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Monozukuri Ventures is a venture capital firm formed from the merger of Kyoto-based Darma Tech Labs and New York-based FabFoundry. Established to bridge the gap between hardware innovation and market readiness, the firm operates in both Japan and North America. Monozukuri Ventures specializes in hard tech, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) and small lot manufacturing. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs by providing essential resources such as investment, mentorship, prototyping expertise, and community support.
Currently, Monozukuri Ventures manages two funds, with a focus on pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments. The firm has a portfolio of six notable companies and emphasizes hands-on support throughout the manufacturing process. Their geographic focus spans North America and Asia, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and technological advancements. Monozukuri Ventures is committed to empowering hardware startups to deliver high-quality products to market efficiently.
Monozukuri Ventures invests in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage hard-tech startups across various sectors. Their investment areas include healthcare, industrial IoT, climate change technology, cleantech, smart home technologies, wearable technologies, the sharing economy, agri-tech, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and space technology. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000, with follow-on investments reaching up to $1 million.
The firm seeks to partner with startups that are developing devices, materials, components, parts, and software for manufacturing. Monozukuri Ventures emphasizes the importance of mentorship and technical consulting, providing support throughout the entire manufacturing process, from ideation and prototyping to mass production. Their unique approach combines capital investment with comprehensive manufacturing expertise, making them a valuable partner for hardware entrepreneurs.
Monozukuri Ventures has invested in six notable companies, showcasing their commitment to hard tech innovation:
Narimasa Makino: CEO of Monozukuri Ventures, Narimasa has a background in technology and venture capital, leading the firm's strategic direction and investment decisions.
Nobuhiro Seki: Founding Partner, Investment. Nobuhiro has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in identifying and supporting promising startups.
Mikuni Kimura: Partner, Investment. Mikuni focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities and managing relationships with portfolio companies.
Sabrina Sasaki: Principal, Investment. Sabrina specializes in evaluating investment opportunities and providing operational support to portfolio companies.
To pitch Monozukuri Ventures, founders should visit their website and follow the application guidelines provided. They prefer a concise pitch deck that outlines the business model, technology, market opportunity, and team background. A warm introduction is beneficial but not mandatory. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submission.
Monozukuri Ventures operates the Kyoto Makers Garage (KMG), a space equipped with advanced digital equipment for prototyping and manufacturing consultations. This program is designed to support startups in developing their products and navigating the manufacturing process.
In November 2025, Monozukuri Ventures made a notable investment in Lenzo, a company specializing in computers and peripherals. This investment reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting hardware startups. Additionally, they have invested in Kidou Systems and Revorn, further expanding their portfolio.
Monozukuri Ventures is also preparing for the upcoming Deep Tech Forum events scheduled for January and March 2024, which will convene deep tech startup ecosystems in North America and Japan.
What are Monozukuri Ventures' investment criteria?
Monozukuri Ventures focuses on pre-seed, seed, and early-stage hard-tech startups. They invest in sectors such as healthcare, IoT, climate change technology, robotics, and more. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000, with follow-on investments up to $1 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to Monozukuri Ventures?
Startups can apply through the Monozukuri Ventures website, where they can find details on the application process. They encourage founders to provide a clear overview of their business model, technology, and market potential in their pitch.
What makes Monozukuri Ventures different from other VCs?
Monozukuri Ventures combines capital investment with extensive manufacturing support. They offer hands-on assistance throughout the entire manufacturing process, which is particularly beneficial for hardware startups.
What is the geographic scope of Monozukuri Ventures?
The firm operates primarily in North America and Asia, allowing them to leverage diverse technological advancements and market opportunities.
What is Monozukuri Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
Monozukuri Ventures works closely with its portfolio companies, providing technical consulting and support throughout the manufacturing process. They are involved in every step, from prototyping to mass production.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in initial funding, with the possibility of follow-on investments up to $1 million.
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