May 25, 2023

KDDI Corporation

KDDI invested in GITAI Japan, Inc. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; Founder and CEO: Sho Nakanose; hereinafter "GITAI"), a developer and provider of general-purpose work robots for outer space, through the KDDI Open Innovation Fund III (operated by Global Brain Corporation; hereinafter "KOIF III"), which aims to incubate new business co-creations with promising venture startups.

GITAI is a Japanese startup which develops world-leading space robots. The company is developing safe and affordable robots for work in space which will assist in the construction and maintenance of artificial satellites, space stations, lunar bases, and Martian cities.
After opening a new office in Los Angeles in 2022, GITAI is expanding the development and manufacturing of general-purpose work robots for space in the US and its business activities.

Through this investment, KDDI will support the business growth of GITAI, a company with the stated vision of "providing safe and affordable means of labor in space." Moreover, in addition to utilizing KDDI assets to support GITAI, KDDI aims to jointly take on new challenges in the space domain.

As "the company that customers feel closest to," KDDI will continue to promote business co-creation through investment in promising startup companies, and create new business models together with customers and partners.

(Reference)

• ■Overview of GITAI Japan, Inc.

  • (1)

    Company name: GITAI Japan, Inc.
    HP URL: https://gitai.tech/
    YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@gitai_hiringintheus2394

  • (2)

    Headquarters: 1-20-13 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo

  • (3)

    Date founded: July 2016

  • (4)

    Business activities: research, development, and manufacturing of work robots for space

  • (5)

    Representative: Sho Nakanose

• ■About KDDI Open Innovation Fund

  KDDI Open Innovation Fund is a corporate venture fund that supports a broad range of venture companies. The currently active KDDI Open Innovation Fund III focuses on the areas of AI, IoT, data marketing, fintech, B2B SaaS, and entertainment with a total operating fund of 20 billion yen.