In Tokyo, many creative startups are changing different industries. This list shares the top 6 unicorns in Tokyo, each worth more than $1 billion. These leading companies are changing areas like, fintech, e-commerce, AI, etc, making Tokyo a center of innovation. Learn about the amazing companies that call Tokyo home.
List of Top 6 Unicorns in Tokyo
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:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $2B
- Industry: Mobile & telecommunications
- Founded Year: 2012
- Total Funding Raised: $409.6M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 8/5/2019
- Key Investors: Japan Post Capital, Globis Capital Partners, Atomico
- Total Investors: 20
- Total Funding Deals: 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:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $2B
- Industry: Artificial intelligence
- Founded Year: 2014
- Total Funding Raised: $152.19M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 5/17/2018
- Key Investors: Toyota Motor Corporation, Mizuho Financial Group, FANUC
- Total Investors: 11
- Total Funding Deals: 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:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $1.60B
- Industry: Fintech
- Founded Year: 2013
- Total Funding Raised: $222.34M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 6/8/2021
- Key Investors: BEENEXT, World Innovation Lab, Light Street Capital
- Total Investors: 20
- Total Funding Deals: 3
- Website: https://www.smarthr.jp/en/
4. 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:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $1.00 B
- Industry: Fintech
- Founded Year: –
- Total Funding Raised: –
- Joined Unicorn Club: 5/9/2022
- Key Investors: Sinar Mas Digital Ventures, JIC Venture Growth Investments, Golden Gate Ventures
- Total Investors: –
- Total Funding Deals: –
- Website: https://opnplatform.com/
5. 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:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $1B
- Industry: Other
- Founded Year: 2020
- Total Funding Raised: $100M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 9/21/2020
- Key Investors: Sozo Ventures, Caffeinated Capital, Sequoia Capital
- Total Investors: 9
- Total Funding Deals: 1
- Website: https://www.play.co/
6. Liquid
Liquid is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that offers trading in multiple digital assets, as well as margin trading and lending services.
Company Details:
- Country: Japan
- Valuation: $1B
- Industry: Fintech
- Founded Year: 2014
- Total Funding Raised: $158M
- Joined Unicorn Club: 4/3/2019
- Key Investors: JAFCO Co, Bitmain Technologies, IDG Capital
- Total Investors: 8
- Total Funding Deals: 2
- Website: https://www.liquid.com/
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top 6 unicorns we’ve explored are just a glimpse into the many success stories that continue to emerge from Tokyo. As these companies reshape industries and set new standards, Tokyo is sure to secure its place as a global leader in innovation and growth.