Introducing Theta Times Ventures: A New Era of Venture Capital in Japan

The Launch of Theta Times Ventures

Theta Times Ventures, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is now officially kicking off its investment activities targeting seed to early-stage Series A startups. The firm is co-led by three seasoned General Partners: Takashi Kitao, Masahide Koike, and Tetsujiro Nakagaki. The trio brings nearly 30 years of venture capital experience, enabling an independent VC structure that emphasizes seed investment specialization and deep industry insights.

Theta Times Ventures Team

The Pursuit of "Theta Growth"

The firm has strategically invested in 14 companies so far, committing between several million to up to 500 million yen in flexible investment sizes. The goal is to maximize the potential of entrepreneurs who dare to challenge the status quo and lead innovative growth that will positively impact Japan's economy, a concept they term "Theta growth."

Japan stands on the brink of significant transformation, presenting ample opportunities for those eager to kindle a new era. Existing norms are being redefined, and now is the time for Japan's venture capital industry to embrace a fresh role that aligns with future trends. Theta Times Ventures aims to shed light on Japan's untapped potential, where traditional industries integrate with new technologies and values to evolve into the forthcoming standard. A striking example can be found in the approximately 700 trillion yen “real industries” that constitute the backbone of Japan’s economy, such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, retail, and healthcare. Leveraging AI and digitalization, these sectors hold incredible growth potential.

Moreover, opportunities extend beyond Tokyo, spreading across diverse resources embedded in communities nationwide. From captivating IP and brand businesses that resonate globally to pioneering initiatives in Web3, security, ESG, and energy — each represents a domain bursting with potential that defies prior concepts of "IT" and the "Tokyo-centric" scenario.

The Message of the Company Name

Theta Times Ventures was created to embrace the currents of this new era and to co-create value with entrepreneurs. The name of the firm symbolizes the aspiration to elevate the "angle" of growth for both startups and traditional companies, thereby compounding possibilities that can generate a positive impact on Japan's economy.

Multiplying Expertise Through Diverse General Partners

At the core of Theta Times Ventures' strength lies the diverse expertise that each of the three General Partners brings:

- Takashi Kitao: A seed investment specialist who has supported the early stages of over 50 startups, including the successful IPO of Timee. He is a robust hub within the entrepreneurial community.
- Masahide Koike: With over 20 years of experience in launching and scaling over 30 projects, he brings significant know-how in business creation and growth, having held high-ranking positions in CyberAgent, including Director and Executive Officer.
- Tetsujiro Nakagaki: With around 30 years in the VC industry, he possesses deep insights into governance and has been instrumental in guiding companies from startup phase to IPO.

The combined expertise of these three partners facilitates the “multiplication of knowledge,” which accelerates the “Theta growth” of their portfolio companies.

Investment Focus and Practical Support

Theta Times Ventures targets an array of sectors for investment, focusing on transformative real industries and scalable initiatives in AI, Web3, security, ESG, and energy, as well as IP and brand businesses aiming for global markets.

Practical support is a key component, involving:

- M&A Strategy and Execution: Guiding companies through M&A phases, focusing on industry transformation and post-merger integration (PMI).
- Business and Product Scaling Support: Utilizing AI strategically and assisting in product refinement through extensive industry knowledge.
- Business Development Support: Leveraging the extensive networks of the GP trio to foster alliances and client development.

Voices from General Partners

Takashi Kitao

"Having engaged with hundreds of entrepreneurs, I have felt their passion. We aim to be more than just financial supporters; we want to be 'running partners' who share in the struggles and believe in the future alongside them. We believe in the potential of everyone who dares to challenge the norms."

Masahide Koike

"Creation isn’t the end; it’s about growing and contributing back to society. I intend to apply my experiences in business growth to help startups maximize their scale and size for significant growth."

Tetsujiro Nakagaki

"As I reflect on nearly 30 years in VC, I believe the time has come to support startups that confront Japan’s allure and structural challenges. I look forward to witnessing the fusion of Japan's vast real industries and new startup energies."

A Commitment to All Entrepreneurs

Theta Times Ventures aims to be the most trusted partner for entrepreneurs in the seed to early Series A stages. They do not evaluate investments solely based on limited criteria; instead, they value the willingness to make a better future and the commitment to achieve significant growth. They also emphasize strong collaboration with corporate partners and regional banks already involved with the fund and those planning to join as LP partners, leveraging GP expertise to create innovation and expand opportunities.

Theta Times Ventures is determined to build an ecosystem where startups, corporations, and local economies intersect positively to fuel collective growth. Embracing the experience, networks, and passion to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, they invite all who are ready to pursue "Theta growth" and collaborate in creating a new era.