Tokyo-based Sakana AI, co-founded by former Google researchers Llion Jones and David Ha, has raised ¥20 billion (~$135M) in a new funding round, valuing the startup at $2.65 billion. With total funding now reaching $379 million, Sakana AI is positioning itself at the forefront of Japan-first generative AI innovation.
The capital will be deployed to accelerate deep-tech research and development and roll out generative AI solutions across finance, manufacturing, government, and defence sectors. By focusing on domestic applications, Sakana AI aims to tailor advanced AI models to Japan-specific data, compliance standards, and operational needs, ensuring maximum relevance and adoption in local industries.
The startup’s founders, both seasoned AI researchers, emphasize the strategic importance of building generative AI models that reflect Japan’s unique technological and societal landscape. Their mission is to bridge global AI breakthroughs with practical, enterprise-ready applications that can transform decision-making, automate complex workflows, and drive efficiency across critical sectors.
This latest funding milestone underscores the growing momentum of generative AI startups in Japan and highlights investor confidence in technologies that combine global expertise with localized innovation. Sakana AI’s advances are expected to set new benchmarks in AI research, deployment speed, and real-world impact, helping Japanese enterprises harness the power of generative AI while maintaining sovereignty over their data and technology.
As generative AI becomes central to global industrial and governmental strategies, Sakana AI is emerging as a key enabler of Japan’s AI-driven future, combining cutting-edge research, sector-specific applications, and deep local insight to deliver transformative solutions.
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