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Founded in 2017, Lyra Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Singapore that specializes in early-stage investments in the fashion and retail sectors. The firm is backed by ZOZO Co., Ltd., Japan’s largest fashion e-commerce platform, and TSI Holdings, one of Japan’s largest fashion conglomerates. This backing provides Lyra Ventures with unique access to the Asian fashion market, enabling its portfolio companies to leverage significant industry connections.
Lyra Ventures focuses on companies that utilize technology to reinvent traditional retail models and enhance consumer experiences. The firm has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, with a portfolio that includes 13 companies across various stages of development. The firm operates primarily in the United States, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative businesses on a global scale.
As of now, Lyra Ventures manages two funds, including the Lyra 30 Fund LP, which was announced with participation from TSI Holdings. The firm’s strategic partnerships and deep industry knowledge facilitate better decision-making and growth opportunities for its investments.
Lyra Ventures invests in early-stage companies that leverage innovative technology to transform the fashion and retail industries. The firm targets investments at various stages, including Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds. Their geographical focus spans the United States, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and consumer bases.
The firm emphasizes sectors related to fashion and retail technology, including SaaS solutions, alternative materials, and new retail models. Lyra Ventures seeks visionary founders who are committed to utilizing technology to create impactful changes in the industry. Their investment strategy is designed to support businesses that are pioneering advancements in materials innovation, circular business models, and digital commerce.
Lyra Ventures looks for companies that can demonstrate a clear value proposition and a strong market fit within the fashion and retail sectors. The firm’s investment thesis underscores the importance of strategic insights and access to a powerful network of partners, advisors, and clients, which are critical for the growth and success of their portfolio companies.
Lyra Ventures has a diverse portfolio of 13 companies, each innovating within the fashion and retail sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Lyra Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of technological innovation in the fashion and retail sectors.
Reina Nakamura - General Partner and Founder. Reina has a background in venture capital and has been instrumental in establishing Lyra Ventures. She serves as a board observer at Tolstoy and has prior experience with companies like Lizee, Aligned, Material Exchange, and LePrix.
Chieh Suang - Director. Chieh brings extensive experience in investment analysis and portfolio management, focusing on identifying high-potential startups in the fashion and retail sectors.
Alicia Teo - Principal. Alicia specializes in early-stage investments and works closely with portfolio companies to drive growth and operational efficiency.
Suraya Harharah - Head of Operations. Suraya oversees the operational aspects of Lyra Ventures, ensuring smooth processes and effective communication within the team and with portfolio companies.
Jonathan Price - Advisor. Jonathan provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive network in the fashion industry.
Christine Goulay - Advisor. Christine offers expertise in retail strategy and market entry, helping portfolio companies navigate the complexities of the fashion market.
Koji Yanagisawa - Advisor. Koji brings a wealth of knowledge in fashion e-commerce and technology, supporting portfolio companies in their growth strategies.
Minoru Fukuda - Advisor. Minoru has a strong background in investment and business development within the fashion sector, providing valuable insights to Lyra's portfolio.
Ori Lavie - Advisor. Ori specializes in technology and innovation in the fashion industry, assisting portfolio companies in leveraging new technologies for growth.
Startups interested in pitching to Lyra Ventures should visit their contact page at Lyra Ventures Contact Page. They prefer detailed pitches that include information about the business model, market potential, and how technology is being utilized to innovate within the fashion and retail sectors. Founders should be prepared for a thorough review process and may expect a response within a few weeks.
Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process. Startups should ensure their pitch decks are concise, visually appealing, and clearly articulate their value proposition and growth strategy.
In 2020, Lyra Ventures announced the launch of its second fund, with participation from TSI Holdings, aimed at supporting innovative startups in the fashion and retail sectors. This fund reflects the firm’s commitment to investing in companies that are pioneering advancements in materials innovation and digital commerce.
Lyra Ventures has been actively engaging with the startup ecosystem, focusing on companies that are making significant strides in the fashion technology space. Their portfolio continues to grow, with recent investments in companies like Balance and Entrupy, which are innovating in B2B financing and AI-based authentication, respectively.
What are Lyra Ventures' investment criteria?
Lyra Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in companies that leverage technology to innovate within the fashion and retail sectors. They target Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds and look for companies with a strong market fit and clear value propositions.
How can startups apply or pitch to Lyra Ventures?
Startups interested in pitching to Lyra Ventures can visit their contact page at Lyra Ventures Contact Page. They encourage founders to provide detailed information about their business model, market potential, and how they plan to leverage technology in the fashion and retail industries.
What makes Lyra Ventures different from other VC firms?
Lyra Ventures is uniquely positioned due to its backing from major Japanese fashion industry players, ZOZO Co., Ltd. and TSI Holdings. This provides portfolio companies with direct access to the Asian fashion market and valuable industry insights.
What is the geographic scope of Lyra Ventures' investments?
Lyra Ventures invests primarily in the United States, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Europe, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and consumer bases.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Lyra Ventures have?
Lyra Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic insights, industry connections, and support in navigating the fashion and retail sectors. They aim to facilitate better decision-making and growth opportunities for their investments.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Lyra Ventures?
Specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, but Lyra Ventures invests in early-stage rounds, which typically range from Seed to Series B funding.
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