Investment
In 2017, we launched a VC fund specializing in “hardware” – a rare scope for venture funds. In 2021, we established another VC fund that expanded our focus to the manufacturing tech companies.
Our investment team, based in New York, Toronto and the San Francisco Bay Area deals with thousands of such deep-tech startups every year.
We also connect with major companies in these industries and provide technical support such as prototyping and manufacturing.
By partnering with large companies in various fields, we offer startups a wide range of support, including supply chain collaboration and investment opportunities.
Investment Focus Area
Our investment targets are pre-seed, seed and early-stage hard-tech startups. Such companies include those that develop devices, materials, components, parts, software for manufacturing, and many other hardware-related fields in the US, Canada and Japan.
The industry domain includes healthcare, industrial IoT (IIoT), climate change tech, cleantech, smart home, wearable technologies, sharing economy, agri-tech, AI and machine learning, robotics, space tech and beyond.
Our typical check size ranges from USD $100,000 to $300,000, with follow-on investment up to $1 million per company, in the SAFE, KISS and convertible notes in addition to the regular stock.
Technical Consulting
We offer optimal solutions for every stage of the manufacturing process, from ideation and prototyping to mass production, providing comprehensive end-to-end support.
Explore our Tech Consulting page to discover more about our services, including our past projects and an introduction to our team of experts.
Open Innovation
Monozukuri Ventures is engaged in various activities to bridge startups and large corporations to accelerate open innovation in Japan’s manufacturing industry.
Services
KYOTO ACCELERATION PROGRAM
The Kyoto Acceleration Program – KAP, primarily targeting large corporations, is a new business creation program utilizing external resources. By including startup CxO veterans as “virtual CEOs” in the team, it accelerates the speed of hypothesis testing, and develops a business plan to a stage where investors, such as VCs, can make investment decisions within about three months.
KAP Salon
“Salon for New Business Division Managers” (hereinafter referred to as KAP Salon) was launched as a community for exchanging information on how to create and continue new businesses, such as new business creation and carve-outs, mainly among companies participating in the 2023 Kyoto Acceleration Program (hereinafter referred to as KAP).Due to the great success of this salon, it will be held regularly in 2024, and participation from companies not participating in KAP will also be welcome.
Coming soon…
Coming soon…
Open Innovation Practice Tour
We conduct open innovation practice programs for large corporations.
KYOTO MAKERS GARAGE
At Kyoto Makers Garage (KMG), we provide a space where individuals can bring their ideas to life using advanced digital equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. In addition, we offer manufacturing services and consultations to help guide makers through the production process.
