144 Ventures

MESSAGE: 

Looking 144 years ahead: a new challenge to support entrepreneurs with long-term visions

Situation at the time of establishment

In December 2018, I restructured the Leave a Nest Group and had my co-founders become the co-president, and for myself to assume the role of Group CEO. With a vision to expand into Southeast Asia, I began focusing on Singapore and Malaysia. Coincidentally, in 2019, the Singapore government launched its “30 by 30” policy, aiming to produce 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030.

In response to the global pursuit of sustainable food, agriculture, and food security, we established a company to support seed-stage startups. This is Glocalink Singapore.

Recognizing that Leave a Nest Group could not accomplish this alone, we initiated partnerships with Euglena, a food biotechnology company that I have been supporting ever since its establishment, and KOBASHI, an agricultural machinery manufacturer with a history of more than 100 years. In the five years since, we've supported 30 companies, with 10 of them already achieving significant results.

The future direction of 144 ventures

Investing in food and agriculture is investing in humanity's long-term sustainability. We ask ourselves, “What legacy will we leave for future generations?” This perspective guides our investment in visionary entrepreneurs committed to advancing humanity over the long term.

Recognizing that this mission transcends generations, we decided to rebrand as 144 Ventures. Our goal is to support founders with a 144 year vision – those who care about long-lasting impact across centuries. This vision isn't confined to any specific sector; we seek globally-minded founders with this long-term perspective across all fields.

Startups invested by Leave a Nest are renowned for their solid technological foundations. Under 144 Ventures, these companies will not only solidify their technological credibility but will also stand out by their long-term, visionary approaches.

Mindset that founders should have

Consider Plantex (a Japanese startup developing an enclosed plant cultivation system), for example, the founders' vision extends beyond simply freeing humanity from traditional agriculture. Their goal is to address climate change through revolutionary food production methods. This exemplifies a truly long-term perspective.

Similarly, Keith, the founder of Crown Digital, in which 144 Ventures has invested, embodies this forward-thinking approach. His focus isn't merely on building a coffee machine; he's creating a space where people can connect and find comfort through coffee. This concept addresses a fundamental human need that will persist for generations to come.

These examples illustrate a crucial point: while a startup's product is important, it's the founder's underlying concept and long-term vision that are truly critical. We're not just investing in products; we're investing in visionaries who understand and aim to address enduring human needs and global challenges.