WiL (World Innovation Lab)

WiL (World Innovation Lab) was founded in 2013 by Gen Isayama and Masataka Matsumoto. The firm operates as an independent venture capital fund, leveraging capital from a syndicate of leading Japanese corporations and government entities. With a focus on early to growth-stage investments, WiL aims to support startups in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer products. The organization emphasizes collaboration between startups and established corporations to drive innovation, helping US and global startups expand into Japan and Asia while also assisting Japanese startups in entering international markets. WiL has raised over $1.9 billion in total committed capital and has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Asana, Mercari, and Soracom.

WiL adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its deep relationships with Japanese corporates, facilitating market entry into Japan and Asia, and providing access to innovation through co-investment opportunities. The firm helps startups scale and navigate new markets effectively.