ANOBAKA
Venture capitalTokyo · Pre-Seed–Growth · 10 people tracked
Also known as 株式会社ANOBAKA
Investment thesis
ANOBAKA is a seed-stage-focused venture capital firm that backs early founders pursuing bold, often unproven ideas, aiming to broaden entrepreneurship in Japan's conservative society and build a world where anyone can take on challenges. It invests broadly across internet businesses without limiting sectors, and provides hands-on support through IPO or M&A, typically executing investments within one to two months of a first meeting. Its Generative AI Fund specifically backs Generative AI-native startups from before or right at company formation, viewing generative AI as a major business inflection comparable to the birth of the internet and smartphones, and offers study groups, an investor-only community, and investor matching events.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 10 people
from the firm's website & public directories
What they invest in
from 92 of 153 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×37SaaS ×27Enterprise Software ×17Consumer ×15B2B Marketplaces ×12Fintech ×10Creator Economy ×8Healthtech ×7
HQs:Japan×81Benin×1United States×1
Investments · 153 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAPTO provides AI training data services, including data annotation (harBest Annotation) and expert-labeled datasets across formats such as 3D/LiDAR, text, audio, video, and images.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureTokyo, JP
Ryo Takashina(代表取締役 (Representative Director / CEO))
KiAI provides an AI-powered overseas expansion platform called Trst that connects Japanese SME manufacturers with international buyers through business intelligence and relationship management services.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaSHitachi, JP
Kazumasa Oba(Founder & CEO)Hiroyuki Shinno(Chief AI Officer (CAIO))
Onebox is a Japanese company focused on eliminating non-creative work through digital transformation (DX), building technology products aimed at improving workplace productivity.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkSaaSTokyo, JP
Kotaro Okumura(代表取締役 (CEO))
Wunderbar is a Japanese company focused on expanding the value and possibilities of intellectual property (IP) using technology.
Marketing TechMedia & EntertainmentSaaSTokyo, JP
長尾 慶人(代表取締役CEO)
WEFABRIK Inc. operates SMASELL, an online B2B outlet platform for reselling apparel and fashion inventory (deadstock) held by companies, and runs the "SMASELL Sustainable Commune" shopping complex.
B2B MarketplacesCircular EconomyE-commerceImpact & Social GoodOsaka, JP
Fukuya Tsuyoshi(President / Representative Director)
CloudLegal provides online legal services combining generative AI and licensed attorneys to handle contract review, contract drafting, legal consultation, company formation, and trademark registration for enterprises.
AI & Machine LearningLegalTechSaaSTokyo, JP
AGE technologies is a Japanese company that develops services to simplify and centralize inheritance and business succession processes, reducing information asymmetry around passing on assets between generations.
FintechLegalTechPropTechSaaSTokyo, JP
塩原 優太(代表取締役社長 (Representative Director & President))黒川 智(専門役員 テクノロジー担当 (former CTO, appointed 2021))
AIPEX is an AI-integrated design review platform that helps Japanese IP businesses accelerate global market entry.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
AirKamuy develops fixed-wing drone solutions, including cardboard-based UAVs designed for defense, aerospace, and enterprise applications.
Defense TechHardwareRoboticsNagoya, JP
Takumi Yamaguchi(Representative Director & CEO)
Amoibe is a Japanese IT company that supports organizations in adapting to rapid changes in the information technology market driven by AI advancement.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareTokyo, JP
Ascenders provides infrastructure and services for the sports industry, including talent placement platforms connecting sports professionals to organizations, asset management for sports facilities and academies, and performance support services for athletes.
B2B MarketplacesHR TechSports TechTokyo, JP
Authentic AI builds AI systems that support creative decision-making across planning, design, merchandising, e-commerce, marketing, retail, and management for companies in the cultural industries.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyEnterprise Software
Blackbox operates a VTuber production business alongside media-mix and live music businesses, focused on providing both virtual and real-world entertainment experiences.
ConsumerCreator EconomyMedia & Entertainment
CAPER develops AI-powered recruitment solutions that use generative AI to automate and optimize the hiring process.
AI & Machine LearningHR TechTokyo, JP
CEO (unnamed)
Carbase operates in factoring and used car sales business in Japan.
B2B MarketplacesE-commerceEnterprise SoftwareFintechLogistics & Supply ChainTokyo, JP
Casie operates an art rental subscription service in Japan, delivering original paintings from around 1,500 mostly emerging artists to consumers on a monthly plan.
