Abstract

A "textbook on entrepreneurship and management" from a venture capital firm spun off from the University of Tokyo. How to commercialize research that changes society, start a company, and lead it to success—the essentials are explained in detail based on numerous support cases and corporate examples.

This book, edited by a venture capital firm spun off from the University of Tokyo, comprehensively explains "the knowledge and essentials necessary for starting a business in the science and technology field, from company establishment and fundraising to global expansion, M&A, and IPO."

Japan ranks second in the world for the number of Nobel Prize winners in the natural sciences and surpasses Silicon Valley in the number of international patent applications. Nevertheless, there are very few startups that have achieved global success through the commercialization of science and technology. The reason for this is that starting a business in the science and technology field has a different structure from starting a business in the IT field. This is because unique issues such as organizational structure, uncertainty in research and development, capital policy thinking, and intellectual property strategy are intricately intertwined.

This book aims to reduce confusion for entrepreneurs, managers, and investors in the science and technology sector by presenting strategies and practical knowledge for transforming research and technology into "businesses," based on the editor's successes and failures over the past 20 years of investing in science and technology.

The editor has established and managed six venture capital funds totaling over 130 billion yen, investing in approximately 160 companies. Of these, 20 have gone public, and 22 have achieved meaningful exits such as M&A. Based on these numerous support cases and corporate examples, this book details the essential know-how and approaches.

This book is highly insightful not only for entrepreneurs and researchers aiming to start businesses in the science and technology sector, but also for business commercialization personnel at universities and research institutions, VCs, and personnel at operating companies and CVCs seeking partnerships with science and technology startups.

Author’s Information

The organization is engaged in activities such as returning the university's knowledge to society through startups, as well as investing in startups that utilize outstanding science and technology. Since its founding in 2004 as the University of Tokyo Edge Capital, it has established and managed venture capital funds UTEC No. 1 to No. 6, totaling over 130 billion yen. It has invested in approximately 160 companies, of which 20 have gone public and 22 have achieved meaningful exits such as M&A (mergers and acquisitions) (as of February 2026).