Organization · Corporate Venture Capital
WiL (World Innovation Lab)
WiL (World Innovation Lab) is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, and Tokyo, Japan, focusing on growth-stage technology companies. It aims to bridge the gap between the United States and Asia by facilitating innovation and expansion for startups and corporations.
Overview
What WiL (World Innovation Lab) does
What WiL (World Innovation Lab) is
WiL (World Innovation Lab) is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, and Tokyo, Japan, focusing on growth-stage technology companies. It aims to bridge the gap between the United States and Asia by facilitating innovation and expansion for startups and corporations.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Corporate Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2013
- Approximate age
- About 13 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
Official channels
Find WiL (World Innovation Lab) elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
WiL (World Innovation Lab) as a funder
Investment thesis
WiL aims to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley innovation and large Japanese and broader Asian corporations, investing in companies ready to scale and enter new markets.
Focus narrative
WiL invests in early to growth-stage companies, particularly in technology, healthcare, and consumer products. The organization emphasizes collaboration between startups and established corporations to drive innovation, focusing on identifying disruptive technologies and business models.
Value beyond capital
WiL adds value to its portfolio companies by leveraging its deep relationships with Japanese corporations and government entities, facilitating market entry and expansion into Japan and Asia. The firm helps startups access innovation through co-investment and strategic partnerships.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed · Series A · Series B · Series C · Series D · Growth Equity
- Sectors
- FintechInsurance TechnologyHealthcareArtificial IntelligenceCloud InfrastructureCybersecurityClimate & SustainabilityWeb3 & Blockchain
- Regions
- North AmericaAsiaEurope
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded notable exits
- Asana, Mercari, Wise, Auth0, and Soracom
Portfolio context
WiL's portfolio includes notable companies such as: CureMetrix: A healthcare technology company improving mammography readings using AI. Cogo: A platform providing insights into consumer behavior and preferences. Zymergen: A biotechnology company leveraging machine learning and automation to develop new materials. Asana: A work management SaaS platform (US-listed; exit). Mercari: A Japan C2C marketplace (Japan-listed; exit). Wise: A cross-border payments platform (UK-listed; exit). Soracom: An IoT global connectivity platform that IPO'd on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2024.
Common questions
What to know about WiL (World Innovation Lab)
Upseed classifies WiL (World Innovation Lab) under the Corporate Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.