Kyocera Ventures

Kyocera Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Kyocera, a global technology and manufacturing leader. The firm is dedicated to fueling bold ideas and partnering with visionary teams that are reshaping industries through breakthrough technologies. They focus on early-stage investments, specifically Seed to Series B companies, with individual investments ranging from $200K to $2M. Their investment scope spans across the US and Europe, with additional funds targeting Japan, Asia, and EMEA regions.

The venture capital initiative was formally established in 2024. Kyocera launched two distinct funds: the Kyocera Venture Fund-I LP (KVF-I), a US $60 million fund primarily investing in startups in the U.S. and EMEA, and the Kyocera Venture Innovation Fund-I (KVIF-I), an approximately US $40 million fund focusing on Japan and Asia. These funds collectively represent a global venture capital funding portfolio of approximately US $100 million, building upon Kyocera's long history of supporting startups through direct investment and collaboration.

Kyocera Ventures targets a broad range of transformative technologies. Their portfolio includes companies like Chipletz, which is reimagining semiconductor integration; Mixed Signal Devices, enabling high-speed systems; Helix Carbon, focused on carbon-neutral fuel systems; K Motors, decarbonizing mobility with EV technology; Sunset Point Software, transforming IT operations; Kato Med, advancing surgery with AI-guided precision; and RealView Imaging, pioneering holography for image-guided care. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to deep tech, sustainability, and human and digital systems.

The team at Kyocera Ventures combines deep technical expertise with extensive investment experience. General Partners Rick Johnson and Kenji Kodomari bring decades of leadership in wireless, semiconductor, M&A, and global investment. Laurent Desclos, Partner, R&D, is an IEEE Fellow and inventor with over 210 patents, providing profound technical insight. Shiva Chandra, Senior Associate, contributes a strong background in project finance and early-stage investments. Venture Advisors Al Schuele and Benny Saville further augment the team's strategic and operational capabilities.