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15th Rock

Venture capital

Yokohama · Seed–Late Stage · 8 people tracked

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Investment thesis

15th Rock is a venture capital firm focused on 'human augmentation,' backing technologies that use the power of technology to expand the abilities considered normal for humans today — imagining futures where people might control anything by thought alone, fly, or become invisible. The firm believes that achieving unparalleled success in the vast ocean of startups requires doing something different from others, but that this differentiation must also be correct.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.

Stage
Seed–Late Stage
HQ
Yokohama, JP
Instruments
Equity
Founded
2019
Tracked investments
44

Team · 8 people

from the firm's website

What they invest in

from 28 of 44 portfolio companies

AI & Machine Learning ×11Healthtech ×10Deep Tech ×8Hardware ×6Digital Health ×5Enterprise Software ×5Fintech ×5Biotech ×4

HQs:Japan×16United States×4Canada×2Netherlands×1South Africa×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 17 portfolio companies
47%
solo founders
8 of 17 mapped founding teams
22%
repeat founders
of 18 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×82 founders×43 founders×34+ founders×2

Where their founders studiedfrom 17 founders with education data

Nagoya University ×2Stanford University ×2The University of Tokyo ×2University of California, Berkeley ×2

What their founders studiedfrom 16 founders with field-of-study data

Computer Science ×4Engineering ×4Business & Management ×3Social Sciences ×2

Where their founders worked beforefrom 18 founders with career history

Stanford University ×2

Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program

Techstars ×2

Investments · 44 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2025 · 22024 · 22023 · 15 dated

Pacific Metapacific-meta.co.jpin𝕏✓ verified

Pacific Meta is a Japanese consulting group that supports companies with Web3 and blockchain business development, from strategy design through development and operations.

AI & Machine LearningCrypto & Web3Enterprise SoftwareFintechTokyo, JP

Kousei Sho(Co-Founder)inKazuhito Azechi(Co-Founder)inYusuke Miyake(Co-Founder)Shota Iwasaki(代表取締役 (Representative Director / CEO))in

Co-investorsDIMENSIONEast VenturesHyperithm

株式会社ベター・プレイスbpcom.jp𝕏✓ verified

Better Place (ベター・プレイス) is a Japanese company founded with a mission to contribute to making the world better through meaningful encounters and positive influence.

FintechFuture of WorkHR TechSaaSTokyo, JP

Morimoto(Representative (CEO))森本 新士(代表取締役社長CEO)

Co-investorsIwagin Mirai InvestmentIyogin CapitalOita Venture CapitalUTokyo Innovation Platform Co. Ltd.Dual Bridge CapitalHokuhoku Capital+6 more

Bloom Lifebloom-life.comin𝕏

Bloomlife is a maternal health company founded after its co-founder experienced a high-risk pregnancy, aiming to improve access to information and change how maternal care is delivered.

Digital HealthFemTechHealthtechSan Francisco, US

Julien Penders(Co-founder)inEric Dy(Co-founder)inYoung Sohn(Director)Max Mirgoli(Director)Lucio Lanza(Director)

BoardUriridiakoghene Onovakpuri(Director)

Co-investorsAct One VenturesForeground CapitalGATHER VENTURESHealthtech CapitalNextbluePallasite Ventures+5 more

Canaerycanaery.comin

Canaery develops a nose-computer interface that combines animal olfaction with neurotechnology and AI to detect substances and diagnose diseases.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep TechHardwareMedical Devices

Gabriel(Chief Executive Officer)Peter(Chief Technology Officer)

BoardDmitry(Chief Science Advisor)

Co-investorsFlorida Opportunity FundGood News VenturesNYU Innovation Venture FundBreakout VenturesDolby Family VenturesKdT Ventures

Cellidcellid.cominFeb 2025 · $13M

Cellid is a fabless company developing AR glasses displays (waveguides) and spatial recognition engines for next-generation devices.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareRoppongi, JP

Ken Shirakami(Representative Director & CEO)SATOSHI SHIRAGA(Founder)inKen Shiragami(Representative Director & CEO)

Co-investorsGlobal BrainTechstarsTEL Venture Capital, Inc.Development Bank of JapanFFG Venture Business PartnersIMM Investment+2 more

Degas 🇯🇵degasafrica.com

Degas combines farmer financing with artificial intelligence to design solutions addressing poverty, food security, and climate resilience, serving smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia.

AgTechAI & Machine LearningClimate TechFintechImpact & Social GoodJapan, ZA

Doga Makiura(Founder)in

Co-investorsInclusion Japan

Ejentaejenta.comin𝕏

Ejenta builds an agentic AI platform for connected care that delivers intelligent healthcare solutions to patient homes and manages care for members with chronic conditions like heart failure.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechSan Francisco, US

Rachna Dhamija(CEO)in

Co-investorsaVentureCity LightTechstarsYamaha Motor VenturesFounders' Co-op

Ghoonutsghoonuts.com

Ghoonuts conducts research and development using transcranial electrical stimulation technology.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtech京都市, JP

Co-investorsOval Ventures

Gojo Companygojo.coin

Gojo & Company is a Japan-based financial inclusion group that invests in and operates microfinance institutions, banks, and fintech companies across Asia and Africa to expand access to financial services for underserved clients.

