D4V

D4V, short for Design for Ventures, is a venture capital firm in Tokyo focused on early-stage companies. It works with the global design company IDEO, so founders receive design coaching alongside funding. The firm holds that design shapes offerings, business models and the whole customer experience.

What D4V offers

• Seed to Series A investment: funding for Japanese consumer and enterprise startups in many industries.
• Design sprints: joint sessions with start-up teams to speed up progress.
• User research: help with interviews and other design research.
• Hiring: guidance for companies recruiting their first designer.
• Culture coaching: advice for founders on building a design-driven team.

Who it works with

The firm supports startups that want to improve individual lives and society, and that focus on end-user needs. Portfolio examples include airCloset, a fashion rental service, and Halu, which designs a portable chair for children. D4V has published research based on interviews with 153 Japanese start-up managers.

Key facts

• Based in: Tokyo
• Partner: IDEO
• Portfolio: more than 40 companies
• Funds: two funds closed