MESSAGEBuilding a cycle where research reaches society and sparks the next wave of discovery and endeavor

Universities hold countless research findings with the power to drive humanity forward. Yet many never reach real-world application, remaining buried before their value can be actualized.

“If nothing changes, the flow of research funding and talent will stall, and universities will eventually stop producing promising research.”

For years, I have seen this situation as both an urgent problem and a tremendous opportunity. When bold innovators and risk capital come together, research grows into businesses that create significant value for society. The resulting profits then flow back to universities and to those who will take on the next challenge. We believe our mission is to make this virtuous, self-sustaining cycle take root in society.

A successful business does more than bring new research funding to universities. The people behind it become role models who inspire the next generation to take on challenges of their own. As more people aspire to change the world through their own research, and more entrepreneurs take the leap into deep tech startups, the scientific and technological strength of society as a whole will grow exponentially.

Our cycle compounds capital returns for all stakeholders, but, more importantly, it also fertilizes the very soil out of which innovation and innovators grow.

Together with researchers, entrepreneurs, and exceptional innovators across deep tech, beyond the boundaries of industry, academia, and government, we are committed to building a self-sustaining ecosystem where research that moves the world forward continues to emerge.

Tsuyoshi Ito, CEO & Managing Partner