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UB Ventures

UB Ventures, now known as FIRSTLIGHT Capital, is a corporate venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan. It focuses on investing in seed to Series A stage digital startups, particularly in sectors like SaaS, AI, and automation, to address challenges posed by Japan's declining population.

Founded
2018
Recorded stages
Seed, Series A
Focus sectors
SaaS, AI, Media, Marketplaces
Recorded regions
Japan

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Overview

UB Ventures, rebranded as FIRSTLIGHT Capital in November 2024, was founded in 2018 by Osamu Iwasawa. The firm is based in Tokyo and serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Uzabase, a publicly traded business information provider. It focuses on seed to Series A investments in digital startups across various sectors, including SaaS, AI, automation, marketplaces, and media. The firm's investment thesis centers on fostering innovation to address the challenges of Japan's declining and aging population. With a portfolio of 29 active companies, FIRSTLIGHT Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses that are pioneering new industries and technologies.

Focus

UB Ventures invests in seed to Series A stage startups within the digital domain, specifically targeting sectors such as SaaS, AI, automation, marketplaces, and media. Their investment strategy is centered around fostering innovation to address societal challenges posed by Japan's declining population.

Support

UB Ventures adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its extensive industry experience and connections within the Japanese market. They provide strategic guidance and support to help startups navigate challenges and scale effectively.

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