ABOUTAbout Us

Driven by the belief of 'continuing to shape the first beginnings,' we act as a bridge between CVCs and startups, connecting their strengths to contribute to the creation of the innovations Japan needs for the future.

Businesses and startups will be more connected. The power becomes one more. Can't we make such a system? Can't we be that bridge?

Your challenge and someone else's challenge. When that point to point, heart to heart are connected to form a single line, possibilities are created. Innovation is born.

Our job is to draw that line. Draw a starting line. Keep drawing the character “one” dozens or hundreds of times.

To be able to create new beginnings so that people taking on challenges for the first time can rely on them the most. We are here. We are FIRST CVC.

Entrepreneurship and startups coming together more closely.
Their strengths uniting as one.
Is it possible to create such a system?
Can we be the bridge to make it happen?

Your challenges and someone else’s challenges.
When those points and hearts connect,
and form a single line, possibilities emerge.
Innovation is born.

Our job is to draw that line.
To mark the starting line.
Again and again, hundreds of times,
we continue to draw the character '一' (one).

We aim to be the first ones people turn to
when they take on new challenges.
So that new beginnings can emerge.
We are here. We are FIRST CVC.

OUR STATEMENT

MESSAGE
Our Beliefs

CVC is Japan's Greatest Remaining Opportunity

Corporate businesses and startups are an ideal combination, complementing each other with a wide range of management resources beyond just funding, and creating new synergies for both sides. Japan, as the world’s third-largest economy, is home to many excellent corporate companies, and by collaborating with startups, it should be possible to generate significant growth.

However, in practice, while open innovation efforts are expanding and more business companies are engaging in collaboration with startups and CVC investments, there are various hurdles that these activities face.

'FIRST CVC' brings together investment managers and leaders from companies of various industries and sizes. By sharing the creativity and innovation born from each company’s CVC activities and turning it into an asset for the entire industry, we aim to promote deeper collaboration between businesses and startups as a 'highway' for CVC activities. This will contribute to business innovation and the evolution of the startup ecosystem, ultimately driving the development of Japan's economy.

Representative DirectorKAZUYOSHI YAMADA

STRENGTH
Our Strengths

01Japan’s Largest Co-Creation Platform

In addition to CVC funds, a wide range of companies from industries incorporating startup investments and open innovation into their corporate activities are participating, including departments within corporations that handle investments and LP contributions, financial institution-based VCs, and university-affiliated VCs. The number of influential startups receiving investment is also expanding.

“Over 300 CVC Participating Companies” icon

Number of Participating CVC Companies
Over 450Companies

“Participating companies' annual investment results of approximately 350 billion yen” icon

Annual Investment Performance of Participating Companies
Approx.￥300Billion

02Creating Open InnovationA High-Quality Community

To connect CVCs and startups and realize open innovation, the formation of a high-quality community is essential. Rather than merely pursuing the size of the community, we set certain membership criteria for CVCs and startups to maximize its quality.

Icon of “CVC admission criteria sales of 10 billion yen or more”

CVC Membership Criteria
Annual revenue of
‍10 Billion yen or more

“Startup Enrollment Criteria: Funds Raised from VC” icon

Startup Membership Criteria
‍Funded by a VC

03Experienced Staff Provide
Hands-On Support

Directors with specialized experience and knowledge support project operations from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Rather than relying on theoretical ideas, we actively engage on the ground, applying practical know-how to provide support. This approach prevents discrepancies between strategy and execution, leading to optimal results.

“100% staff ratio with at least 3 years of fundraising and investment experience” icon

Percentage of Staff with Over 3 Years of Experience in Fundraising and Investment
100%

Member / Partner Companies

CONTACT
Inquiries, Request for Documents, Applications

For inquiries about our services, requests for documents, support requests, or to apply for community membership and event participation, please feel free to contact us here.

CONTACT

ABOUTAbout Us

MESSAGEOur Beliefs