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NEXTBLUE is a pioneering venture capital organization dedicated to supporting startups, particularly those led by women and focused on women's health and wellbeing. Founded with the mission to empower entrepreneurs, NEXTBLUE operates as Asia's first fund specifically targeting women's wellbeing and female founders. The firm has successfully raised a total of $40 million across its funds, with a strong emphasis on connecting startups with the Japanese market. The organization is headquartered in Japan and has established a reputation for its unique operational model that facilitates market entry, fundraising, and collaboration with corporate partners.
Founded by a team of experienced professionals, NEXTBLUE is led by General Partners Kanako Inoue, Yuichi Kori, and Vincent Tan, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in venture capital and entrepreneurship. The firm has a diverse Limited Partner base, including notable entities such as JERA Ventures and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which adds credibility and support for startups looking to enter the Japanese market. NEXTBLUE's commitment to empowering female founders and investing in women's wellbeing sets it apart in the venture capital landscape.
NEXTBLUE focuses on investing in startups at the pre-seed to early stages, particularly those that are female-led or address women's health and wellbeing. The firm primarily targets companies in North America and Europe, while also considering exceptional startups from Japan. The sectors of interest include femtech, healthcare, fintech, consumer products, and software as a service (SaaS). NEXTBLUE typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in each startup, providing not only capital but also strategic support tailored to the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs.
The organization offers a comprehensive suite of services to its portfolio companies, including fundraising assistance, partnership development, and marketing support. This is particularly valuable for startups looking to enter the Japanese market, as NEXTBLUE leverages its extensive network to facilitate connections with corporate partners and potential customers. By bridging the gap between European and US startups and the Japanese market, NEXTBLUE aims to foster innovation and growth in sectors that prioritize women's health and wellbeing.
NEXTBLUE has built a diverse portfolio of 26 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in innovative startups that align with its mission. Notable investments include Anise Health, a mental health platform designed for Asian Americans, and Kencko, a nutrition-focused startup that promotes healthy eating habits. A significant exit from the portfolio is INFORICH, which successfully listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in 2022, highlighting NEXTBLUE's ability to identify and support high-potential companies.
Other representative companies in NEXTBLUE's portfolio include Josan-She’s, fufu, AOTEN, SPACER, and Trellis Health. These companies span various sectors, including femtech, healthtech, consumer products, fintech, and B2B SaaS, all with a focus on female founders or women's wellbeing. NEXTBLUE's strategic investments not only provide financial backing but also facilitate access to the Japanese market, enabling portfolio companies to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Kanako Inoue - GP/Co-Founder, brings extensive experience in venture capital and a passion for empowering female entrepreneurs.
Yuichi Kori - GP, focuses on strategic investments and market entry strategies for portfolio companies.
Vincent Tan - GP, specializes in business development and partnership facilitation for startups.
To pitch NEXTBLUE, founders should email contact@ekko.com. It is recommended to include a concise overview of the startup, its mission, and how it aligns with NEXTBLUE's focus on women's wellbeing and female founders. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold applications are also accepted.
NEXTBLUE has recently announced the first close of its Fund II, targeting $40 million. The firm remains active in pre-seed, seed, and pre-Series A investments, continuing to build its portfolio with a focus on women's wellbeing and female-led startups.
NEXTBLUE invests in startups at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The firm focuses on early-stage companies that are led by women or address women's health and wellbeing.
Founders can pitch NEXTBLUE by sending an email to contact@ekko.com. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business, the problem it addresses, and how it aligns with NEXTBLUE's focus on women's wellbeing and female founders.
NEXTBLUE primarily invests in femtech, healthcare, fintech, consumer products, and SaaS. The firm is particularly interested in startups that are female-led or that address issues related to women's health and wellbeing.
NEXTBLUE typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in each startup. This range allows the firm to support companies at various stages of their development.
NEXTBLUE focuses on startups based in North America and Europe, while also considering exceptional startups from Japan. The firm aims to bridge the gap between these markets, particularly for companies looking to enter Japan.
NEXTBLUE adds value to its portfolio companies by offering access to the Japanese market, facilitating partnerships with corporate investors, and providing support in business development, marketing, and fundraising.
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