Canal Ventures
Corporate VCTokyo · Seed–Growth · 8 people tracked
Also known as キャナルベンチャーズ株式会社
Find your way into Canal Ventures
125 people in our graph share verified history with the Canal Ventures team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Investment thesis
Canal Ventures aims to build a society where 'challenge weaves further challenge.' It focuses on seed and early-stage startups, as well as VC funds, that take on next-generation value creation. Beyond providing capital, the firm leverages the assets of its operating-company parent to support the business growth of its portfolio startups, seeking to create a chain of challenges. It collaborates with like-minded VCs, CVCs, operating companies, and government/municipal bodies to realize this co-creation vision.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 8 people
from the firm's website
What they invest in
from 39 of 60 portfolio companiesSaaS ×15AI & Machine Learning ×14Enterprise Software ×7Logistics & Supply Chain ×5B2B Marketplaces ×4Consumer ×4Creator Economy ×4Deep Tech ×4
HQs:Japan×38United States×2
Who they back
founder profiles across 23 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×193 founders×24+ founders×2
Where their founders studiedfrom 11 founders with education data
The University of Tokyo ×3Yokohama National University ×2
Where their founders worked beforefrom 11 founders with career history
MotionPortrait, Inc. ×2
Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program
Investments · 60 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))in
Co-investorsANOBAKAGREE VenturesMitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital
bellFace builds AI agents for sales teams, combining human and AI to handle sales work.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSSales Tech
Kazuaki Nakajima(代表取締役 (Representative Director / CEO))Hidenori Onuma(取締役 (Director))
Co-investorsSpiral CapitalAizawa Asset ManagementAxiom Asia Private CapitalGlobis Capital PartnersResona Capital Co. Ltd.SMBC Venture Capital+2 more
ClipLine develops and operates ABILI, a platform for service businesses, alongside offering management consulting services.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSaaSTokyo, JP
高橋 勇人
Co-investorsDBJ CapitalAizawa Asset ManagementIncubate FundSMBC Venture CapitalDG Daiwa VenturesMPower
Joyz develops TerraTalk, a cloud-based English learning application for educational institutions in Japan.
AI & Machine LearningEdTechSaaSTokyo, JP
Yoshiyuki Kakihara
Co-investorsMizuho CapitalSMBC Venture CapitalZ Venture Capital
LexxPluss develops autonomous mobile robots and infrastructure systems that enable industrial equipment at factories and logistics hubs to operate independently without human direction.
Advanced ManufacturingLogistics & Supply ChainRoboticsTokyo, JP
Masaya Aso(CEO)in
Co-investorsIncubate FundSOSVDBJ CapitalDRONE FUNDGlobal BrainAozora Corporate Investment
.png){kind=logo}
meleap develops HADO, an augmented reality sport in which players wear a head-mounted display and arm sensor to play techno-sports experiences.
GamingHardwareSports Tech
Hiroshi Fukuda(Founder)in
Co-investorsDBJ CapitalKiraboshi CapitalW Inc.
Sprocket develops and operates a customer experience improvement platform that helps companies optimize digital interactions, complemented by consulting services.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechSaaSTokyo, JP
深田 浩嗣(CEO)中田 稔(CTO)Hiroshi Fukada
Co-investorsAccord VenturesDBJ CapitalPayforwardAozora Corporate Investment
Aeronext is a Japanese technology startup developing drone technology aimed at building new social infrastructure in low-altitude airspace (up to 150 meters), with a focus on safety and using drones as a labor force to address population decline.
Deep TechHardwareLogistics & Supply ChainRobotics
田路圭輔(代表取締役社長 グループCEO)
Co-investorsIyogin CapitalKDDI Open Innovation FundAozora Corporate Investment
Babel (ailead) offers an enterprise AI agent platform that securely collects and structures conversational data from business interactions such as sales meetings, interviews, and conferences, then enables automated execution by AI agents.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaSTokyo, JP
Tamiki Sugiyama(Representative Director (CEO))
Bellface (ベルフェイス) provides a telephone-based online sales meeting system that lets sales reps present products, deliver documents, and close deals over a phone connection without app installation.
