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NEXTBLUE is a venture capital organization founded to support startups, particularly those led by women and addressing women's health and wellbeing. Established as Asia's first fund dedicated to women's wellbeing and female founders, NEXTBLUE operates with a unique model that connects startups with the Japanese market. The firm is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and has a team of four partners.
The organization manages a fund size of $40 million, with a portfolio of 26 companies. NEXTBLUE has gained recognition for its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and facilitating their entry into the Japanese market. The firm has established partnerships with notable corporate investors, including JERA Ventures and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, enhancing its credibility and operational capacity.
Since its inception, NEXTBLUE has focused on various aspects of business development, including market entry, fundraising, and collaboration with corporate partners. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including the successful listing of INFORICH on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in 2022.
NEXTBLUE invests in startups at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with a check size range of $100,000 to $1 million. The firm primarily targets companies from North America and Europe, while also considering exceptional startups from Japan. The sectors of interest include femtech, healthcare, fintech, consumer products, and SaaS.
The organization emphasizes its commitment to women's wellbeing and female-led startups, particularly in the femtech sector. NEXTBLUE provides tailored support for startups entering the Japanese market, including fundraising assistance, partnership development, and marketing strategies. The firm leverages its extensive network of corporate investors to facilitate connections and collaborations that enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
In addition to financial investment, NEXTBLUE focuses on helping startups navigate the complexities of entering the Japanese market, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed. This operational model positions NEXTBLUE as a vital partner for female entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses internationally.
NEXTBLUE has built a diverse portfolio of 26 companies, focusing on startups that align with its mission of supporting women's health and wellbeing. Notable portfolio companies include:
Kanako Inoue serves as a General Partner and Co-Founder, bringing expertise in women's health investments. Yuichi Kori and Vincent Tan are also General Partners, contributing to the firm's strategic direction and investment decisions. Together, they have established NEXTBLUE as a recognized player in the femtech landscape.
To pitch NEXTBLUE, send an email to contact@ekko.com. Include a clear overview of your startup, its mission, and how it aligns with NEXTBLUE's focus on women's health and wellbeing.
NEXTBLUE recently announced the first close of its second fund, targeting $40 million, and continues to actively invest in pre-seed and seed-stage companies. The firm has been sharing insights through its blog, focusing on women's health and market analysis, with three articles published in early 2026 discussing emerging trends in the sector.
What types of startups does NEXTBLUE invest in?
NEXTBLUE focuses on early-stage startups led by women, particularly in femtech and adjacent sectors, with a strong emphasis on those entering the Japanese market.
How can I pitch to NEXTBLUE?
Founders can pitch NEXTBLUE by emailing their proposal to contact@ekko.com, including details about their business model, market strategy, and how they align with NEXTBLUE's focus on women's wellbeing.
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