#Japan #AI startups #Shibuya #DeNA #Delight Ventures

Delight Ventures' New 5 Billion Yen Fund

Delight Ventures, an independent venture capital firm based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has launched a new fund, the Delight Ventures Builder Fund No. 3 (DVB3), with a substantial size of 5 billion yen. This initiative is significant as it marks a focused investment strategy targeting early-stage to seed-stage entrepreneurs, emphasizing on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) within various industries. The fund's operational partner is DeNA Co., Ltd., serving as the sole limited partner.

Investment Themes and Focus Areas

The DVB3 fund will invest primarily in three critical areas:
1. Vertical Shift: Innovating operational processes across specific industries such as logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture using AI technology.
2. Momentum Shift: Leveraging social and market changes driven by PEST factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) to capture emerging opportunities and create new avenues for growth.
3. US Cross-border: Supporting Japanese entrepreneurs looking to establish AI startups in the United States, particularly in vibrant hubs like the Bay Area.

Delight Ventures is known for its unique approach of jointly founding startups alongside entrepreneurs, catering not only to the financial aspect but also providing extensive support through incubation programs aimed at nurturing ideas from the ground up. The firm has already established successful frameworks that have resulted in over 30 startups being launched since its inception in 2019.

Incubation Programs

To complement the DVB3 fund, Delight Ventures is introducing two new incubation programs:

• - V-ShIP (Vertical Shift Incubation Program): Targeted at startups focusing on specific industry challenges enhanced by AI solutions, offering up to 5 million yen in investment and 1 million yen as testing fees.
• - M-ShIP (Momentum Shift Incubation Program): Focused on entrepreneurs seizing changes driven by societal shifts to create new industries, enabling three months of hypothesis testing followed by potential investments.

An additional initiative, DelightX, aims to foster global AI startups in the US, with support from top-tier VCs and Japanese entrepreneurs working abroad. This program offers up to $60,000 in funding for startups during their stay in San Francisco.

Support System and Unique Value Proposition

One of the phenomenal strengths of the DVB3 fund lies in its robust support structure facilitated by DeNA. The firm’s wealth of AI knowledge and resource network provides a significant advantage to portfolio startups. DeNA commits to assisting these startups through the introduction of initial customers for product trials and technical support from its internal AI experts, thereby positioning itself as a critical partner in the growth journey of these emerging companies.

The venture capital landscape shifts increasingly towards harnessing the insights and technologies of AI, and Delight Ventures intends to catalyze this change. By fostering a synergistic ecosystem where capital, expertise, and innovative thinking converge, it aims to build the next generation of startups equipped to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.

As the world anticipates transformative shifts fueled by AI, the interplay of seasoned entrepreneurs and dedicated support teams at Delight Ventures is set to accelerate the launch and growth of groundbreaking ideas that could reshape industries and improve societal outcomes.

Conclusion

With their commitment to empowering startups through extensive support programs and strategic investments, Delight Ventures, in conjunction with DeNA, is poised to play a pivotal role in the startup ecosystem. Their focus on leveraging AI not just as a technological tool, but as a transformative force for industries, signifies a promising future for entrepreneurs aiming to make a significant impact across the globe.