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OkWave
OkWave is a family office led by Hajime Sugiura, operating the Q&A platform OKWAVE and the gratitude app GRATICA.
OkWave
OkWave was founded by Hajime Sugiura, who serves as President and Representative Director. The firm's stated Purpose is to "accumulate and visualize stories of gratitude" to improve societal well-being, a mission rooted in the belief that the world is already full of thank-yous (Altss research). This ethos shapes both its operating companies and investment activities. The firm runs at least three consumer-facing services: the Q&A community OKWAVE, the subscription-based OKWAVE Plus, and the gratitude-card app GRATICA. These platforms accumulate user-generated content around problem-solving and appreciation. OkWave's investment strategy focuses on technology-enabled platforms that amplify positive social interaction, community engagement, and well-being. Its geographic footprint spans three regions — Asia, North America, and Oceania — with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and New York. The firm likely deploys capital across venture-stage digital health, consumer internet, and media assets, though specific portfolio companies are not disclosed. The firm operates with a small professional team led by Sugiura. Recent activity includes publishing monthly rankings for OKWAVE Plus and GRATICA card releases, with the latest being May 2026 announcements for both platforms (per the firm, May 2026). OkWave also maintains a philanthropic angle through its content and community-building initiatives, though it does not appear to operate a separate foundation. What distinguishes OkWave is its integration of a values-driven mission directly into its operating and investment model. Rather than a traditional family office with separate charitable and for-profit arms, OkWave treats its Purpose as the unifying framework. This hybrid structure — part operating company, part investment vehicle — is rare among Asian family offices and gives the firm a differentiated posture in both deal sourcing and brand building.
General information
Firm type
Family Office
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Asia
Country
Singapore
City
Singapore
Corporate office
Singapore, Singapore
Additional offices
Tokyo, Japan · New York, United States
Principals
Hajime Sugiura
President and Representative Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at OkWave?
Hajime Sugiura, President and Representative Director, leads the firm. His background is not publicly detailed beyond his role as founder and CEO, but he sets the strategic and investment direction for the family office (per the firm's website).
How does OkWave source proprietary deal flow?
OkWave's deal flow likely comes from its own operating platforms—the Q&A community OKWAVE and the gratitude app GRATICA—which generate consumer behavioral data and relationships. The firm's stated Purpose, centered on gratitude and societal well-being, may attract like-minded founders and investors, creating proprietary opportunities in digital health, community platforms, and consumer tech.
Is OkWave structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
OkWave is a hybrid entity: it operates consumer-facing platforms (OKWAVE, GRATICA) while also acting as an investment vehicle. It does not present itself as a pure family office or a venture capital firm. Its leadership and services suggest it functions as a mission-driven operating company with investment activities aligned to its Purpose.
What investment stages does OkWave typically target?
OkWave's investment stages are not publicly specified. Given its operating focus on direct-to-consumer platforms, it is likely active at venture and growth stages, particularly in companies that align with its mission of societal well-being and community building.
Which sectors does OkWave explicitly avoid?
OkWave has not publicly stated any avoided sectors. However, its stated Purpose—visualizing gratitude and improving well-being—would likely discourage investments in industries perceived as detrimental to social cohesion, such as gambling, weapons, or addictive substances, though this is speculative.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The origin of the wealth managed by OkWave is not publicly disclosed. The family office is headed by Hajime Sugiura, but the source of the family's capital base is not specified in available materials.
Does OkWave maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
OkWave does not appear to operate a separate philanthropic foundation. Its entire operating model—centered on community gratitude and well-being—functions as an integrated social mission within the firm's commercial activities, rather than a segregated charitable arm.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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