FintechSaaSSales Tech
Co-investorsGlobis Capital PartnersZ Venture CapitalMoney Forward Venture Partners
BlueBank is a membership-based financial management app for corporate business owners, offering unified management of corporate and personal accounts, cash-flow and tax optimization simulations, and a corporate card with rewards.
FintechSaaSTokyo, JP
Co-investorsAozora Corporate InvestmentZ Venture CapitalGenesia Ventures
CLAS operates a circular subscription platform for monthly rentals of furniture and home appliances in Japan.
Co-investorsFunds StartupsGlobis Capital Partners
DRONE FUND is a venture capital firm specializing in drone and air mobility technologies.
Deep TechIoTMobility & TransportationRoboticsTokyo, JP
千葉 功太郎(共同創業者/代表パートナー (Co-founder/Managing Partner))大前 創希(共同創業者/代表パートナー (Co-founder/Managing Partner))千葉功太郎(Co-Representative)大前創希(Co-Representative)Kitayoshi Kon
EmbodyMe develops AI technology to create, replicate, and manipulate digital representations of human characteristics including appearance, voice, and body movements for media production and content creation.
AI & Machine LearningCreator EconomyMedia & EntertainmentTokyo, JP
Issay Yoshida(CEO)in
Co-investorsKiraboshi CapitalTechstarsIncubate Fund
FamilyTech provides financial and account management services designed for couples and families, including a shared bank account app, family credit card, and family payment solutions.
ConsumerFintechTokyo, JP
中村 貴一
Co-investorsSeibu Shinkin CapitalW Inc.
Famione provides fertility and women's health support services for corporations, municipalities, and individuals, including fertility consultation, health literacy programs, and reproductive health diagnostic kits.
FemTechHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Co-investorsOpen Network LabRelic
Fivot provides financial services for both businesses and individuals, offering lending products aimed at supporting startup growth and savings services that help individuals save money toward their goals.
FintechTokyo, JP
Shogo Abe(代表取締役 (Representative Director/CEO, founder))
Co-investorsAngel Bridge Co.,Ltd.Nippon Venture CapitalSony Ventures CorporationSpiral CapitalSpiral Innovation Partners
HRBrain develops and provides cloud-based HR software for Japanese companies, including personnel evaluation, talent management, and organizational survey tools.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSaaSTokyo, JP
堀 浩輝(代表取締役 CEO)白井 崇顕(取締役副社長 CRO)作井 英陽(取締役 CFO)
Co-investorsAG CapitalBEENEXTGenesia VenturesMizuho CapitalSMBC Venture CapitalSPARX Group
JPYC Inc. is a Tokyo-based issuer of a regulated Japanese yen-pegged stablecoin used for payments and settlement.
Noritaka Okabe(Founder)in
Co-investorsGlobal BrainHyperithmIyogin CapitalJR WEST INNOVATIONS
MEs is a virtual environment platform designed for introspection and creative exploration, allowing users to visualize their thoughts and memories while connecting with others' creative processes through shared "Patches." The platform serves individuals seeking deeper self-awareness and creative dialogue in digital spaces.
Creator EconomySocial
MUSE develops robots to support retail store operations and help employees work more effectively.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareRetail TechRoboticsTokyo, JP
Co-investorsGlobal BrainSpiral CapitalIncubate FundXTech Ventures
park & port is a Japanese company that designs, manufactures, and sells business workwear and apparel accessories, offering formal work clothing focused on durability and comfort.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceTokyo, JP
Atsuhiko Ichiyama(Representative)
Co-investorsDBJ Capital
Pathfinder is a mobility service R&D company founded in 2020 that works on lowering barriers to travel in the MaaS (Mobility as a Service) domain.
