JR East Start UP
Corporate VCTokyo · Pre-Seed–Growth · 18 people tracked
Also known as JR東日本スタートアップ株式会社
Investment thesis
JR East Start Up pursues open innovation and business co-creation with startups and entrepreneurs through the 'JR East Start Up Program.' It invites proposals that leverage the JR East group's management resources such as stations, railways, and group business information to create new businesses and services. Themes include regional co-creation, digital co-creation, and global co-creation (SDGs). The firm also operates a local startup investment fund partnering with regional companies to foster new ventures, aiming to solve social challenges and build a prosperous future.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 18 people
from the firm's websiteWhat they invest in
from 46 of 93 portfolio companiesAI & Machine Learning ×16Hardware ×11IoT ×10SaaS ×10Enterprise Software ×9Travel & Hospitality ×8Deep Tech ×7B2B Marketplaces ×6
HQs:Japan×45
Who they back
founder profiles across 20 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×172 founders×23 founders×1
Investments · 93 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2026 · 12025 · 12 dated
PicoCELA develops multi-hop wireless mesh Wi-Fi networking products (the PCWL series and PicoManager management software) that reduce wired cabling in large or hard-to-wire sites such as factories, construction sites, and warehouses.
Advanced ManufacturingConstruction TechDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoTTokyo, JP
Hiroshi Furukawa(Representative Director (CEO))inHideaki Horikiri(Executive Officer, Director)Yoshinari Noguchi(Director)Mutsuko Oba(Director)Kien Leong Lim(Director)Jong Han Rey Foo(Director)
Co-investorsJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.
Find Inc. develops an AI-powered lost-and-found management cloud platform that helps businesses and facilities handle lost item inquiries, storage, police filings, and document processing efficiently.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaSTokyo, JP
高島 彬(代表取締役CEO)和田 龍(取締役COO)
Co-investorsBeta venture capitalDIMENSIONDual Bridge CapitalKeioMoney Forward Venture PartnersRice Capital
akippa operates a parking marketplace that connects available parking spaces with drivers who need them, letting owners list spaces and users reserve them.
MarketplacesMobility & TransportationPropTechSaaSTokyo, JP
金谷 元気(代表取締役社長 CEO)
Co-investorsGlobis Capital Partners
akippa operates a parking reservation service in Japan, offering a paid "Value Plus" membership that provides earlier booking access and a standing 10% discount on parking fees.
ConsumerMarketplacesMobility & Transportation
Co-investorsJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.
CalTa develops digital twin technology, including its TRANCITY platform and related tools, for managing and inspecting social infrastructure such as railways, roads, ports, water systems, and plants.
AI & Machine LearningConstruction TechDeep TechHardwareSaaSTokyo, JP
古林 秀之(代表取締役 CEO)
Co-investorsX-HUB TOKYO Global Startup Accelerator
CB Cloud transforms logistics operations using technology and industry expertise.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Co-investorsANOBAKAJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.
DataLabs develops and provides cloud-based systems that use 3D data for the construction industry, along with related research and development.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingConstruction TechSaaSTokyo, JP
Atsushi Joshin(Co-founder & Director, CFO)Daisuke Sato(Director, CTO)
Co-investorsUTokyo Innovation Platform Co. Ltd.
ecbo operates ecbo cloak, a smartphone-based luggage storage service that lets travelers book and pay to store bags at over 2,500 partner locations across Japan (cafes, convenience stores, stations, post offices) and Taiwan, including oversized items.
ConsumerLogistics & Supply ChainMarketplacesTravel & HospitalityTokyo, JP
Shinichi Kudo(Representative Director & President (CEO))
Co-investorsRelicSpiral Capital
ePARA is a Japanese company that plans, operates, and supports "barrier-free esports" — competitive gaming open to people regardless of age, gender, or disability — while also running employment support services for people with disabilities and co-creation projects such as accessibility auditing, design, and video production.
