Founded by ex-Google researchers in 2023, Tokyo’s Sakana AI reached a $2.65B valuation with a nature-inspired approach to building AI models.
A new kind of AI lab in Tokyo
Sakana AI was founded in 2023 in Tokyo by a group of former Google researchers — including Llion Jones, a co-author of the original Transformer paper, alongside David Ha and Ren Ito. Rather than chase ever-larger models, Sakana takes inspiration from nature: its signature technique, model merging, combines existing models to create new capabilities efficiently, with a focus on the Japanese language and local enterprise needs.
Japan’s most valuable unicorn
In November 2025 Sakana closed a roughly $135 million Series B at a $2.65 billion valuation, making it Japan’s most valuable startup. Investors include MUFG, NVIDIA, Khosla Ventures, New Enterprise Associates and others. The company is expanding from finance into industrial, manufacturing and government use cases.
Why it represents the next generation
Sakana is proof that world-class AI research can be built in Japan, for Japan — sovereign models tuned to Japanese language and culture, led by globally recognised researchers. It anchors a new generation of Japanese deep-tech ambition.
Why it matters for global partners and investors
- For enterprises, Sakana offers efficient, Japanese-optimised AI models as an alternative to foreign frontier labs.
- For investors, it is Japan’s most valuable AI startup with blue-chip backers and an expanding enterprise pipeline.
- The trend to watch is sovereign AI — models built in and for Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sakana AI?
Sakana AI is a Tokyo-based artificial-intelligence company founded in 2023 by former Google researchers. It builds efficient AI models, optimised for the Japanese language, using nature-inspired techniques such as model merging.
How valuable is Sakana AI?
Sakana AI reached a valuation of about $2.65 billion after a roughly $135 million Series B round in November 2025, making it Japan’s most valuable startup (unicorn).
Who founded Sakana AI?
It was co-founded by former Google researchers, including Llion Jones — a co-author of the seminal Transformer paper — along with David Ha and Ren Ito.
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This profile is part of Japonity’s next-generation Japanese companies series, spotlighting the startups and challengers redefining Japan’s new economy.
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