Enterprise SoftwareFintechImpact & Social GoodSaaSTokyo, JP

Taejun Shin(Co-founder, Managing Partner & CEO)Sanjay Gandhi(Co-founder & CIO)inArnaud Ventura(Managing Partner)Kohei Katada(Managing Partner / CFO)Gurol Michael Sari(Chief Operating Officer)Takao Takahashi(Chief People & Inclusion Officer)in

Co-investorsBeyond Next VenturesDIMENSIONFujitsu VenturesGlobis Capital PartnersGMO VenturePartnersIwagin Mirai Investment+5 more

JIZAIE 🇯🇵jizaie.co.jpSeries A · Mar 2024 · $1M

Co-investorsHiroshima Venture Capital Co. Ltd.Samurai IncubateShizuoka CapitalSumisho Venture Partners

Lifestacklifestack.aiin𝕏

Lifestack builds a productivity platform that integrates biometric and physiological data from wearables to inform scheduling, task prioritization, and daily planning decisions.

AI & Machine LearningConsumerFuture of WorkWellness & Fitness

Nao Yukawa(Founder)in

Longan Vision Corplonganvision.comin𝕏

Longan Vision develops wearable, helmet-mounted thermal imaging systems that provide hands-free situational awareness for people working in dangerous, low-visibility environments.

Deep TechHardwareIoT

Co-investorsInnovative Solutions Canada

Mechasysmechasys.ca

Mechasys develops an XR Projector for the construction industry, providing robotics and advanced layout solutions to improve field productivity and worker efficiency on construction sites.

Construction TechHardwareRoboticsMontreal, CA

Co-investorsGlobal BrainNew Stack VenturesFondactionGreat Wave VenturesSOSVToda

Nextnewworldnextnewworld.co

NEXT NEW WORLD is a Japanese company developing silk protein technology, centered on its patented "Karada Silk" process that turns silk into a water-soluble solution while preserving its nano-scale porous structure for adsorption and cosmetic benefits.

BiotechHealthtechNew MaterialsKiryu, JP

髙嶋 耕太郎(代表取締役CEO)

nobinobi.lifeSeries B · Jan 2025 · $37M

Nobi manufactures intelligent lamps equipped with optical sensors and artificial intelligence to detect falls and monitor health for elderly care in residential facilities and home settings.

AI & Machine LearningHealthtechIoT

Roeland Pelgrims(Founder)in

Co-investorsAngelini VenturesEQT Life SciencesPMVSkystar Capital

Onera Healthonerahealth.comin

Onera Health provides clinical-grade remote diagnostics and monitoring solutions for healthcare professionals, with an initial focus on sleep health.

Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesEindhoven, NL

Co-investorsEQT Life SciencesGimvLSP (Life Sciences Partners)imec.xpandInnovation Industries

Paradromicsparadromics.comin𝕏Series A · May 2023 · $50M

Paradromics develops a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, with FDA Breakthrough Device Designations for speech decoding and digital device control, and works with academic medical institutions on translational BCI research.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtechMedical DevicesAustin, US

Matt Angle(Founder and CEO)in

Co-investorsAlpha EdisonAnthropy PartnersATEL VenturesCapital FactoryCloudStone CapitalCoastCap+25 more

ProtonIntelprotonintelligence.comin

Proton Intelligence develops CKM™, a continuous monitoring medical device drawing on biosensing and minimally invasive microdevice technology for clinical use.

Deep TechDigital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsAIN VenturesLongeVCTenmile

Ripcordripcord.comin𝕏Apr 2024 · $32M

Ripcord uses robotics and AI to digitize paper documents and extract data, transforming unstructured information into accessible, structured digital files for enterprise use.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHardwareRobotics

Alex Fielding(Director & Ripcord Co-Founder)inSam Fahmy(President and CEO)in

Co-investorsIcon VenturesKleiner PerkinsAidenlair CapitalCatapult VenturesComet LabsFOG Ventures+11 more

Robust AIrobust.aiin

Robust.AI develops AI and robotics technology with a focus on human-centered design.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechLogistics & Supply ChainRoboticsVista, US

Anthony Jules(Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer)inRodney Brooks(Co-founder & CTO)inLeila TakayamainGabrielle HalberginMarin Tchakarov(Chief Executive Officer)in

Co-investorsEnergy Impact PartnersFontinalis PartnersFuture VenturesJAZZ Venture PartnersMetaplanetPlayground Global+1 more

Siiibo証券株式会社siiibo.com𝕏

Siiibo Securities is an online brokerage firm operating a platform for private placement bond investment and issuance using web-based private placement mechanisms.

