven startups allows HERO to create impactful businesses that can thrive in competitive markets.
HERO Impact Capital has made investments in two notable companies, although specific names are not publicly disclosed. Their portfolio strategy is characterized by a selective approach, focusing on deep co-founding relationships with researchers. This model allows HERO to integrate closely with the companies they support, providing not only capital but also access to valuable research resources and expertise.
The firm’s investment strategy is designed to foster innovation in sectors that address pressing societal challenges. By collaborating with academic researchers, HERO aims to transform scientific breakthroughs into viable business solutions. This unique approach positions HERO Impact Capital as a key player in the Japanese startup ecosystem, particularly in the biotech and healthcare sectors.
Hiro Watanabe (渡邊 拓) — Founder & General Partner. Hiro Watanabe has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, focusing on co-founding startups with researchers. His core thesis revolves around transforming scientific research into viable business solutions, particularly in the biotech and healthcare sectors.
To pitch HERO Impact Capital, founders should visit their website at hero.vc. It is advisable to include a comprehensive overview of the startup's scientific research and its potential societal impact in the pitch deck. HERO prefers to engage with startups that align with their focus on biotech, agtech, and healthcare.
Founders should expect a thorough review process, as HERO's investment strategy is characterized by a selective approach. Warm introductions are beneficial, given the firm's emphasis on building deep relationships with researchers and founders.
In May 2025, HERO Impact Capital made a notable investment in New Innovations during their Series B round. This investment reflects the firm's selective approach and commitment to supporting research-driven startups, even as it appears to extend beyond their typical pre-seed and seed focus.
Since its launch in February 2022, HERO Impact Capital has been actively establishing its presence in the Japanese startup ecosystem, focusing on partnerships with academic researchers to foster innovation and address societal challenges.
What are HERO Impact Capital's investment criteria?
HERO Impact Capital focuses on early-stage companies founded by researchers, particularly in sectors like biotech, agtech, and healthcare. They emphasize a co-founding model, partnering directly with academic talent to build companies from the ground up.
How can founders pitch to HERO Impact Capital?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the HERO Impact Capital website at hero.vc. It is recommended to include detailed information about the scientific research behind the startup and how it addresses societal challenges.
What makes HERO Impact Capital different from other VC firms?
HERO Impact Capital distinguishes itself by its co-founding model, which integrates closely with researchers. This approach allows them to provide not only funding but also access to research resources and a network of academic expertise.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The firm typically invests around $2 million in early-stage companies, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds.
What geographic areas does HERO Impact Capital focus on?
HERO Impact Capital primarily focuses on the Japanese market, investing in startups that leverage scientific research and innovation to address local and global challenges.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive post-investment?
Portfolio companies benefit from HERO's integration with ZERO FOUNDATION and 24C Impact Lab, gaining access to research resources, mentorship, and a network of academic expertise to help them grow and succeed.
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