JAFCO America Ventures is the American affiliate of JAFCO Co., Ltd., Japan's largest private equity firm with no less than 1800 investments worldwide. Given its international profile, in addition to its investment team, JAFCO America Ventures specializes in helping portfolio companies attack Asian markets by linking U.S.-based companies with associate offices throughout East Asia. JAFCO America Ventures has offices in Palo Alto and Boston. Through its affiliates, the firm has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.

Investment strategy: running the gamut

With $750 million in investment capital under management, JAFCO America primarily seeks early stage technology opportunities. JAFCO America has even incubated several companies of note including Avanex and Monteray Networks. The company claims over 100 investments in North America and Israel, and has witnessed 30 of its portfolio companies successfully go public.

An Internet heavy portfolio

JAFCO America Ventures has investments in four technology-related areas: Internet, communications, software and systems and peripherals. Internet firms are the largest contingent of JAFCO America's portfolio, with investments in 16 firms. Some portfolio companies that have gone public include Digital Island, NetPerceptions and Silknet Software. Communications and systems and peripherals are in second place in terms of the number of investments. Communications companies that have executed recent IPOs include Aptis Communications, Monterey Networks and Sentient Networks. Systems and peripherals holdings include Brocade Communications Systems, Vixel Corp. and Calimetrics. JAFCO America has investments in eight software companies including Composit Communications and MS2.

Three management teams