FintechTokyo, JP

Kazuki Komura(CEO)in小村 (Komura)(CEO)

Co-investorsAG Capital Co. Ltd.Angel Bridge Co.,Ltd.Beta venture capitalDnx VenturesRelicAozora Corporate Investment

Spiretespirete.com

Spirete is an organization that operates an open innovation program and startup ecosystem development platform, hosting regular events including pitch sessions, expert talks, and networking for early-stage startups and member companies.

AgTechDeep TechEnergyEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkSector AgnosticTokyo, JP

Sun Asterisksun-asterisk.com

Sun Asterisk is a digital technology and creative services company that builds products and develops talent across Japan and ASEAN countries.

AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsEdTechEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkTokyo, JP

小林 泰平 (Taihei Kobayashi)(CEO)in

Co-investorsSony Ventures CorporationSony Network Communications

TENET 🇯🇵tenet.co.jp

TENET is a Japanese healthcare company building a new type of general-practice clinic that combines AI, online consultation, and comprehensive primary care.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtech

花房 弘也(代表取締役 CEO)佐藤 暁幸(Chief Medical Officer)武田 政則(総合診療クリニック統括責任者)

Co-investorsGMO VenturePartnersHiroshima Venture Capital Co. Ltd.NOW JapanJAFCO Group

Tent 🇯🇵tent-inc.jp𝕏

TENT Inc. builds cloud-based rental and subscription systems for retailers and manufacturers, including a rental platform (Kauriru), a rental-focused inventory management system using RFID and QR codes, and item lending/return tracking tools.

Logistics & Supply ChainRetail TechSaaSTokyo, JP

松田 基臣(代表取締役 (CEO))

Co-investorsJR East Start UP

Whillwhill.inc

WHILL manufactures award-winning mobility scooters and power chairs designed to provide users with increased independence and mobility.

HardwareHealthtechMobility & TransportationRoboticsTokyo, JP

Junpei NaitoinKenji GohoMuneaki FukuokainSatoshi Sugie

BoardShinji Oshige(Director)

Co-investors500 GlobalIwagin Mirai InvestmentMCP Asset ManagementNippon Venture CapitalNTT DOCOMO VenturesPayforward+12 more

Yamapyamap.com𝕏

YAMAP is a hiking and outdoor app that shows a user's current location on trail maps even without cell signal, helping prevent getting lost.

ConsumerMobility & TransportationSocial

Co-investorsOita Venture Capital01BoosterSMBC Venture Capital

エネコートテクノロジーズenecoat.com𝕏

EneCoat Technologies develops and manufactures perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and related materials.

CleantechEnergyNew MaterialsKyoto, JP

加藤尚哉 (Naoya Kato)(Representative Director / Executive Officer / CEO)堀内保 (Tamotsu Horiuchi)(Director / Executive Officer / CTO)

Co-investorsGlobal BrainKyoto University Innovation CapitalMIRAI SOUZOUMonozukuri VenturesNippon Venture CapitalWoven Capital

株式会社PETOKOTOpetokoto.com𝕏

PETOKOTO operates a Japanese-language media site about living with dogs and cats, covering topics like adopting rescue pets, pet-friendly accommodations, cat breeds, and pet goods.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerMedia & Entertainment

Co-investorsAG Capital Co. Ltd.APOLLO CAPITALBREWColopl NextCyberAgent CapitalJR East Start UP+2 more

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

Agri-fintech for African smallholder farmersAmtechnologiesDigital creative studioIndustrial 3D printer finishing equipmentNeurotech device for digital scentNext-generation electric wheelchairOnline telemedicine internet hospitalOutdoor equipment rental EC mallPersonal stylist EC mallPet wellness brandStylealertTdrk Inc.CoWeb3 project strategy consulting firm株式会社stu

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has 15th Rock made?
15th Rock has 44 tracked investments, including 2 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does 15th Rock invest at?
15th Rock invests at the Seed, Late Stage stages.
What sectors does 15th Rock focus on?
15th Rock focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Deep Tech, Hardware.
Where is 15th Rock located?
15th Rock is headquartered in Yokohama, JP.
Who does 15th Rock co-invest with?
15th Rock most often shares deals with Global Brain, Hiroshima Venture Capital Co. Ltd., Iwagin Mirai Investment, among 120 tracked co-investors.
What size deals does 15th Rock back?
Across 5 deals with disclosed amounts, 15th Rock has joined rounds of $1M – $50M (median $32M).

Images

15th Rock photo15th Rock photo

Co-investors · 1

Prime Movers Lab

Prime Movers Lab is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups advancing breakthrough scientific and engineering innovations.

Both backed · 2
$2M – $30M

Firms observed investing alongside 15th Rock, from public investor directories. Shared companies are the overlap with 15th Rock's recorded portfolio.

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