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Venture Lab Niterra Group serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Niterra Co., Ltd., which was formerly known as NGK Spark Plug. Established in 2020, the firm is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and operates additional offices in Santa Clara, California, and Berlin, Germany. The organization was created to facilitate Niterra's transition from traditional automotive components to advanced technologies, aligning with the company's strategic transformation goals.
As of now, Venture Lab Niterra Group manages a fund size of $100 million and has invested in a diverse portfolio of 16 companies. The firm collaborates with business partners, researchers, and founders to address future challenges and pursue innovative solutions. The team comprises over 300 professionals, leveraging Niterra's extensive industry network to support portfolio companies in navigating competitive markets.
Notable milestones include the rebranding of NGK Spark Plug to Niterra Co., Ltd. in April 2023, reflecting a broader commitment to innovation and technology. The firm has established innovation hubs in Tokyo, Silicon Valley, and Berlin, enhancing its ability to source and support startups globally.
Venture Lab Niterra Group invests across multiple sectors, including mobility, energy, healthcare, sustainability, and communications. The firm primarily targets early to late-stage startups, with typical check sizes ranging from $0.5 million to $5 million. Their investment strategy emphasizes enhancing safe and efficient transportation, exploring clean energy solutions, and delivering innovative healthcare technologies.
The organization seeks startups that align with its strategic focus on transforming entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses. This includes a particular interest in software-defined vehicles, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies, and advancements in medical technology such as remote patient monitoring and biowearable devices. The firm also values partnerships that can leverage Niterra's existing capabilities in industrial manufacturing and advanced technologies.
Venture Lab Niterra Group's investment thesis is centered around addressing future challenges through innovation, particularly in sectors that support Niterra's shift away from combustion engine components. The firm actively collaborates with its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance and access to resources that facilitate growth and scalability.
Venture Lab Niterra Group's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies that reflect its investment focus on mobility, energy, and healthcare. Notable portfolio companies include:
This portfolio illustrates the firm's commitment to investing in technologies that address critical challenges in healthcare, mobility, and energy sectors.
Bora Savas - Head of Strategic Investment. Bora has extensive experience in venture capital and strategic investments, focusing on technology-driven startups. He has previously worked with leading firms in the industry, contributing to numerous successful investments.
Dirk Schapeler - President. Dirk brings a wealth of knowledge in corporate strategy and venture capital, having held leadership positions in various organizations. His expertise lies in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups.
Takahiro Kimata - Vice President. Takahiro has a strong background in technology and innovation, with experience in both corporate and startup environments. He plays a key role in evaluating investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies.
Thomas Kluz - Managing Partner. Thomas has a proven track record in venture capital, focusing on early-stage investments in technology sectors. He has led several successful funding rounds and has a deep understanding of market trends.
Toru Matsui - Chairman. Toru has significant experience in corporate governance and strategic oversight, guiding the firm’s investment strategy and ensuring alignment with Niterra's broader goals.
To pitch to Venture Lab Niterra Group, startups should use the contact form available on their website or email operationsvle@ngkntk.de. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and how the startup aligns with Niterra's strategic focus on mobility, energy, and healthcare.
Startups are encouraged to provide detailed information on traction, financial projections, and the team’s background. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory.
In November 2024, Venture Lab Niterra Group announced an additional $18 million investment in Neoplas Med GmbH, focusing on medical plasma technology. This investment reflects the firm's commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.
In November 2023, the firm invested in Vivalink, a startup specializing in remote patient monitoring and wearable health technology, further expanding its healthcare portfolio.
In October 2025, Venture Lab Niterra Group participated in an oversubscribed $50 million growth financing round for Cala Health, which focuses on bioelectronic medicine.
These recent activities highlight the firm's active engagement in sectors that align with its strategic focus on healthcare and advanced technologies.
What are Venture Lab Niterra Group's investment criteria?
The firm invests in early to late-stage startups across mobility, energy, healthcare, sustainability, and communications sectors. Typical check sizes range from $0.5 million to $5 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to Venture Lab Niterra Group?
Startups can submit their pitch through the contact form available on their website at niterraventures.com/contact or via email at operationsvle@ngkntk.de.
What makes Venture Lab Niterra Group different from other investors?
The firm combines corporate resources from Niterra Co., Ltd. with a focus on advanced technologies, providing portfolio companies with strategic guidance and access to a vast industry network.
What is the geographic scope of Venture Lab Niterra Group's investments?
Venture Lab Niterra Group invests globally, with a particular focus on startups in the United States and Japan.
What is the firm's post-investment involvement like?
The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, leveraging Niterra's industry connections to help navigate market complexities and scale operations.
What is the fund size and how many companies are in the portfolio?
The fund size is $100 million, and the portfolio consists of 16 companies as of the latest reporting.
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