Abies Ventures
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Abies Ventures is the real deal for deep tech founders who need more than just money. They've delivered two IPOs already (Synspective at $265M and Pixie Dust Technologies), which is impressive for a fund founded in 2017. Yamaguchi brings serious operational chops from Mistletoe and cross-border experience, while Nagano has actual CFO experience from taking a startup public. What sets them apart is their obsessive focus on global scalability from day one - they don't just invest in Japan for Japan. The Mistletoe connection gives them ecosystem credibility, but they're independent enough to move fast. They exit 13 percentage points more often than other VCs, suggesting they're good at picking winners and helping them get there. Just know they're selective - only 3 new investments in 2025 - so if they're interested, take it seriously.
- —Best for: Deep tech founders who need cross-border scaling expertise
- —Watch out for: High selectivity - they only make 2-3 deals per year
- —Known for: Actually delivering exits and having operational founders as partners
Abies Ventures discovers deep tech startups with unique technologies and high aspirations, mainly in Japan and the United States, and supports the creation and development of startups that can solve problems on a global scale. Founded in 2017, Abies Ventures is an independent venture capital firm dedicated to investing in deep-tech startups leveraging advanced technologies such as robotics/mobility, AI/computing and communications, advanced materials/climate tech and space. Led by seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, Abies Ventures brings hands-on value creation.
The firm prefers to invest in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies. The firm seeks to invest in information technology, materials and resources, 3D printing, big data, cybersecurity, the internet of things, micro-mobility, robotics, infrastructure, space technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and technology-based sectors in North America, Japan, and the Singapore region. It primarily invests in Series A round in Japan based startups. Its investments are spread across a wide range of sectors from High Tech to Industrial Goods and Manufacturing and Enterprise Applications.
18 years experience in venture investment/incubation and private equity, and 12 years experience in management consulting. Managing Partner at Visionnaire Ventures (US-Japan venture capital fund) Former CIO/COO at Mistletoe and COO at MOVIDA (Taizo's investment/ incubation arms) Experienced consultant at Bain & Company and Roland Berger in TMT/manufacturing/environment. Former founder of Mistletoe-related ventures with deep Silicon Valley connections.
Led a prominent venture company to cross border IPO combined with experience in finance / investment. Led 1.5B USD cross border M&A/IPO. Has operational experience as CFO of GLM Co., an EV startup from Kyoto University, with track record in large-scale capital raising.
Founder of Mistletoe, The Edgeof as well as board member and advisor to various startup companies around the globe. Founded Gungho Online which is one of the most successful online gaming companies in Japan in 2002, which had its IPO in 2005. Serial entrepreneur and gaming industry pioneer with strong ecosystem connections.
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