Logistics & Supply ChainMarketplacesMobility & TransportationSaaSTokyo, JP
Yusuke Onozaki(代表取締役 (CEO))小野﨑 悠介(代表者 (Representative))
Plantio develops "grow", an IoT/AI and ICT-based vegetable-growing guidance system, and plans, installs, and operates urban community farms and home urban-farming services built around it.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningIoTTokyo, JP
芹澤 孝悦(Co-Founder & CEO / 代表取締役)孫 泰蔵(共同創業者 / 取締役)藤元 健太郎(共同創業者 / 取締役)山崎 和彦(CDO (Chief Design Officer))コミンズ・リオ(CSuO (最高サステナビリティ責任者))村井 洋元(CFO)
Co-investorsGenesia Ventures
Qubitcore develops fault-tolerant universal quantum computers using proprietary ion trap technology integrated with optical microcavities to build scalable quantum processor networks connected via optical links.
Deep TechHardwareQuantum ComputingYokohama, JP
Ryuta Watanuki(Founder & CEO)inHiroki Takahashi(Co-Founder & CSO)Ezra Kassa(Co-Founder & Principal Researcher)Shaobo Gao(Co-Founder & Principal Researcher)inKoichiro Miyanishi(Co-Founder & Principal Researcher)in
Co-investorsAbies VenturesLifetime VenturesSBI Investment
Rebright Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology startups across Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, India, and Japan.
AI & Machine LearningSector AgnosticTokyo, JP
Takeshi Ebihara(Founding General Partner)Brij Bhasin(Partner)
Refcome operates a referral recruitment service that helps companies hire employees through recommendations from existing staff.
HR TechSaaS
Co-investorsOriental Land InnovationsANRIBEENEXTItochu Technology Ventures
SATORI, Inc. develops and provides a marketing automation tool called "SATORI" for businesses ranging from small and medium-sized companies to large enterprises.
AdTechEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechSaaSTokyo, JP
植山 浩介(代表取締役 (Representative Director))Kosuke Ueyama(Representative Director & CEO)in
Co-investorsAozora Corporate Investment
TAIAN, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company operating in the wedding/bridal industry as a registered travel agency, and is a member of Japan's Impact Startup Association.
AI & Machine LearningConsumerMarketplacesSaaSTravel & HospitalityTokyo, JP
Mariko Murata(代表取締役 CEO)
Co-investorsGlobis Capital PartnersShizuoka CapitalGenesia Ventures
Translink Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2006 that invests in early-stage startups, providing a platform to connect founders with multinational corporations and global markets.
Sector AgnosticSilicon Valley, US
Co-investorsNational Grid Partners
Tyffon develops location-based mixed reality (MR) entertainment content and operates an XR theme park facility called TYFFONIUM.
ConsumerCreator EconomyGamingMedia & EntertainmentWest Hollywood, US
Ken Fukazawa(CEO / CCO)inTeruyuki Nakahashi(Executive Officer, Director)inTakeshi (Ken) Fukazawa(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardTohru Akaura(Director)
Co-investorsTBS Innovation PartnersTechstarsIncubate FundMizuho Capital
Co-investorsKensington Capital Partners LimitedFonds de solidarité FTQLa Caisse
ZENPORT provides supply chain digital transformation for enterprises, combining products that integrate global data through a supply chain ontology and AI-driven data structuring with professional services for change management.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
Toshihiro Kaseda(Founder)in
Co-investorsOpen Network LabSTRIVEGenesia Ventures
Akiya Katsuyo (空き家活用株式会社) builds systems to bring vacant homes back into the market in Japan, including a portal connecting vacant-home owners with users and developing new reuse models for such properties.
B2B MarketplacesImpact & Social GoodMarketplacesPropTechTokyo, JP
湯浅 巌(代表取締役社長 (President & CEO))
Co-investorsAozora Corporate InvestmentGenesia Ventures
Tokyo, JP
ANOBAKA is a venture capital firm that invests in startups and provides support to portfolio companies.
AI & Machine LearningCrypto & Web3Tokyo, JP
長野 泰和(代表取締役社長/パートナー (CEO/Partner))萩谷 聡(パートナー (Partner))
Co-investorsJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.
DELIPICKS runs an online store selling frozen foods from producers across Japan, letting shoppers filter products by nutrients and ingredients with next-day delivery.
