Japanese Startups Raise Over ¥8.5 Billion in November Investment Wave
Japanese startups raised over ¥8.5 billion across eight major funding rounds in November 2025, spanning AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and advanced materials sectors, with IVRy's ¥4 billion Series D leading the wave.
Key Points
- • IVRy raised ¥4 billion Series D, bringing total funding to ¥10.61 billion.
- • Fivot secured ¥2 billion to develop AI credit models for business lending.
- • SecureNavi raised ¥1.2 billion for regulatory compliance and security certification services.
- • Alternative finance and AI automation sectors attracting strongest investor interest currently.
Japan's technology startup ecosystem is experiencing a significant funding surge, with multiple companies across diverse sectors securing substantial investment rounds totaling over ¥8.5 billion in early November 2025. The wave of capital injections spans from enterprise security solutions to advanced materials research, signaling strong investor confidence in Japan's innovation landscape.
Leading the funding announcements is IVRy, a conversational AI voice platform provider, which secured ¥4 billion in its Series D round on November 6th, according to The Bridge. The company, which offers AI-powered voice interaction SaaS solutions, attracted investment from ALL STAR SAAS FUND, Coral Capital, and other prominent venture firms. This brings IVRy's cumulative funding to ¥10.61 billion, reflecting growing demand for AI-driven customer service automation in Japan's business sector.
Financial technology also saw major activity, with Fivot raising ¥2 billion in Series B funding on November 5th. The company operates Flex Capital, a lending service for growth-stage companies, and IDARE, a cashless payment app for individuals. Fivot plans to accelerate development of its AI-powered credit assessment models, a significant development for foreign entrepreneurs seeking alternative financing options in Japan's traditionally conservative banking environment.
The cybersecurity sector attracted substantial investment, with SecureNavi securing ¥1.2 billion in Series B funding on November 6th. The company specializes in what it terms "liberal arts security" - focusing on information security certifications, regulatory compliance, guideline adherence, and audit preparation rather than purely technical solutions. This approach addresses a critical gap in Japan's corporate landscape, where many companies struggle with the administrative and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity compliance.
Real estate technology startup ZIRITZ announced ¥700 million in Series A funding on November 11th for its asset formation platform StockFormer. The round was led by Nissei Capital and Daiwa Corporate Investment, with participation from several other investors. For expats interested in property investment in Japan, StockFormer's AI-driven approach to individual real estate investing could offer more accessible entry points into the notoriously complex Japanese property market.
Advanced materials research also attracted investor attention, with two university-spinoff companies securing funding. Japan Superconductor Application Development raised ¥500 million in pre-Series A funding on November 11th for superconducting materials and wire research. Similarly, NanoFrontier, a Tohoku University spinoff specializing in organic nanoparticle technology, completed its first investment round on November 10th, led by Genesia Ventures.
Addressing social challenges, Akari Hosho raised approximately ¥130 million on November 10th to expand its lifetime support services for elderly individuals, specifically tackling the guarantor problem many seniors face when seeking housing or care services. The company's cumulative funding now stands at ¥210 million, with backing from Kanpo NEXT Partners and other investors.
In the diversity and career development space, CORE, a community SNS platform for working women, announced seed funding on November 11th from East Ventures, Colopl Next, ANOBAKA, MICHI, and individual investors. While the specific amount was undisclosed, the platform aims to enhance community features and expand career matching services.
For foreign residents and entrepreneurs in Japan, this funding wave indicates several important trends. First, investors are actively supporting solutions that address Japan's unique business challenges, from regulatory compliance to demographic shifts. Second, AI and automation technologies continue to attract significant capital, suggesting growing opportunities in these sectors. Third, alternative financial services are gaining traction, potentially offering more accessible options for foreign-owned businesses traditionally underserved by Japanese banks.
The diversity of sectors receiving funding - from deep tech and materials science to social services and fintech - demonstrates the breadth of Japan's startup ecosystem and suggests multiple pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.