GamingImpact & Social GoodSports TechToda, JP
Hirotaka Kato(Representative Director (President))
Co-investorsKintetsu Venture PartnersShizuoka Capital
An AI company specializing in sound and acoustic analysis, offering voice recognition solutions for call centers and anomaly detection systems for machinery maintenance across manufacturing, infrastructure, and mobility sectors.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Co-investorsDBJ CapitalJR WEST INNOVATIONS
Lilz develops AI cloud software specialized for remote inspection and wireless IoT camera systems for infrastructure and facility monitoring.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareIoTOkinawa, JP
Co-investorsBeta venture capitalJIC Venture Growth InvestmentsEnergy & Environment Investment
MODE builds an AI-driven IoT platform called BizStack that collects and visualizes real-time data from industrial sites, with an AI assistant component for data analysis and decision-making across manufacturing, factories, and field operations.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareIoTSan Mateo, JP
Ethan Khan(Co-Founder)Ethan Kan(Co-Founder)
Co-investorsGlobal BrainKDDI Open Innovation Fund
NEWLOCAL is a real estate development and town-making company that focuses on creating sustainable regional models in Japan's depopulating communities by attracting talent, ideas, and capital to revitalize local areas.
Impact & Social GoodPropTechTokyo, JP
石田 遼(Founder)in
Co-investorsGlobal BrainJR WEST INNOVATIONSSamurai Incubate
Co-investorsANOBAKACanal VenturesCARTA VENTURES, Inc.Regional Revitalization SolutionSeibu Shinkin Capital
SIRC develops IoT sensor devices and cloud platform solutions for energy monitoring and digital transformation.
Advanced ManufacturingCleantechEnergyIoTOsaka, JP
Co-investorsAcario InnovationDAIKIN INDUSTRIESTechstars
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-investors15th Rock
Tokyo AI provides edge AI solutions for industrial and infrastructure applications, combining real-time processing with low power consumption.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechIoTTokyo, JP
Tripla provides a hotel booking engine and AI-powered chatbot that automates customer inquiries and CRM integration for hospitality businesses seeking to increase direct online reservations.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSTravel & Hospitality
Co-investorsCARTA VENTURES, Inc.Regional Revitalization SolutionVOYAGE VENTURES
TTG provides unmanned checkout and retail automation systems for convenience stores and shops across various settings including offices, hospitals, and universities.
AI & Machine LearningHardwareIoTRetail TechTokyo, JP
Co-investorsGlobal BrainKDDI Open Innovation Fund
Ugo manufactures a compact autonomous inspection robot equipped with an extendable 4K camera for unattended surveillance and patrol tasks in restricted spaces.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoTRoboticsSaaSJapan, JP
Co-investorsMonozukuri VenturesNTT DOCOMO VenturesSeibu Shinkin Capital
Co-investorsCanal VenturesIyogin CapitalJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.Shizuoka Capital
YUIME is a labor infrastructure company for primary industries in Japan, connecting workers to agricultural, fishing, and forestry sectors to modernize the nation's primary industries.
AgTechB2B MarketplacesHR Tech東京, JP
Co-investorsGlobal BrainMizuho Capital
ADDress operates a multi-location residential service in Japan that allows members to live across different cities and rural areas through access to vacant properties and vacation homes on a flat monthly subscription.
B2B MarketplacesFuture of WorkMarketplacesPropTechTravel & HospitalityTokyo, JP
Co-investorsGlobal Brain
Connected Robotics develops robotics and AI-powered automation solutions for the food service and restaurant industry, addressing labor shortages and food handling challenges through computer vision and robotic control systems.
AI & Machine LearningFoodTechRetail TechRobotics
Tetsuya SawanoboriTaiki Satoin
Co-investors500 GlobalaSTARTCoral CapitalDnx VenturesOpen Network LabSony Ventures Corporation+3 more
Sonas, Inc. plans, designs, manufactures, and sells sensing-related hardware, software, and services.
Construction TechDeep TechHardwareIoTTokyo, JP
Sotaro Ohara(Representative Director (CEO))
Co-investorsUTokyo Innovation Platform Co. Ltd.
Solaris develops soft robots that use artificial muscles for pipe maintenance.
Deep TechHardwareRobotics
Co-investorsAbies VenturesShizuoka CapitalSpiral CapitalSpiral Innovation PartnersUTokyo Innovation Platform Co. Ltd.
