Ryosuke Kimura∣ Lifetime Ventures∣ Pre-Seed VC

[re-post] In an effort to break the "glass ceiling" of the Japanese startup ecosystem, we are launching a new seed VC fund in collaboration with the OIST! New Venture Capital Fund to Invest in World-Leading Research and Entrepreneurs oist.jp/news-center/ne…

UTokyo IPC hosted two key seminars at BioJapan 2025, exploring the Japan–U.S. biotech ecosystem. Discussions spanned AI-driven drug discovery, global capital flows, and exit strategies—signaling a new phase for university-based venture creation. Details: utokyo-ipc.co.jp/en/news/2025/1…

Dr. Berenika Maciejewicz of 600and1 unveils a breakthrough in detecting consciousness during sleep. The tech could revolutionize support for coma and locked-in patients — and reshape BCI applications at the edge of neuroscience and AI. More: einnews.com/pr_news/856473…

Israel-based NeuroBlade executed a “quiet exit” after raising $110M, with its core engineering team joining Amazon’s Annapurna Labs. A subtle yet strategic move blending independence and integration—showing new shades of tech M&A. Details: calcalistech.com/ctechnews/arti…

VC funding for life sciences in NYC is slowing down. Capital is shifting from drug discovery startups toward infrastructure, data, and AI enablers. The ecosystem is evolving—from “creating drugs” to “empowering creators.” Details: crainsnewyork.com/health-pulse/n…

HP launches “Garage 2.0” in Singapore to accelerate AI and DeepTech startups, with support from Antler, EDB, and SGInnovate. Corporate-led accelerators are becoming a driving force in Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem. Details: vulcanpost.com/898784/hp-gara…

The “Asians in Life Sciences: Strategies for Success in Uncertain Times” forum, hosted by Wilson Sonsini in Cambridge, brings together leaders from Vertex, F-Prime, and Flagship. A valuable platform where Asian founders and investors in biotech. More: wsgr.com/en/events/asia…

Addis Ababa University is following the University of Tokyo model to build a startup ecosystem — turning academic hubs into economic engines through IP reform and talent design. thereporterethiopia.com/47349/

Chicago-based VC firm Origin Ventures has raised a $140M AI-focused early-stage fund. Regional VCs like Origin are emerging as key nodes in the global AI innovation network. Details: bizjournals.com/chicago/inno/s…

Seattle-based startup Singletto has received FDA approval for its virus-neutralizing mask, now available on Amazon. A breakthrough that could redefine PPE and medical textile innovation — the shift toward material tech as a platform is accelerating. geekwire.com/2024/startup-l…

Japan’s first “Responsible Seafood Procurement Roundtable” has launched. The initiative promotes traceability aligned with GDST and sustainability under FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Details: prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p…

55 North launches a €134M quantum-focused fund with Novo Holdings and EIFO as LPs. A global mandate could include Japan’s quantum & semiconductor startups — signaling a new era of DeepTech capital circulation. Details: sifted.eu/articles/55-no…

Many aquaculture startups failed to pass Katapult Ocean’s selection. The keys: tech validation and capital resilience. Ocean tech truly embodies deeptech’s toughest implementation challenges. Details: thefishsite.com/articles/aquac…

Yu Galaxy raises $90M, surpassing $500M AUM. Investing in AI, healthcare, defense & automation. Strong portfolio incl. Capstan & Leo Cancer Care — a clear signal of focused VC evolution. Details: citybiz.co/article/754260…

TCV leads $100M Series B in Japan’s LayerX. SaaS automation with global ambitions—expanding into Asia & North America. A notable step for Japan’s SaaS VC landscape. Details: forbesmiddleeast.com/innovation/sta…

EF shuts down France/Germany programs to double down on the US. While the US market is attractive, accelerators should also provide regional diversity. Risk of ecosystem imbalance remains. Article: sifted.eu/articles/entre…

Grateful for the chance to meet our investors Kimura-san (@ryosukick_en) and Koshu Kunii (@KoshuKunii) from Lifetime Ventures at #StartupElevate2025! Their insights and encouragement fuel our drive to build and innovate. Always inspiring to connect with the people who support our journey! Thank you, @ltv_2017, for bringing together visionaries and founders.

Czech VC fund Aspire11 raises €500M. 25% will be allocated to other VC funds, while up to €30M will go directly into Series B/C growth companies. A hybrid FoF + direct strategy, marking a long-term shift as European pension money flows into venture. sifted.eu/articles/500m-…

A new biotech challenger in eye disease: Ollin, led by a Genentech veteran, launches with $100M and a bold plan to take on Vabysmo with head-to-head trials. fiercebiotech.com/biotech/eye-di…

ICER finds semaglutide and tirzepatide “clinically justifiable” despite high prices. Regulatory views like this can shift the game for market access and pricing. More: geneonline.com/icer-draft-rep…

🧬 Michael Langer, son of Moderna co-founder Robert Langer, launches new VC firm T.Rx with a $77.5M debut fund. Backed by his father and focused on Series B+ techbio startups, this move signals the next generation of life sciences venture leadership. fiercebiotech.com/biotech/modern…