More than capital: we work hands-on with founders — from sales and hiring to fundraising. We back startups across Japan, the US and Europe through three funds.
Investment strategyNEXTBLUE runs three funds backing startups across Japan, the US and Europe: Fund I, which connects Japan with the world; Fund II, dedicated to women’s wellbeing; and NEXTBLUE TOKYO, established with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Japan, the US and Europe. The starting point.
Our first fund backs seed- and early-stage startups in Japan, the US and Europe, and helps overseas founders enter the Japanese market.
Asia’s first fund for women’s wellbeing.
Invests in startups and female founders across health, education, financial stability and career — aiming for strong returns and social impact.
With the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Women’s Empowerment Startup Support Fund”: supporting female-led startups and companies that advance women’s empowerment with funding and hands-on support.
Beyond running funds, NEXTBLUE offers services that bring global startup and investment information to Japanese audiences.
Global deep tech investment, in Japanese.
A database of funding rounds by deep tech companies worldwide, centered on the US and Europe — every entry with its primary source, in Japanese. Companies are classified into 15 technology domains such as bio & drug discovery, robotics and space.
Visit DeepTech.NEXTBLUEdeeptech.nextblue.comThe world’s femtech, in Japanese.
One service combining overseas femtech news in Japanese, explanatory webinars and 1-on-1 consultations with experts. Catch up quickly on a fast-growing overseas market that is hard to follow from Japan.
Visit Femtech Global Insightspf.nextblue.comThe term “wellbeing” is often equated with health, but it encompasses all aspects necessary for achieving physical and mental health, including education, economic stability, career, and social factors.
Fund I invests in Japanese and overseas startups focused on the future of work, the future of health and the future of lifestyle.
We support startups entering the Japanese market, specifically through assistance in developing partner companies, marketing, sales support, and fundraising.
We invest in startups originating from Europe or the US.
We invest in exceptional startups within Japan.
We provide fundraising support through various schemes, regardless of whether it is for the current round, next round, or a bridge round.
Many of the LP investors in our fund are corporate businesses, and we have also established a community with other startup-friendly companies.
We provide unwavering support to our portfolio companies whenever they need it.
If your startup is selected for a pitch meeting, we will schedule a 30-minute introductory pitch with our investment team. Within a week, we will decide internally whether to proceed further. At this stage, we may request additional references.
Upon advancing to the next phase, we conduct thorough due diligence and a review by our investment committee. All General Partners (GPs) will review the opportunity and make the final decision. Our investment committee meets bi-weekly, allowing us to make swift and agile decisions. Typically, we reach a decision within 2–3 weeks of entering due diligence, though exceptions may occur.
After investing, we actively support startups by connecting them with Japanese stakeholders for fundraising or market entry. In partnership with our associates and wider network, we offer proactive and comprehensive support in sales, marketing, public relations, and recruitment in Japan.
From pre-seed to early stage, across Japan, the US and Europe — we would love to hear from founders solving global challenges.
Pitch submission
From pre-seed to early stage, across Japan, the US and Europe — we would love to hear from founders solving global challenges.
Pitch submission
