Rakuten Capital

What is Rakuten Capital?

Rakuten Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Rakuten Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Launched in 2014, it supports portfolio companies globally and has invested in more than 70 firms, including notable startups like Careem, Carousell, GoTo, Lyft, Pinterest, and Upstart. The firm's investments span multiple industries, such as information technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, audio, artificial intelligence, and internet software services. Rakuten Group operates over 70 services in diverse fields like e-commerce, mobile services, travel, digital content, FinTech, including credit cards, banking, securities, e-money, cashless payments, and professional sports, creating a comprehensive Rakuten Ecosystem.

Rakuten Capital focuses on transformative products and technologies in commerce, communications, marketing, financial services, mobility, and healthcare. They are 'founder-friendly,' offering financial, operational, strategic support, and access to Rakuten's ecosystem and technology expertise across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Their data-friendly approach utilizes consumer and industry data from the Rakuten Ecosystem to inform a unique investment strategy and provide exceptional support to portfolio companies.

They have a range of funds, including Rakuten Ventures, Rakuten FinTech Fund, Rakuten Global EC Fund, Rakuten Mobility Investments, and Rakuten Strategic Investments, with varying focus areas including IT sector, financial services, e-commerce, mobility, and strategic transformative startups.

Fund sizes range from US$ 100 million for the Fintech Fund to US$ 200 million for Rakuten Ventures.

Investments target early to growth-stage companies globally, looking for businesses with potential for strategic synergies and game-changing technology or products that can grow and expand into new markets.