#Japan #Tokyo #Graphene #Graphenory #Photonic Devices

Pioneering the Future of Semiconductors with Graphene Photonic Devices

Graphenory Inc., headquartered in the heart of Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced the successful completion of a seed funding round, raising approximately 240 million yen. Led by SBI Investment, this round also garnered support from notable investors such as Keio Innovation Initiative, Mobile Internet Capital, Mizuho Capital, Fidea Capital, and DeepCore. With these new funds, Graphenory aims to accelerate its recruitment and technological advancements, solidifying its position as a pioneer in the practical application of graphene photonic devices on semiconductor platforms.

Overview of Graphenory

Founded in October 2024, Graphenory was established to commercialize the groundbreaking research conducted by Professor Hideyuki Maki of Keio University’s Faculty of Science and Technology. The company focuses on harnessing the unique properties of graphene, a material recognized for its exceptional performance in various applications, ranging from electronics to biomedical fields. Having received the Nobel Prize in 2010, graphene is considered one of the most prominent advanced materials in the nanotechnology sector. By collaborating closely with Keio University, Graphenory is merging its proprietary graphene technologies with cutting-edge photonics to take the lead in developing innovative photonic devices. The company is focused on creating pioneering infrared light sources and analysis-sensing applications, particularly in areas such as data centers that anticipate the need for hybrid photonic-electronic devices. Graphenory's ambition is to leverage the remarkable attributes of graphene to facilitate the growth of various photonic applications, ultimately driving innovation in the rapidly evolving sectors of semiconductors, telecommunications, AI, quantum computing, and healthcare.

Purpose of the Fundraising

Over the past year and a half since its inception, Graphenory has made significant strides in developing graphene photonic devices, including infrared light sources, while also establishing analytical techniques through collaborations with industry partners. The recent funding will enable the company to expedite its entry into the burgeoning field of photonic-electronic hybrids. Graphenory aims to transform the semiconductor industry and catalyze social change through its advances in analytics, sensing technologies, healthcare, telecommunications, and hybrid photonics.

Insights from Founder Hideyuki Maki

"In an era where semiconductor technology, AI, and biomedicine are designated as national strategic priorities, we believe that our graphene photonic device technology will serve as a groundbreaking advancement in these areas. The commercialization of such innovative technologies requires the strength of startups, which is precisely why we established Graphenory in 2024. By introducing new semiconductor industries rooted in graphene technology from Japan, we aim to drive an all-Japan collaborative approach towards industrialization and global expansion through our fundraising initiatives. The rapid advancements in semiconductor technology and AI are leading to performance gaps and various societal challenges. We aspire to address these pressing issues through our graphene photonic devices."

Investor Comments

Takuki Suzuki, Assistant Manager, SBI Investment

"Graphenory possesses the potential to elevate graphene, an innovative material, into functional photonic devices on semiconductors, creating value that existing semiconductor and photonics technologies have yet to achieve. The company’s capabilities extend from infrared light sources to promising engagements in silicon photonics and photonic-electronic integration. We at SBI Investment support the evolution and commercialization of their technologies."

Ryo Otake, Principal, Keio Innovation Initiative

"KII has supported Graphenory since its early days as part of our Keio Startup Incubation Program. From our initial discussions, we believed that their distinct graphene photonic device technology would revolutionize the semiconductor sector. Strong demand from large enterprises for collaborative analysis technologies has already emerged. We are confident that Graphenory’s team will drive this industry transformation, and therefore we participated in this investment."

Shin Motoki, CEO, Mobile Internet Capital

"Since inception, our company has supported startups across the digital landscape. With the rise of generative AI highlighting the power and communication bottlenecks of computational infrastructure, we are highly focused on next-generation technologies. Graphenory’s application of graphene in photonic devices gives it significant technological superiority and potential as an essential component in the photonic-electronic sector."

Yusuke Kitagawa, Investment Manager, Mizuho Capital

"We firmly believe that Graphenory’s capabilities in elevating the remarkable features of graphene as a light source, along with its expansive applications in various sectors such as healthcare and hybrid photonics, will create a major societal impact."

Yoshihisa Kitano, President, Fidea Capital

"Recognizing the potential of graphene as a cutting-edge material in photonic devices, we chose to invest in Graphenory due to its great promise in creating new industrial value. The applications for its graphene photonic devices extend across analysis systems and environmental sensing, fostering growth as a leader in deep tech originating from Japan."

Masaya Naito, Senior Director, DeepCore

"During our first discussions with Graphenory, I was impressed by the innovative technological framework applicable to semiconductors and the broad range of industrial applications. I believe their technology has the potential to transform the energy consumption challenges faced by data centers, especially with the rapid growth of generative AI. This funding round signifies a crucial step towards creating substantial future impacts, and I am excited to support their mission."

Company Overview

Name: Graphenory Inc.
Founded: October 1, 2024
Address: 11th Shinkai Building 2F B, 4-3-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Development Base: 7-7 Shin-Kawasaki, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Business Scope: Research, development, manufacturing, sales, analysis, and consulting on optical devices utilizing nanocarbon materials (graphene).
Website: Graphenory