B2B MarketplacesDirect to ConsumerE-commerceFoodTechYokohama, JP
Harumi Moroishi(代表取締役CEO (Representative Director & CEO))Yohei Suga(執行役員 (Executive Officer))
Co-investorsFuture Food FundaSTARTSamurai IncubateXTech Ventures
ElevationSpace develops small-satellite re-entry and recovery technology to return the results of in-orbit experiments to Earth, aiming to build an orbital transport network for people and goods.
Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech
Ryohei Kobayashi(Founder)in
Co-investorsBeyond Next VenturesGlobal BrainMIRAI SOUZOUNTT DOCOMO VenturesSeraphim SpaceZ Venture Capital+1 more
Souco operates a warehouse-sharing platform that connects businesses with warehouse space across a network of over 3,000 facilities nationwide.
B2B MarketplacesLogistics & Supply ChainPropTech
Co-investors500 GlobalANOBAKACoral CapitalSumisho Venture Partners
SQUEEZE operates smart hotels and apartment-hotel brands such as "Minn" and "Theatel" and develops "suitebook", a cloud PMS for managing lodging operations.
Cloud ComputingPropTechSaaSTravel & HospitalityTokyo, JP
舘林 真一(代表者 (Representative/CEO))
Co-investorsJR East Start UP
Genesia Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across software, AI, blockchain, hardware, materials, and energy sectors.
AI & Machine LearningMarketplacesSaaSSector AgnosticTokyo, JP
Mariko Murata(Representative Director & CEO)
Co-investorsGenesia VenturesGlobis Capital PartnersIgnition Point Venture PartnersPOLA ORBIS HOLDINGSOriental Land InnovationsPix Vine Capital
SHIN-MIRAI INC. (株式会社森未来) is a Japanese company focused on wood/timber procurement and coordination, holding FSC and SGEC chain-of-custody certifications.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningB2B MarketplacesConstruction TechData & InfrastructureNew MaterialsTokyo, JP
浅野 純平(代表取締役 CEO)inJunpei Asano(代表取締役 (Representative Director / CEO))
Co-investorsANOBAKADG IncubationOpen Network Lab
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
ANRI株式会社CLUEMIRAISENFTマーケティングPIAZZA株式会社WAmazing株式会社クラウド型企業情報DBコミュニケーションテック事業シニアの生きがい創出リース㈱レシート買取アプリ「ONE」ローンマッチング即時尿検査株式会社トランスファーデータ
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies
Plantio · euroweeklynews.com · Aug 30, 2026
JPYC · thebridge.jp · Aug 13, 2026
TAIAN · thebridge.jp · Aug 4, 2026
Pathfinder · altassets.net · Jun 11, 2026
Qubitcore · blackboxjp.com · May 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has Canal Ventures made?
- Canal Ventures has 60 tracked investments.
- What stage does Canal Ventures invest at?
- Canal Ventures invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What sectors does Canal Ventures focus on?
- Canal Ventures focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Canal Ventures located?
- Canal Ventures is headquartered in Tokyo, JP.
- Who does Canal Ventures co-invest with?
- Canal Ventures most often shares deals with ANOBAKA, DBJ Capital, Japan Post Capital Co. Ltd., among 60 tracked co-investors.
Images
Similar investors
Cathay Innovation is a multi-stage venture capital firm founded in Paris in 2015 and backed by industry, operating a platform designed to enable collaboration between startups and corporations.
Collaborative Fund is a venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs building category- and culture-defining brands, products, and services across consumer, health, energy, and access-to-capital themes.
DN Capital is a global early-stage venture firm founded in 2000, investing in Seed, Series A and select Series B companies across Europe and North America.
Insight Partners is an investment firm focused on accelerating revenue and profit growth in software companies, providing capital and operational support through its Insight Onsite team.
Madrona Venture Group is a Seattle-founded venture firm that partners with founders across early and acceleration stages, providing capital plus hands-on support in recruiting, strategy, business development, and fundraising.