Press release: kimaru.ai selected to join inaugural Alchemist Japan program
Alchemist Japan, a US-based accelerator program specializing in the B2B sector, announces the companies selected
Mitsubishi Estate Open Innovation Portal Selects 9 Startups from Around the World
October 4, 2024, 14:00 JST
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Atsushi Nakajima, hereinafter referred to as “Mitsubishi Estate”) has been actively promoting the formation of a startup ecosystem in areas such as the Marunouchi district. Mitsubishi Estate has entered into a partnership with Alchemist Accelerator LLC, a leading accelerator based in Silicon Valley, USA (Headquarters: California; CEO: Ravi Belani, hereinafter referred to as “Alchemist”).
Alchemist has selected nine B2B startups for its first equity-based accelerator program in Asia, called “Alchemist Japan.” This inaugural cohort is comprised of internationally diverse entrepreneurs from Japan, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, all of whom have strong technical founders or co-founders. These nine companies will participate in a 3-month Alchemist Japan program in Japan, followed by a 6-month program in the United States, with the aim of expanding into the US and global markets, as well as raising funds from US investors. The demo day for this first cohort of Alchemist Japan is scheduled for December 19, 2024, during which the startups will pitch primarily to Japanese and Asian investors and corporations.
Selected Startups:
| Company Name (Service/Product Name) | Primary Market | Keywords |
| bitgrit Inc. | Japan | AI, SaaS, Web3 |
| Cyanotype Bio | Asia, USA | Biomaterials, Climate Tech, Biodiversity |
| Glidely | USA | Sales, SaaS, Calendar |
| kimaru.ai | USA, Japan, Asia | Decision Intelligence, SaaS, AI |
| Liberius Technology Inc (Hotelwee) | Japan, Asia | Hospitality, AI, SaaS |
| Riv Inc. (Cibus Clouds) | Japan | Foodtech, Food Traceability, Logistics Optimization |
| Shosabi Inc. | Japan, USA, Middle East | Digital Health, 3D motion capture, Wellness |
| Smart Agri Labs | Asia, USA | Agtech, AI, Climate Tech |
| xMap | Asia, USA, Middle East | AI, LLM, Geospatial |
About the Alchemist Japan Program
＜Schedule＞
• Class 1 Program Start: October 1, 2024
• Class 1 Demo Day: Scheduled for December 19, 2024, in the Marunouchi-Otemachi area (for global investors and corporations from Japan and Asia; invitation-only with some public invitations available). Limited slots are available, and interested participants can apply through this link. Winners will receive an invitation after a lottery selection.
Location:
• Global Business Hub Tokyo (Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube 3F, 1-9-2 Otemachi)
Program Overview:
The program provides participants with classes from Alchemist’s global mentors and guidance from business coaches, aiming to help them expand into the US and global markets while securing funding from global VCs. Participants in Alchemist Japan will complete a 3-month Japan-based program followed by a 6-month US-based program. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to present at the demo day in Japan (first session on December 19, 2024) and, if desired, at the next US demo day (January 2025).
For more information on Alchemist Japan and how to participate, please visit:
About the Selected Startups:
1. Bitgrit Inc.
Offers an “AI App Store” that allows companies to license ready-to-use AI models and crowdsource custom AI solutions from a community of over 35,000 AI developers. Bitgrit’s patented technology enables the creation of AI models while preserving data privacy and has previously been deployed for NASA, SoftBank, and Atrae.
2. Cyanotype Bio
Leverages AI-based discovery systems and bio-manufacturing technology to explore and produce the remaining 97% of unexplored plant-derived chemicals. They are developing environmentally friendly biomaterials for cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals in collaboration with companies in these sectors.
3. Glidely
Provides solutions tailored for field sales personnel to streamline communication and planning, enabling them to focus on higher-value activities.
4. kimaru.ai
Offers AI solutions for managers facing complex challenges in inventory management, pricing, and supply chain logistics. It accelerates decision-making, enhances transparency, and improves productivity through decision support AI.
5. Liberius Technology Inc. (Hotelwee)
An AI-powered platform that connects hotel operations, enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction. Their Hotelwee reputation management system uses AI to turn customer feedback into actionable insights.
6. Riv Inc. (Cibus Clouds)
Provides an end-to-end ERP platform called Cibus Clouds for food supply chain traceability, simplifying risk management for companies of all sizes.
7. SHOSABI Inc.
Offers a healthcare solution using 3D motion capture and deep tech for enhanced physical performance, initially targeting the fitness market with plans to expand into sports, clinics, and preventive healthcare.
8. Smart Agri Labs
Provides an AI platform for agricultural retailers and agribusinesses to deliver innovative decision support to farms, aiming for sustainable agriculture that withstands environmental changes.
9. xMap
Offers a platform for real-time demographic, traffic, and geographic data visualization, already used in consulting, retail, real estate, and urban planning sectors.
About Alchemist:
Alchemist Accelerator, LLC is an equity-based accelerator focusing on nurturing seed-stage B2B startups. Its sponsors include top firms and venture capital funds such as Mayfield Fund, Khosla Ventures, Foundation Capital, BASF, Mitsubishi Estate, NEC, Cisco, Siemens, GE, Salesforce, and One Capital. Alchemist’s primary criteria for selection include having exceptional technical co-founders and a team with a vision to change the world.
Prominent startups that have graduated from the Alchemist program include LaunchDarkly, Kyte, MoEngage, Foresight, Privacera, Matternet, mPharma, and Rigetti Computing.
For more information about Alchemist Japan, please visit:
About Mitsubishi Estate’s Innovation Ecosystem:
To build an innovation ecosystem, Mitsubishi Estate has developed six startup-focused service offices in the Marunouchi area. They collaborate and invest in academia, venture capital, and acceleration programs, acting as key drivers for ecosystem development. Mitsubishi Estate also operates a community platform to promote organic connections among all stakeholders, facilitating a thriving innovation environment.
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