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食の未来ファンド (kemuri ventures) is Japan's first venture capital firm dedicated to food technology, established in October 2020. The firm operates under the umbrella of En-Rest Inc. and focuses on early-stage investments in startups that address significant challenges in Japan's food industry, which is valued in the multi-trillion yen range. Kemuri ventures aims to enhance the food sector's efficiency and sustainability through innovative solutions.
As of 2024, the firm manages approximately ¥1.2 billion JPY (around $8 million USD) and has made over 20 investments in food tech startups. The firm’s mission includes resolving labor shortages and accelerating digitization within the food industry. Kemuri ventures is recognized for its commitment to fostering collaboration between startups and established corporations, positioning the food industry as a national pillar.
Headquartered in Japan, the firm has established partnerships with various corporate investors, including MARUI GROUP and Shizuoka Bank. Notable milestones include its recognition as a pioneer in food tech investment and its active role in promoting sustainable food systems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kemuri ventures specializes in early-stage investments within the food technology sector, targeting startups that offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the food industry in Japan. The firm invests in various subsectors, including food-agtech, agtech, food delivery, food marketplace, and food safety. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to support startups that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in the food sector.
The typical check size for investments ranges from ¥100 million to ¥300 million JPY, aligning with the firm’s focus on early-stage companies. Kemuri ventures seeks to partner with founders who demonstrate a strong vision for transforming the food industry and who are committed to driving innovation. The firm emphasizes the importance of collaboration between startups and corporates to foster open innovation and address the pressing issues within the food sector.
Kemuri ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 20 food tech companies, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the sector. Notable investments include:
Hiroki Okada (岡田博紀) — Representative Partner
Hiroki Okada graduated from Waseda University with a degree in Law. He has extensive experience in venture capital, having worked at JAFCO, where he learned VC standards, and Mitsubishi Corporation, where he focused on corporate venture capital in the life industry IT investment division. In 2003, he founded the restaurant 'kemuri Kagurazaka' in Shinjuku and later established 'kemuri Shanghai' in 2012. Okada also founded and led the strategic investment division for food-sector startups at Gurunavi in 2017. He has authored a book titled 'What I Learned About Business in a Restaurant' published by Daiwa Shobo.
When pitching to kemuri ventures, startups should include a clear explanation of their business model, the problem they are solving, and how their solution aligns with the firm's focus on food technology. A concise presentation of market potential and scalability is also recommended.
In March 2025, kemuri ventures underwent a corporate restructuring, with its parent company En-Rest Inc. absorbing kemuri ventures LLC. The surviving entity was renamed kemuri ventures株式会社. This restructuring reflects the firm's commitment to strengthening its operations and enhancing its focus on food tech investments.
In 2024, kemuri ventures confirmed an investment in Quantum Biotechnology, which specializes in neutron beam irradiation for crop breeding. This investment highlights the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food technology sector.
What are the investment criteria for kemuri ventures?
Kemuri ventures focuses on early-stage food tech startups in Japan. The firm looks for innovative solutions that address challenges in the food industry, such as labor shortages and digitization. Startups should demonstrate a clear vision and potential for growth within the food sector.
How can founders apply or pitch to kemuri ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to kemuri ventures should prepare a detailed business plan that outlines their innovative approach to food technology. While specific application channels are not disclosed, networking through industry events and introductions from mutual contacts may enhance the chances of engagement.
What makes kemuri ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Kemuri ventures is recognized as Japan's first food tech-focused venture capital firm, which positions it uniquely within the investment landscape. The firm emphasizes collaboration between startups and corporates, aiming to drive open innovation and sustainability in the food industry.
What is the geographic scope of kemuri ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Japan, focusing on the food technology sector. This geographic focus allows kemuri ventures to address specific challenges and opportunities within the Japanese food industry.
What type of post-investment involvement does kemuri ventures have?
Kemuri ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies through fundraising assistance, corporate venture capital advisory, and sales expansion strategies. The firm leverages its network to help startups thrive in a competitive environment.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
The fund size for kemuri ventures is approximately ¥1.2 billion JPY (around $8 million USD), with typical check sizes ranging from ¥100 million to ¥300 million JPY for early-stage investments.
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