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MedVenture Partners
MedVenture Partners, founded by Hiroshi Kawahara in 1999, seeds medtech startups navigating Japan's PMDA regulatory path from Tokyo.
MedVenture Partners
MedVenture Partners is a Japanese venture capital firm that invests in medical device start-ups in Japan and the US, particularly in Silicon Valley. The firm has made 25 investments. Its most recent investment was in A-wave as part of their Series B - II on February 17, 2026.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
1999
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Asia
Country
Japan
City
Tokyo
Corporate office
Tokyo, Japan
Principals
Hiroshi Kawahara
Founder & Managing Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at MedVenture Partners?
Hiroshi Kawahara founded MedVenture Partners in 1999 and serves as Managing Partner, overseeing investment strategy and portfolio management. The firm operates with a lean investment committee drawn from its partnership group, integrating clinical and regulatory experts into deal evaluation.
How does MedVenture Partners source proprietary deal flow?
The firm sources primarily through relationships with Japanese university technology-transfer offices and research hospitals in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Its long-standing expertise in PMDA regulatory pathways gives it early visibility into spinouts that require specialized navigation of Japan's medical-device approval process.
What investment stages does MedVenture Partners target?
MedVenture Partners invests from seed through late-stage venture, with particular emphasis on early-stage companies that have completed proof-of-concept and are approaching clinical validation or PMDA submission. The firm may also participate in expansion rounds for portfolio companies progressing through regulatory milestones.
Which sectors does MedVenture Partners focus on?
The firm concentrates on medical devices, digital health, biotechnology, and healthcare services. Its investment thesis centers on innovations that require deep engagement with Japan's healthcare regulatory system — PMDA approval, clinical trial protocols, and reimbursement frameworks.
Does MedVenture Partners invest outside Japan?
MedVenture Partners' investment activity is concentrated in Japan, with its portfolio drawn from domestic academic and clinical research ecosystems. There is no public record of direct investments in companies headquartered outside Japan.
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