ConsumerCreator EconomyE-commerceMarketplacesKyoto, JP
藤本 翔(代表取締役 (CEO))清水 宏輔(取締役 共同創業者 (Co-founder & Director))
CB Cloud transforms logistics operations using technology and industry expertise.
Logistics & Supply Chain
CFOne provides tax accounting and bookkeeping services for small businesses and sole proprietorships, combining AI-driven data processing with tax professional review at a fixed annual rate of approximately ¥100,000.
Enterprise SoftwareFintechSaaS
Rieko Kido(Founder & CEO)
Clear Inc. develops and markets premium sake products under the SAKE HUNDRED brand, positioning Japanese sake in high-end domestic and international markets through direct sales, restaurant partnerships, and experiential events.
Direct to ConsumerFoodTechTokyo, JP
Sales Marker is an intent-sales platform that detects companies' real-time web search behavior (roughly 5 billion records per day) to signal buying intent, then helps sales teams reach decision-makers across multiple channels and uses AI to analyze deals, structure summaries, and surface next actions.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSSales Tech
deex provides consulting services and tools to help companies optimize their partnership business strategies, including partner success consulting, partner management and development software, and partner sourcing support services.
Enterprise SoftwareSaaSSales TechTokyo, JP
Dots for builds affordable local communication networks and digital platforms for rural communities in Africa, enabling connectivity, financial services, digital jobs, and marketplace access.
Cloud ComputingDigital HealthFintechBenin, BJ
Carlos Oba(Founder & CEO)
QUOREA is an AI-powered automated FX trading platform where users select and activate investment robots rated by an AI algorithm to execute quantitative trading strategies.
AI & Machine LearningFintech
Fotographer.ai provides an API for automating product photography composition, enabling enterprises to integrate real product images into new scenes and backgrounds with precise control and brand consistency.
AdTechAI & Machine LearningSaaS
FRAIM develops AI-powered document creation and processing software that uses natural language processing and search algorithms to help organizations create and manage documents faster and more accurately.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaSTokyo, JP
宮坂豪(代表取締役社長)
GS2 is a backend-as-a-service platform providing game server infrastructure and microservices for game developers.
Cloud ComputingGamingSaaS
Grabion develops Propo Base, an AI-powered SaaS platform for public sector procurement that assists private companies with government bidding and proposal management, and helps government agencies improve specification writing and knowledge management.
AI & Machine LearningGovTechSaaSTokyo, JP
木村 晃久金岡 慧高山 慶介
Hexabase provides a cloud-native, multi-tenant development platform that consolidates backend functions such as databases, workflows, and user management as a service, letting system developers focus on UX and modern cloud technologies.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareTokyo, JP
Hidetoshi Iwasaki(Representative Director & CEO)Soliva Jeane Paul Banayat(CTO)Orie Mitsumori(COO)
Ineeza provides blockchain consulting, AI development, and technical leadership services for companies implementing distributed ledger technology, machine learning solutions, and Web3 strategies.
AI & Machine LearningCrypto & Web3Enterprise Software
JOYCLE operates small-scale upcycling plants that convert waste into resources while providing a data platform service.
Circular EconomyCleantechImpact & Social Good
Kanaglee is a cloud-based cash flow management platform that automates the visualization of cash flow actuals, forecasts, and plans by integrating bank accounts, invoicing data, and business plans for companies.
FintechSaaSTokyo, JP
Tsubasa Miyakawa
Kids Snack Lab manufactures nutritious snacks designed for children and adults.
ConsumerFoodTech
Malead is an M&A advisory firm that facilitates business acquisitions and sales between companies, primarily serving Japanese businesses.
B2B MarketplacesEnterprise Software
Madori LABO provides AI-powered floor plan creation tools for construction and architectural companies.
AI & Machine LearningConstruction TechSaaSTokyo, JP
Magic Holic is an IP label that transforms buried Japanese stories into anime, games, merchandise, and experiential content using AI-driven production.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentTokyo, JP
水上 渚in
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies株式会社BALLAS · thesaasnews.com · Apr 23, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does ANOBAKA invest at?
- ANOBAKA invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What is ANOBAKA's typical check size?
- ANOBAKA typically writes checks of $382K – $99M.
- What sectors does ANOBAKA focus on?
- ANOBAKA focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Consumer, Enterprise Software, Fintech, Media & Entertainment, Mobility & Transportation, Retail Tech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is ANOBAKA located?
- ANOBAKA is headquartered in Tokyo, JP.
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