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DG Ventures

We back innovators and entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact. By connecting people, resources, and opportunities, we help turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.

San Francisco, CA, USA

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Description

DG Ventures (DGV) is the venture capital arm of Digital Garage, Inc., a prominent Japanese technology conglomerate. Based in Tokyo, with a significant presence in San Francisco, DGV acts as a strategic bridge for startups looking to scale between the Asian and North American markets. 

  • Seed to Series B: DGV is primarily an early-to-growth stage investor.
  • Strategic Lead: They often act as a lead investor for Western companies entering Japan or Japanese companies expanding globally. 

DGV does not operate a public, batch-based application. They function as a traditional corporate venture capital (CVC) firm. 

  • Method: Founders typically engage through warm introductions or by contacting the investment team via the Digital Garage / DGV portal.
  • Open Network Lab (Onlab): For very early-stage startups (Pre-Seed/Seed), DGV funnels applicants through its affiliated accelerator, Open Network Lab, which does have a formal application process. 

Eligibility

  • Sectors: Fintech (Payments), AI/ML, AdTech, ESG/Climate Tech, and Web3.
  • Geography: Primarily Japan and the United States, but with increasing activity in India and Southeast Asia.
  • Traction: For direct DGV investment, companies should have a validated product and be ready for international cross-border expansion.

Process

  1. Strategic Alignment: The team evaluates whether the startup aligns with Digital Garage’s core business segments (Payment, Marketing, and Investment).
  2. Due Diligence: A thorough review of technical defensibility and market "fit" for the Japanese or Global ecosystem.
  3. Global Incubation: Post-investment, DGV provides "Global Incubation" support, helping founders navigate local regulations, localization (translation/cultural fit), and business development in Japan.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Market Entry (Japan): Unparalleled access to the Japanese market through Digital Garage’s extensive payment and marketing networks.
  2. Strategic Partnerships: Direct introductions to major Japanese corporations and financial institutions.
  3. Operational Support: Assistance with "Soft Landing" services in Tokyo, including office space and hiring.
  4. Technical Synergy: Potential integration with Digital Garage’s existing payment processing and digital marketing platforms.