BackTech develops Pocket Therapist, a digital platform connecting employees with physical therapists and health professionals to address musculoskeletal pain and wellness issues in workplace health management.
Enterprise SoftwareHealthtechHR TechWellness & FitnessTokyo, JP
Naoto Fukutani(Founder)in
Co-investorsGlobal Brain
Pixie Dust Technologies develops hardware products and services based on ultrasonic and sound research, including a hair care device using non-contact vibration pressure stimulation, open-ear earphones and TV speakers using gamma-wave sound, sound-absorbing materials, and indoor positioning and spatial DX platforms.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechHardwareHealthtechMedia & EntertainmentNew Materials
Yoichi Ochiai(代表取締役 CEO (Representative Director & CEO))
Co-investorsGlobal BrainKDDI Open Innovation FundSMBC Venture CapitalAbies Ventures
Foodison operates online and offline services for Japan's fresh food and seafood distribution, connecting producers with restaurants and consumers through technology.
B2B MarketplacesE-commerceFoodTech
山本(CEO)山本徹(Founder)inYamamoto(CEO)
Co-investorsGlobal Brain
Japanese IoT company behind the Akerun retrofit smart lock and cloud-based access control system for businesses.
Co-investorsGlobal BrainGlobis Capital PartnersZ Venture Capital
Metro Weather develops and manufactures compact Doppler lidar systems that measure wind patterns in real-time up to 15km away for drone operations and air mobility applications.
Climate TechHardwareIoTKyoto, JP
Co-investorsDRONE FUNDGlobal BrainUntroD Capital
MetroEngine offers an AI-based revenue management platform for hotels and lodging operators that recommends optimal room prices daily, collecting big data on accommodation demand, competitor pricing, events, and reviews.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSTravel & Hospitality
KEN ROBOTECH CORPORATION develops robotics for the construction industry.
AI & Machine LearningConstruction TechHardwareRoboticsMiki, JP
眞部 達也(代表取締役社長兼CEO)井上 治久(取締役MO（メカニカル・オフィサー）)
Co-investorsIyogin CapitalMobile Internet Capital, Inc.UntroD CapitalX-HUB TOKYO Global Startup Accelerator
Nature Innovation Group operates iKasa, an umbrella-sharing service in Japan aimed at reducing single-use plastic umbrella consumption by letting people rent umbrellas affordably and conveniently.
Circular EconomyConsumerMarketplacesMobility & TransportationTokyo, JP
Teruji Marukawa(代表取締役 (Representative Director / CEO))照司 丸川
BONX WORK is a workplace communication platform designed for frontline and deskless workers, offering hands-free voice calling, push-to-talk, team chat, and real-time transcription features.
Enterprise SoftwareFuture of Work
Co-investorsKeio Innovation InitiativeOSS Ventures
eMoBi sells and develops mobility-related products and services aimed at making everyday travel more enjoyable, while supporting sustainable town development.
Mobility & TransportationTravel & HospitalityKamakura, JP
石川 (Ishikawa)
Co-investorsDG IncubationOpen Network Lab
Co-investorsZ Venture Capital
Liberaware develops compact inspection drones and data editing and analysis technology to inspect narrow, dark, and hazardous indoor spaces.
Deep TechHardwareIoTRoboticsTokyo, JP
Co-investorsBonds Investment GroupDRONE FUNDMiyako Capital
Co-investorsGenesia Ventures
NewSpace Intelligence (NSI) provides remote sensing and satellite technology services, using geospatial data analytics, GIS, and machine learning for applications such as crop monitoring, damage assessment, and disaster management.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureSpace Tech
Yumiko Nagai(President & CEO)Dorj Ichikawa(CSO & Vice President)Hiroshi Senzoku(CFO)Chairath Sirirattanapol(CTO)Nopphawan Tamkuan(CAO)Vaibhav Katiyar(CIO)
Co-investorsNTT DOCOMO VenturesX-HUB TOKYO Global Startup AcceleratorZENRIN FUTURE PARTNERS
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-investors15th RockAPOLLO CAPITALColopl NextGenesia Ventures
Co-investorsDIMENSIONJR WEST INNOVATIONS
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-investorsCanal Ventures
TBM develops and manufactures environmentally-conscious materials, including its LIMEX material, and runs product sales and resource-recycling operations.
