[Canon MJ] CVC Fund “Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI
Invested in Sagri, which provides farmland management solutions using satellite data and AI technology, through “Fund”
*Canon MJ*
Press release: August 8, 2024
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CVC Fund “Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI
Invested in Sagri, which provides farmland management solutions using satellite data and AI technology, through “Fund”
Canon Marketing Japan Inc. (Representative Director and President: Masachika Adachi, hereinafter referred to as Canon MJ) is a corporate venture capital (CVC) fund “Canon” jointly managed with Global Brain Inc. (Representative Director and President: Yasuhiko Yurimoto). Marketing Japan MIRAI
Through the Fund, we invested in Sagri Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, Representative Director and CEO: Shunsuke Tsuboi, hereinafter referred to as Sagri), which builds a data platform using satellite data, AI technology, and automatic
recognition technology for farmland plots.
Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund
Sagri
■Background and purpose of investment
Canon MJ Group is a future-oriented, research & business organization that works to create new businesses to solve social issues.
Development) Promotion Center was launched in January 2024. We are working to create new value by promoting open innovation worldwide with like-minded startup companies, educational institutions, and governments. Furthermore, in order to accelerate open innovation with start-up companies with cutting-edge technologies and business ideas, Canon
Established Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund.
Sagri is a start-up company that builds a data platform that combines satellite data, AI technology, and automatic farmland recognition technology to solve challenges in the agricultural field and climate change globally. By combining AI technology with satellite data, we are able to efficiently understand the existence of abandoned farmland*, soil conditions, and crop growth status. Since it is possible to grasp the condition of farmland with high precision, it has an advantage in managing small-scale farmland, which is common in Japan and other parts of Asia. We already have a track record of collaboration with government agencies in Asian countries, and we expect to expand our overseas expansion.
Additionally, by being able to easily understand the condition of farmland, it not only improves the efficiency of farmland management, but also contributes to increasing farmers’ profits by reducing fertilizer usage. Furthermore, by analyzing changes in farmland usage using satellite data and supporting farmers’ decarbonization efforts, we aim to support the acquisition of carbon credits and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund” is about Well Being, Business Our investment areas are Transformation (Business Transformation), and with this investment we will invest in Regional Business
Transformation.
Regeneration (visualization and re-recognition of regional value and creation of regionally-originated businesses), “Emerging”
We aim to realize “Creation of new industries using innovative technologies that solve social issues”. We participated in this financing with the hope that Sagri’s business will make a significant contribution to solving the world’s agricultural and environmental issues.
Through this investment, Canon MJ Group aims to create new businesses with the themes of “achieving carbon neutrality” and “improving high added value in primary industries.” Additionally, by linking Canon MJ Group’s customer base and imaging technology with Sagri’s farmland management solutions, we will contribute to Sagri’s business growth. Future business developments will be disclosed on the R&B website.
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An increase in abandoned farmland due to the aging of farmers and labor shortages not only increases the risk of disasters due to a decline in the land’s water storage capacity, but also has a negative impact on nearby residents due to the occurrence of pests and wildlife damage, as well as illegal waste disposal. It has become a social problem because it may encourage dumping.
-Saguri business overview diagram-
Sagri business overview diagram
■Saguri overview:
Company name Sagri Co., Ltd.
Date of establishment: June 14, 2018
Address: 725-1 Tokaku, Hikami-cho, Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture Representative Representative Director CEO Shunsuke Tsuboi
Business content Business creation using satellite data analysis and machine learning
URL https://sagri.tokyo/
■Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund Overview:
Name (registered name) Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund
(Canon Marketing Japan Future Investment Limited Partnership) Establishment date: January 29, 2024
Unlimited Liability Partner Global Brain Co., Ltd.
Limited liability member Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
Fund size: 10 billion yen
Operation period: 10 years
Investment target: Owning businesses and services that realize Well Being and Business Transformation
Start-up companies at all stages in Japan and overseas
URL https://corporate.canon.jp/profile/management-strategy/rb/mirai-fund ■Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund investment area
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Industry perspective
– *For general inquiries:* *R&B Promotion Center*