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NOW Venture Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and startups by investing in innovative ideas and technologies. It aims to create a partnership with entrepreneurs, sharing the journey towards success. The firm is known for its commitment to mission-driven companies, believing that those with a positive impact will outperform their peers.
As of now, NOW Venture Capital manages a portfolio of 10 companies and has made over 100 investments since its inception. The firm primarily invests in early-stage startups, specifically in the pre-seed, seed, seed+, and Series A stages. Its geographic focus is on Asia, particularly Japan, where it seeks to identify and support transformative businesses.
NOW Venture Capital has established itself as a key player in the Japanese startup ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration with entrepreneurs to explore uncharted territories in business. The firm’s notable milestones include a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative technologies and ideas.
NOW Venture Capital invests across multiple sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, consumer products, the creator economy, media, edtech, and commerce. The firm engages in early-stage investments, focusing on startups that are developing new products and services. Their investment strategy emphasizes collaboration with entrepreneurs, aiming to explore uncharted business territories and support innovative ideas.
The firm typically invests in the pre-seed, seed, seed+, and Series A stages, allowing them to engage with startups at various points in their development. The check sizes are not explicitly stated, but the firm has made over 100 investments, indicating a proactive approach to funding. NOW Venture Capital seeks to partner with mission-driven founders who are committed to creating a positive impact through their ventures.
Geographically, NOW Venture Capital focuses on Asia, particularly Japan, where it aims to identify and support startups that align with its investment thesis. The firm believes that mission-driven companies will outperform their peers, and it actively seeks to invest in disruptive startups that have the potential to make a significant impact in their respective industries.
NOW Venture Capital's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects NOW Venture Capital's commitment to supporting transformative businesses across various industries, showcasing its focus on innovative technologies and mission-driven companies.
Kazuma Ieiri: General Partner at NOW Venture Capital, Kazuma has extensive experience in venture capital and startup development. He has a background in technology investments and has led several successful funding rounds.
Ryosuke Kajitani: General Partner, Ryosuke specializes in early-stage investments and has a strong focus on fintech and healthcare sectors. His expertise includes identifying disruptive technologies and supporting founders in their growth journeys.
Hiroki Nakajima: Partner at NOW Venture Capital, Hiroki brings a wealth of knowledge in media and consumer sectors. He has a track record of successful investments and is known for his strategic insights into market trends.
Haruka Honma: Partner, Haruka focuses on the creator economy and edtech sectors. She has a background in entrepreneurship and is dedicated to supporting innovative startups in these fields.
Tetsuo Kuda: Back Office, Tetsuo manages operational aspects of the firm, ensuring smooth processes and efficient management of portfolio companies.
Shinpei Takagi: Creative Advisor, Shinpei provides creative direction and strategic guidance to portfolio companies, helping them enhance their branding and market presence.
To pitch to NOW Venture Capital, founders should visit their contact page at now.vc/contact/. It is recommended to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with the firm's investment focus. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process.
Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable reception. Founders should ensure that their pitch clearly communicates the innovative aspects of their startup and how it aligns with NOW Venture Capital's mission-driven investment thesis.
In the past year, NOW Venture Capital has made four investments, indicating active engagement in the startup ecosystem. The firm continues to focus on supporting innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare.
Recent portfolio highlights include investments in companies like **ウェルネス**, which develops a personalized preventive healthcare platform, and **TOPICO**, known for its next-generation short video advertising platform. These investments reflect NOW Venture Capital's commitment to identifying and supporting transformative businesses.
As of March 2026, NOW Venture Capital remains a key player in the Japanese venture capital landscape, actively seeking new opportunities to partner with mission-driven entrepreneurs.
What are NOW Venture Capital's investment criteria?
NOW Venture Capital invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, and more. The firm looks for mission-driven companies that demonstrate potential for positive impact and disruptive innovation.
How can I apply or pitch to NOW Venture Capital?
Founders can pitch to NOW Venture Capital by visiting their contact page at now.vc/contact/. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with their investment thesis.
What makes NOW Venture Capital different from other firms?
NOW Venture Capital emphasizes a partnership approach, collaborating closely with entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey. The firm believes in the potential of mission-driven companies and focuses on supporting startups that aim to create a positive impact.
What is the geographic scope of NOW Venture Capital's investments?
NOW Venture Capital primarily focuses on investments in Asia, with a strong emphasis on Japan. The firm seeks to identify and support innovative startups within this region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, NOW Venture Capital engages in early-stage investments, which typically range from pre-seed to Series A funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement does NOW Venture Capital have?
NOW Venture Capital actively supports its portfolio companies by providing resources, insights, and guidance throughout their growth journey. The firm emphasizes collaboration and partnership with entrepreneurs to help them navigate challenges and achieve success.
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