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Scrum Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded by Tak Miyata in 2013. The firm is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in Tokyo, Japan. Scrum Ventures focuses on identifying and supporting innovative startups that have the potential to transform industries. The firm emphasizes cross-border investments, particularly between the U.S. and Japan, leveraging its extensive network to provide strategic guidance and resources to portfolio companies.
As of now, Scrum Ventures manages a portfolio of over 140 companies, showcasing its active engagement in the startup ecosystem. The firm operates with a thematic investment approach, concentrating on emerging trends across various sectors such as AI, robotics, climate tech, mobility, healthcare, and fintech. Scrum Ventures has established a reputation for its hands-on support and commitment to helping startups grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Scrum Ventures invests in early-stage startups across a diverse range of sectors, including AI, robotics, climate tech, mobility, healthcare, deep tech, and sports and entertainment. The firm employs a thematic investment strategy, focusing on identifying and supporting industry-changing technologies and innovations. This approach allows Scrum Ventures to stay ahead of emerging trends and invest in startups that are poised for significant growth.
The firm typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, providing check sizes that align with the needs of early-stage companies. Scrum Ventures is particularly interested in startups that demonstrate strong potential for cross-border collaboration between the U.S. and Japan. They look for founders who are not only innovative but also possess a clear vision for their companies and the ability to execute their plans effectively. The firm provides extensive support to its portfolio companies, including strategic advice, fundraising assistance, and connections to potential business partners, enhancing their growth opportunities.
Scrum Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative startups. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio reflects Scrum Ventures' thematic investment approach and its focus on sectors that are poised for growth and innovation.
Tak Miyata: Founder and General Partner, with a background in venture capital and a focus on cross-border investments.
Kazuhiro Kiyoshige: General Partner, experienced in corporate innovation and startup growth strategies.
Ryan Mendoza: Partner, specializing in early-stage investments and operational support for portfolio companies.
Michael Matsumura: Partner, with expertise in technology investments and market analysis.
Michael Proman: Partner, focusing on strategic partnerships and business development.
Masami Takahashi: General Partner & COO, overseeing operations and fund management.
Shinya Uematsu: SVP of Strategy, responsible for strategic planning and investment thesis development.
Michael Yan: Partner & Head of Technical Investments, focusing on technology-driven startups.
Karl Albrecht: Controller, managing financial operations and reporting.
Anand Engineer: Senior Analyst, providing market research and analysis for investment decisions.
Ryo Hayashima: Director of Portfolio Growth, supporting portfolio companies in scaling their operations.
Ai Kashii: Fund Operations Senior Associate, assisting in fund management and operations.
Jonathan L. Hua: Venture Partner, with a focus on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Ashley Huang: Research Analyst, conducting research on market trends and startup performance.
Akane Miura: Director of Marketing, overseeing marketing strategies and communications.
Sakura Nagatoshi: Administration Manager, managing administrative functions within the firm.
Yohei Nakajima: Venture Partner, specializing in cross-border investments.
Tomoya Sasaki: Fund Operation Manager, responsible for fund operations and compliance.
Hisano Shimizu: Program Manager, managing various innovation programs.
Saori Utsunomiya: Associate Director of Co-Creation, facilitating collaboration between startups and corporates.
Ken Varhama: Program Manager, overseeing program development and execution.
Yuya Watanabe: Program Manager, supporting program initiatives and startup engagement.
To pitch Scrum Ventures, founders should utilize the preferred channel available on their website at scrum.vc. The pitch deck should include a comprehensive overview of the business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team. Scrum Ventures appreciates clear and concise presentations that highlight the startup's unique value proposition.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
Scrum Ventures runs several programs designed to foster innovation and collaboration between startups and corporations. These include:
In recent months, Scrum Ventures has continued to expand its portfolio, actively sourcing and supporting industry-changing startups. The firm has made several notable investments in sectors such as AI and robotics, reflecting its commitment to emerging technologies.
Scrum Ventures has also been involved in various programs aimed at fostering innovation, including the launch of the Well-BeingX program, which focuses on wellness solutions. Additionally, the firm has been enhancing its global presence through partnerships and collaborations with Japanese corporates.
What are Scrum Ventures' investment criteria?
Scrum Ventures focuses on early-stage startups in sectors such as AI, robotics, climate tech, mobility, healthcare, deep tech, and sports and entertainment. They look for companies that demonstrate strong potential for cross-border collaboration, particularly between the U.S. and Japan.
How can startups apply or pitch to Scrum Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Scrum Ventures through their website at scrum.vc. They recommend including a clear business plan, market analysis, and details about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Scrum Ventures different from other venture firms?
Scrum Ventures emphasizes a thematic investment approach, focusing on emerging trends and providing extensive support to portfolio companies, including strategic advice and fundraising assistance.
What is the geographic scope of Scrum Ventures' investments?
The firm primarily invests in North America and Asia, with a strong focus on cross-border opportunities between the U.S. and Japan.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Scrum Ventures have?
Scrum Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies by offering strategic guidance, hiring assistance, and connections to potential business partners to enhance growth opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments made by Scrum Ventures?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Scrum Ventures typically invests at the Seed and Series A stages, aligning with the needs of early-stage startups.
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