5 investors to check out at TIA Tokyo 2018’s Speed Dating

Getting the attention of worthy investors can be difficult for entrepreneurs, given how overcrowded the startup industry is. That is why Tech in Asia Tokyo 2018’s Startup-Investor Speed Dating segment – designed for the busy entrepreneur in mind – would be the perfect opportunity to overcome this challenge.

With more than 40 investors set to gather under one roof at downtown Shibuya on September 20 and 21, Speed Dating sets the stage for startups to pitch directly to willing investors. Here are five of them who’ll be present.

n1) DCMn

DCM has a track record of successfully helping entrepreneurs build impactful global companies, with a focus on the technology sector. Since 1996, it has invested in over 300 technology companies, out of which many success stories emerged – a notable one being Vipshop, China’s leading online discount retailer for brands. With three international offices and key partnerships across the globe, DCM’s expertise is in providing startups with the advice and contacts they need to scale globally.

Preferred investment size: US$500k – US$5 million
Countries of interest: Japan
Verticals of interest: Agriculture, Enterprise Solutio, Fintech Payments, General Software, Software as a Service

n2) D4Vnn

Founding members of Design for Ventures. From left to right: Kenichi Nonomura, Tom Kelley, Makoto Takano, Kengo Ito Photo credit: The Bridge

n n

D4V is a venture capital firm with a unique mission. A joint-venture with an internationally renowned product design firm (IDEO), the firm seeks to enhance the power and attractiveness of startups with the best designs possible. On top of that, powering the core venture capital team are highly experienced and background-diverse professionals.

Preferred investment size: US$50k – US$5 million
Countries of interest: Japan, Global
Verticals of interest: Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Security, Software as a Service, Space related

n3) F Venturesn

F Ventures is a venture capital firm driven by its belief that technology is becoming increasingly all-consuming in our lives. It does not however, simply want to ride this wave of technology boom, but play a leading role in it by nurturing potential startups that can transform the world. It focuses on seed round investments, and is willing to provide hands-on support in the ancillary areas of startups such as human resources or public relations.

Preferred investment size: US$50k – US$200k
Countries of interest: Israel, Japan, Estonia
Verticals of interest: E-Commerce, Fintech Payments, General Internet, Productivity Software, Blockchain

n4) CyberAgent Venturesnn

CyberAgent Ventures team. Credits: Chip.co.id

CyberAgent Ventures is a leading pioneer of internet business in Japan. Founded in 1998 and with 10 offices in eight countries, CyberAgent Ventures has the experience and international scope any internet startup would find comfort in. It focuses on funding and advising entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of their startup, as well as the pre-startup stage.

Preferred investment size: US$50k – US$500k
Countries of interest: Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam
Verticals of interest: Artificial Intelligence, Fintech Payments, Lifestyle, Marketplaces & Platforms, Software as a Service (SaaS)

n5) KVPn

KVP nourishes technology start-ups with global ambitions and great growth potential, through investments and hands-on support. This includes technical support, service management, and marketing support. Although its investments are currently concentrated within Japan, it is increasing its international exposure, with investments already being made in the United States and Southeast Asia.

Preferred investment size: US$50k – US$500k
Countries of interest: Japan, Global
Verticals of interest: Any startup that shows good potential

nFind the right investor for your startupn

On top of sourcing potential investors for your startup, the event allows you to get in touch with 2,000 stakeholders within Japan’s tech ecosystem, learn from the leaders of the technology industry who will be sharing their latest insights on industry trends, and check out other innovative solutions at Startup Factory.

All you need to participate in Speed Dating is a conference pass! From now till this Sunday, 26 August, use the code tiatokyo10 to get 10 percent off tickets. We hope to see you there!