Circular EconomyCleantechClimate TechNew MaterialsTokyo, JP
Nobuyoshi Yamasaki(Representative Director (CEO))
Co-investorsFUNDINNO
Operator of TABETE, a Japanese food-sharing app that lets restaurants and shops sell surplus food to consumers to reduce food loss, alongside a TABETE rescue-deli service and pattern-language/creative-cooking workshop business mainly for corporate clients.
B2B MarketplacesFoodTechImpact & Social GoodMarketplacesTokyo, JP
Taichi Isaku(Co-Founder & VP of Product (Executive Officer))Kazuma Kawagoe(Representative Director & CEO)inSaori Shinoda(VP of Sales (Executive Officer))
Co-investorsDD Holdings Venture CapitalNOW Japan
Satoyume is a Japanese consulting and business-production firm focused on regional revitalization, working with municipalities and prefectures across Japan on local development projects, tourism, and hospitality ventures (including its Satoyume Hotels brand).
ConsumerEnterprise SoftwareGovTechHR TechImpact & Social GoodTravel & Hospitality
Shumpei Shimada(Representative Director & CEO)嶋田 俊平(代表取締役CEO)浅原 武志(取締役COO / 長野支社長)鈴木 吾郎(取締役CFO)
Board加治木 宏(取締役（非常勤）)
Taimee is a mobile app-based gig work platform that connects workers with short-term job opportunities across various industries including warehouse work, food service, delivery, and office work in Japan.
B2B MarketplacesFuture of Work
Co-investorsCanal Venturesmint VCNippon Venture CapitalAozora Corporate InvestmentGenesia Ventures
Co-investorsDG Incubation
Alice Style is a circular economy sharing platform that enables users to rent and share underutilized items such as appliances and beauty devices.
B2B MarketplacesCircular EconomyImpact & Social GoodTokyo, JP
Co-investorsJapan Post Capital Co. Ltd.
Fermenstation develops and manufactures ethanol and food ingredients from food waste and other unused biomass through fermentation, and provides OEM/ODM production of cosmetics and sundry goods.
BiotechCircular EconomyFoodTechTokyo, JP
Rina Watanabe (Sakai)(Representative Director (CEO))Shota Kitabatake(Director & COO)Toshikazu Sugimoto(CTO)
Co-investorsSX Capital, Inc.Global BrainTBS Innovation Partners
PlantForm develops aquaponics systems that grow fish and plants together using fish waste as nutrients, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, controlled via IoT and AI so newcomers can start farming.
AgTechAI & Machine LearningCleantechFoodTechNagaoka, JP
Yuji Yamamoto(代表取締役 CEO)山本 祐二(代表取締役CEO)
HERALBONY is a Japanese art and lifestyle brand that licenses and commercializes artwork created by artists with disabilities (including intellectual disabilities and autism), turning their work into products under an "artist first" model that fairly compensates the artists and welfare facilities.
ConsumerCreator EconomyImpact & Social GoodMedia & EntertainmentMorioka, JP
松田文登(Co-founder)松田崇弥(Co-founder)
Co-investorsDentsu VenturesMPower
Pocket Change operates a platform that lets people exchange various forms of physical cash and electronic money across currencies and payment media.
FintechHardwareTravel & HospitalityTokyo, JP
Co-investorsDG Daiwa VenturesDnx Ventures
Co-investorsIyogin Capital
Exits · 1
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioPicoCELA株式会社NASDAQ: PCLA
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesSIRC · reason.org · Mar 3, 2026
NEWLOCAL · itbusinesstoday.com · May 21, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has JR East Start UP made?
- JR East Start UP has 93 tracked investments, including 2 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does JR East Start UP invest at?
- JR East Start UP invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What sectors does JR East Start UP focus on?
- JR East Start UP focuses on Logistics & Supply Chain, Mobility & Transportation, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is JR East Start UP located?
- JR East Start UP is headquartered in Tokyo, JP.
- Who does JR East Start UP co-invest with?
- JR East Start UP most often shares deals with Global Brain, Japan Post Capital Co. Ltd., Canal Ventures, among 58 tracked co-investors.
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