Japan, a nation with a rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship, has witnessed an incredible surge in the number of unicorns – privately held start-up companies valued at over $1 billion – in recent years. With the rapid growth of the Japan economy and the rise of disruptive technologies, these 7 unicorn companies have become the driving force behind the nation’s rise as a global powerhouse.
So without any delay, let’s get started and discover the world of Japan’s unicorn companies!
List of 7 Unicorns in Japan
1. SmartNews
SmartNews is a news discovery app that uses machine learning algorithms to curate personalized news stories for its users from a variety of sources.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $2B
- Investors Name: Japan Post Capital, Globis Capital Partners, Atomico
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Mobile & telecommunications
- Total Funding Raised: $409.6M
- Founded Year: 2012
- Joined Unicorn Club: 8/5/2019
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 7
- Website: https://www.smartnews.com/
2. Preferred Networks
Preferred Networks is a Tokyo-based startup that develops deep learning technologies and AI-powered solutions for various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and finance.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $2B
- Investors Name: Toyota Motor Corporation, Mizuho Financial Group, FANUC
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Artificial intelligence
- Total Funding Raised: $152.19M
- Founded Year: 2014
- Joined Unicorn Club: 5/17/2018
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 2
- Website: https://www.preferred-networks.jp/en/
3. SmartHR
SmartHR is a cloud-based HR management platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses in Japan streamline their HR operations, from payroll to employee benefits.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $1.60B
- Investors Name: BEENEXT, World Innovation Lab, Light Street Capital
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Fintech
- Total Funding Raised: $222.34M
- Founded Year: 2013
- Joined Unicorn Club: 6/8/2021
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 3
- Website: https://www.smarthr.jp/en/
4. Spiber
Spiber is a Japanese biotech company that develops synthetic spider silk proteins for use in a variety of applications, including apparel, automotive, and medical products.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $1.22B
- Investors Name: Cool Japan Fund, JAFCO, The Carlyle Group
- City: Tsuruoka
- Industry: Other
- Total Funding Raised: $911.62M
- Founded Year: 2007
- Joined Unicorn Club: 9/8/2021
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 2
- Website: https://www.spiber.jp/en/
5. Opn
Opn is a startup that provides a cloud-based platform for managing and monitoring renewable energy assets, helping energy producers to maximize their efficiency and profitability.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $1.00 B
- Investors Name: Sinar Mas Digital Ventures, JIC Venture Growth Investments, Golden Gate Ventures
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Fintech
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Founded Year: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 5/9/2022
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: –
- Website: https://opnplatform.com/
6. Playco
Playco is a mobile gaming startup that develops social games that can be played across platforms, without the need for downloads or installations.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $1B
- Investors Name: Sozo Ventures, Caffeinated Capital, Sequoia Capital
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Other
- Total Funding Raised: $100M
- Founded Year: 2020
- Joined Unicorn Club: 9/21/2020
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 1
- Website: https://www.play.co/
7. Liquid
Liquid is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers trading in multiple digital assets, as well as margin trading and lending services.
Company Details:
- Valuation: $1B
- Investors Name: JAFCO Co, Bitmain Technologies, IDG Capital
- City: Tokyo
- Industry: Fintech
- Total Funding Raised: $158M
- Founded Year: 2014
- Joined Unicorn Club: 4/3/2019
- Total Investors:
- Total Deal Terms: 2
- Website: https://www.liquid.com/
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japan’s top 7 unicorns showcase the nation’s innovative power and economic growth. These companies are making a global impact and reshaping industries. Keep an eye on these trailblazers, as they continue to redefine success in the ever-evolving world of innovation.