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Scrum Ventures is an early-stage venture firm that helps startups and corporations innovate together.
Scrum Ventures operates as an early-stage venture firm and an investment platform that identifies and supports emerging startups. It focuses on facilitating the global expansion of these companies by leveraging its extensive network and connecting them with strategic corporate partners, particularly in the Japanese market. The firm’s approach integrates both direct investment and co-creation initiatives through its Scrum Studio arm, fostering innovation across diverse industries in the U.S. and Japan.
The firm was founded in 2013 by Tak Miyata, an experienced entrepreneur with a background spanning startup creation and executive leadership in Silicon Valley, alongside significant expertise in Japan. Miyata's insight centered on bridging the technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley with the substantial market opportunities and corporate powerhouses in Japan. This dual-market pedigree laid the foundation for Scrum Ventures' unique cross-border strategy.
Scrum Ventures primarily serves early-stage startups seeking to scale internationally, as well as established corporate entities looking for innovative technologies and partnership opportunities. The company’s overarching vision is to accelerate the growth of industry-changing startups by providing capital, strategic guidance, and invaluable market access. It aims to create a dynamic ecosystem where nascent companies can thrive and integrate with global business landscapes.
Key people at Scrum Ventures.
Key people at Scrum Ventures.
Scrum Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on fostering innovation by bridging startups and corporations primarily in the U.S. and Japan. Its mission centers on helping startups grow by connecting them with leading Japanese corporates such as Panasonic, Fujitsu, and DeNA, facilitating market expansion and collaboration. The firm invests across diverse sectors but has recently emphasized technology companies in sports and entertainment through a dedicated $68 million fund. Scrum Ventures supports startups not only with capital but also with strategic partnerships and operational guidance, significantly impacting the startup ecosystem by accelerating cross-border innovation and market access[1][3][4].
Founded in 2013 by Tak Miyata, a seasoned entrepreneur with Silicon Valley and Japanese startup experience, Scrum Ventures was created to serve as an innovation gateway between the U.S. and Japan. The firm has evolved from a generalist early-stage investor to launching vertical-focused funds, such as the Scrum Sports & Entertainment Fund I in 2025, reflecting its adaptive strategy to capitalize on emerging market trends. Key partners include industry veterans like Kazuhiro Kiyoshige and Michael Proman, who bring deep expertise in sports, entertainment, and global marketing, further shaping the firm’s focus and growth[1][3][6].
Scrum Ventures rides the trend of globalization in venture capital, particularly the increasing importance of cross-border collaboration between the U.S. and Asia. The timing aligns with the rapid growth of sectors like sports tech and entertainment, where technology is transforming consumer engagement and market dynamics. By focusing on these verticals, Scrum Ventures leverages market forces such as digital transformation and globalization, influencing the broader ecosystem by enabling startups to scale internationally and innovate through corporate partnerships[3][5].
Looking ahead, Scrum Ventures is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to launch sector-specific funds and expanding its global network. Trends such as the digitization of sports and entertainment, increased corporate-startup collaboration, and Asia-U.S. innovation flows will shape its journey. The firm’s evolving influence will likely enhance its role as a critical connector and enabler of innovation across continents, reinforcing its mission to accelerate startup growth and corporate innovation in tandem[3][6]. This trajectory ties back to its founding vision of bridging markets and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships.