Health & biotech · AI
I.W.G. Inc.
AI referral agents and cloud technology for interoperable healthcare data and referral workflows.
Antler Japan · Tokyo
Antler Japan backs founders building for Japan and the world.
Antler Japan is a multi-stage venture investor that invests from inception to exit. We invest at Day Zero in founders building category-defining companies for Japan and global markets.
Who we are
What does Antler Japan offer founders?
Antler Japan gives founders a focused starting point to build fast and access capital. From Tokyo, we bring global reach, practical company-building support, and early conviction to the first day of a company.
Antler was founded in 2017 and operates across 27 locations in 22 countries. Antler has backed more than 2,000 companies and was named the world’s most active AI investor in 2024 by Dealroom.
Antler by the numbers
Global reach. Early conviction.
2,000+companies backed since 2017
27locations worldwide
22countries
#1most active AI investor globally, Dealroom 2024
35%of companies include a female co-founder
US$25Mavailable through Antler Elevate
Japan portfolio
Which companies does Antler Japan back?
Antler Japan invests at company formation through the Antler Japan Residency. We are industry-agnostic: our portfolio includes companies across diverse industries and technologies, united by the ambition to solve consequential problems in Japan and globally.
Learn more
Health & biotech · AI
Nihin Media K.K.
MedGen Japan provides a reliable AI assistant for practical medical knowledge.
Industrial · robotics
KanjuTech
AI that learns and adapts while moving for drones, robots, and industrial systems.
B2B software · space tech
Orbitorus K.K.
Technology designed to reduce satellite collision risk and maximise constellation performance.
Industrial · robotics
Refined Robotics
Bipedal robots designed to improve the efficiency of postal operations.
B2B software · construction
Avete
Physical AI for safer, more productive construction sites.
B2B software · robotics compliance
SnappyCompliance
An end-to-end compliance engine that accelerates robot certification and readiness for market.
Health & biotech · regenerative medicine
SmartTissues
Wound-care materials for regenerative medicine designed to promote healing while lowering infection risk.
B2B software · knowledge management
Tokuma Labs
Organisation memory for professional services operating in the era of commoditised AI.
“Antler was more than a VC. The team gave us practical advice to aim higher, build a compelling pitch, and think bigger from day one.”Manjunatha Chandrappa · Co-founder & CEO, Antler Japan Cohort
“Our experience at the Antler Residency program was highly valuable. We improved significantly as a company, particularly in understanding how to effectively communicate with investors.”Xiaoyan Zhou · Founder & CEO, Antler Japan Cohort
For founders
What happens in the Antler Japan Residency?
Fewer than 5% of applicants are selected. The Antler Japan Residency is the starting point for founders building globally relevant companies. The next Residency begins on November 2, 2026 in Tokyo.
Build in Tokyo
Spend six focused weeks with exceptional founders in Tokyo. This is not classroom training; it is six weeks to accelerate your company with partners who have built and scaled startups.
Access capital
Investment committee-approved companies receive US$150,000 for 10% equity: US$100,000 in equity and a US$50,000 uncapped SAFE with MFN. Antler can provide follow-on matching capital and up to US$25 million through Antler Elevate.
Apply with momentum
Apply through the Antler portal. Teams with a clear problem, customer insight, or early hypothesis gain the most from the Residency.
Who is Antler Japan for?
We look for teams with specific profiles and the conviction to build beyond a local optimum.
- Japan + global perspective
- Domain expertise, first-hand insights, or an exceptional track record
- A strong technical edge
- Any sector — Antler is sector-agnostic
For investors
Why co-invest with Antler Japan?
Antler Japan gives Series A and growth investors a consistent source of high-quality, pre-screened deal flow. Residency participants are selected from fewer than 5% of applicants and Antler invests with conviction from company formation.
VCs, CVCs, and angel investors can connect with Antler Japan to explore co-investment and portfolio introductions.
<5%selection rate
6 weeksResidency duration
US$400Kmaximum at company formation
US$25Mavailable through Antler Elevate
Common questions
What do founders ask Antler Japan?
What language is the Antler Japan Residency conducted in?
Masterclasses and guest-speaker sessions are usually held in English. Antler Japan supports English and Japanese during one-to-one meetings with partners, and the Antler Japan team is bilingual.
When does Antler Japan invest?
Antler Japan invests at company formation through the Antler Japan Residency. Investment committee-approved companies receive US$150,000 for 10% equity after the six-week Residency — structured as $100K equity plus a $50K uncapped SAFE with MFN.
Do founders need a finished product to apply?
No. Applicants need a clear problem, a customer insight, or an initial hypothesis to validate. A finished product is not required.
Does the Antler Japan Residency have a fee?
There is no programme fee. Founders are responsible for their travel and living costs during the six-week Tokyo Residency.
Is the Residency in person?
Yes. The Antler Japan Residency is a full-time, in-person programme in Tokyo.
Can Antler Japan support a visa application?
Antler does not sponsor visas directly, but the team can introduce founders to trusted third parties that provide paid visa-application support.
The team
Who builds Antler Japan with founders?
Jussi Salovaara
Co-founder & Managing Partner
Leads Antler’s APAC investment activity and works with founders from inception through scale.
Florian Geier
Senior Director
Works with founders building in Japan, drawing on global innovation and venture experience.
Satomi Hoshi
Startup Scouting Manager
Finds the next generation of deep-tech founders for Antler Japan.
Kaito Nozawa
Programme Manager
Supports founders from the first conversation through investment.
Jordan Fisher
Venture Partner
Co-founder and chairman of Zehitomo, a Japanese local-services marketplace.
Next cohort · Tokyo · Starts November 2, 2026
Build beyond the local optimum.
Join exceptional co-founders in Tokyo. Build fast, access capital, and scale for the world.