Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
ON&BOARD is a venture capital firm founded in October 2023 and based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on addressing significant global and Japanese societal challenges, aiming to evolve the way innovation is created. ON&BOARD seeks to expedite solutions to these challenges, particularly those anticipated by 2050. The firm is committed to investing in early-stage startups that have the potential to create innovative impacts on society.
As of now, ON&BOARD has a portfolio of 11 companies and operates with a mission to create unicorn companies from Japan. The firm emphasizes long-term societal impact and is particularly interested in businesses that possess unique technologies and a focus on global expansion from inception. The team comprises professionals with extensive backgrounds in strategic consulting, IT platforms, and cross-border investment.
ON&BOARD primarily invests in early-stage startups that demonstrate potential for global expansion, possess unique technologies, or show a deep understanding of their respective industries. The firm targets sectors including AI, SaaS, logistics, healthcare, energy, robotics, fintech, consumer, edtech, and climate. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus (extension), allowing for flexibility in funding commitments.
The investment philosophy emphasizes long-term societal impact, and ON&BOARD is open to committing funds even before a startup is officially established. The firm looks for entrepreneurs who are passionate and possess the conviction to generate significant value creation, aiming to compress the timeline of problem-solving for humanity's challenges.
ON&BOARD's portfolio includes 11 notable companies that span various sectors:
Masato Shimodaira - General Partner. Masato has a background in strategic consulting and has led numerous investments in technology startups.
Kosuke Nakayama - General Partner. Kosuke brings experience from major trading companies and has expertise in cross-border investments.
Shunsuke (Shawn) Hasegawa - Partner. Shawn specializes in technology investments and has a strong background in IT platforms.
Yuki Takeuchi - Tech Executive. Yuki has extensive experience in technology development and innovation.
Ryo Hirakawa - Chief Editor. Ryo oversees content for ON&BOARD TIMES, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Hisano Hamauchi - Community Manager. Hisano engages with the startup community and supports portfolio companies.
Yukika Doiyama - Community Manager. Yukika assists in community outreach and engagement initiatives.
Yusuke Koizumi - Fund Administration Advisor. Yusuke manages fund operations and compliance.
Masanori Nishi - Strategy Advisor. Masanori provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies.
Takahiko Asai - Strategy Advisor. Takahiko specializes in market strategy and business development.
Riku Sugie - Growth Advisor. Riku focuses on scaling strategies for portfolio startups.
Kohei Hamada - Growth Advisor. Kohei provides insights on growth marketing and customer acquisition.
Hitoshi Matsubara - Technology Advisor. Hitoshi advises on technology trends and innovations.
Yusuke Miyao - Technology Advisor. Yusuke specializes in AI and machine learning technologies.
Hitoshi Nishikawa - Technology Advisor. Hitoshi provides expertise in robotics and automation technologies.
To pitch ON&BOARD, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website. A well-structured pitch deck should include details about the startup's mission, technology, market opportunity, and potential societal impact. While there is no specific application form mentioned, a clear and concise presentation is essential.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their pitch within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In April 2026, ON&BOARD announced its participation in the SWISH! Startup Camp, supporting 31 leading domestic VCs and CVCs in entrepreneur fundraising efforts. This initiative highlights the firm's commitment to engaging with the startup ecosystem.
In October 2025, LobbyAI won two corporate awards at the Incubate Camp 18th, showcasing the success of ON&BOARD's portfolio companies. Additionally, Robotruck raised ¥1.65 billion (approximately $11 million USD) in Pre-Series A funding, indicating strong investor interest in their autonomous logistics technology.
ON&BOARD continues to publish content through its media outlet,
What are ON&BOARD's investment criteria?
ON&BOARD invests in early-stage startups that demonstrate potential for global expansion, possess unique technologies, or show a deep understanding of their respective industries. The firm is particularly focused on addressing societal challenges anticipated by 2050.
How can I apply or pitch to ON&BOARD?
Founders can pitch their startups through the ON&BOARD website. It is advisable to include a clear articulation of the startup's mission, technology, and potential societal impact in the pitch deck.
What makes ON&BOARD different from other VCs?
ON&BOARD emphasizes long-term societal impact and is willing to invest in startups even before they are officially established. This approach allows them to support innovative ideas from their inception.
What is the geographic scope of ON&BOARD's investments?
While ON&BOARD is based in Tokyo, Japan, it has a global ambition and seeks startups that can expand internationally.
What is ON&BOARD's fund size and check size?
The fund size has not been publicly disclosed, and specific check sizes are not stated. However, the firm is known to invest in pre-seed and seed stages, indicating a focus on early funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement does ON&BOARD have?
ON&BOARD provides strategic support to its portfolio companies, leveraging the team's extensive backgrounds in consulting and investment to help entrepreneurs achieve significant value creation.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.