Our investment in Sakana AI

Joining other investors including NEA, Lux Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Nvidia in their ~$200M series A round

In Japanese, the word 和 (Wa) escapes a precise English definition, yet it beautifully encompasses concepts like ‘harmony,’ ‘balance,’ and ‘togetherness,’ embodying the idea of working together in perfect accord. These values resonate profoundly with the role AI plays in today’s world, where creating systems that work in seamless harmony with human needs and society has never been more essential.

Our investment in Sakana AI is a direct expression of this belief. The name Sakana, which means fish in Japanese, symbolizes the intelligence and cooperative behavior observed in nature, particularly how smaller creatures, such as schools of fish, work together as one to navigate their environment. Sakana draws on these biological inspirations, developing AI systems based on collective intelligence and symbiotic relationships.

This spirit of collaboration is not only reflected in the philosophy of the company but is embodied in the founding team itself. From the beginning, we were struck by the unity and shared vision of David Ha (CEO), Llion Jones (CTO), and Ren Ito (COO). Each brings a unique set of experiences as successful AI researchers and operators, but what truly sets them apart is their deep-rooted connection to Japan, whether through upbringing or professional experience. This cultural awareness, combined with their technical and operational expertise, makes them uniquely positioned to lead this mission.

The concept of 和 extends beyond the company’s philosophy and team — it is also at the heart of their research. Sakana’s evolutionary model merge exemplified the power of combining smaller, specialized models to create a more powerful whole. Their recent “AI scientist” highlight the immense potential of human-AI collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Just as Sakana embodies the spirit of 和, Translink Capital has spent over 15 years cultivating deep strategic partnerships with over three dozen corporate LPs across Asia, guiding them on their innovation and digital transformation journeys. As a US-based venture capital firm with strong roots in Asia, our DNA is to create value building bridges between our portfolio companies and our LPs, fostering the flow of innovation and strategic collaboration. When we heard David’s vision to build a world-class AI company in Japan — attracting top-tier AI researchers from around the globe and leveraging the startup-building expertise of US venture capital — we knew immediately that Sakana was a venture we had to be part of.

We are excited to bring the full strength of our network and expertise to support Sakana’s growth — whether by facilitating commercial relationships with our LPs, helping them navigate the Japanese market with a global lens, or advising them on growth initiatives in the US and other regions in Asia. Through our hands-on approach, we are fully committed to empowering Sakana’s vision and driving transformative change in Japan and beyond.

Ultimately, Sakana’s mission is to develop AI systems that foster a deeper understanding and collaboration between humans and machines, mirroring the balance and interconnectedness found in nature. By wholeheartedly embracing this mission, Sakana is striving for a world where technology and biology not only coexist harmoniously but also empower and enhance each other, achieving the true essence of 和.

We are thrilled about our partnership with David, Llion, and Ren, and look forward to working together with them to advance humanity with AI.