UTokyo IPC Exercises Stock Options to Make Additional Investment in Robotruck
PrintUTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC; President & CEO: Kosuke Ueda) announced today that its Accelerating Open Innovation 1 Investment Limited Partnership (AOI Fund I) has exercised stock options and invested ¥75 million in Robotruck Inc. (CEO: Yusuke Haga), a Tokyo-based startup pioneering autonomous truck solutions for long-distance freight transport.
The investment is made in partnership with GLOBIS Capital Partners, ORIX Corporation, Archetype Ventures, Mizuho Leaguer Investment I L.P., ON&BOARD Inc., Ikuyo Inc., Hitoshi Tomioka (CEO, Telexistence Inc.), the PKSHA Algorithm Fund No.2, and AIS CAPITAL Inc.
Pioneering Autonomous Trucking Solutions to Address Japan’s 2024 Logistics Crisis
Robotruck is a startup focused on solving the pressing “2024 logistics problem” in Japan through cutting-edge autonomous driving technology tailored for commercial trucks.
Its founder, Nan Wu, has a distinguished background in autonomous driving research at Waseda University, where he also served as a research associate and guest associate professor. In 2016, he co-founded a U.S.-based autonomous vehicle startup, leading the development of the world’s first Level 4 autonomous heavy-duty truck and contributing to the company’s eventual listing on the NASDAQ.
In April 2024, Robotruck was established in Japan to take on a new challenge. Leveraging proprietary AI algorithms and technologies, the company was selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Mobility DX Program,” and successfully conducted a 100-km Level 4-equivalent test run between Suruga Bay Numazu and Hamamatsu service areas on the Shin-Tomei Expressway — within one year of incorporation.
Looking ahead, Robotruck plans to conduct Level 4-equivalent pilot tests on the Tokyo–Nagoya route in FY2025 and the Tokyo–Osaka route in FY2026, with a commercial launch slated for FY2027. The company aims to become a leader in long-distance autonomous trucking in Japan and to work alongside existing logistics operators to address their most critical operational challenges.
UTokyo IPC made its initial investment in Robotruck in March 2025 and is making this follow-on investment as part of its long-term commitment to supporting the company’s growth. The funds will primarily be used to strengthen R&D capabilities, scale pilot programs in collaboration with logistics companies, and enhance partnerships with infrastructure-related firms for commercialization.
UTokyo IPC remains committed to supporting startups — especially those originating from academia — through continued funding and hands-on support, contributing to the advancement of the innovation ecosystem in Japan.
Comment from Yusuke Haga, CEO, Robotruck Inc.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to both our existing and new investors who have placed their trust in Robotruck and aligned themselves with our mission: to support the future of Japan’s logistics industry.
We have set Level 4 autonomous trucking between the Kanto and Kansai regions—Japan’s core freight corridor—as our initial milestone. It is truly encouraging to move forward toward this goal alongside such strong partners as GLOBIS Capital Partners and ORIX Corporation.
As we pursue this nationally significant initiative under an “All-Japan” approach, continued collaboration with like-minded partners will be essential. We look forward to building new relationships with stakeholders across the logistics sector who share our vision for a better, more efficient future.
Comment from Takahiro Mizumoto, Partner & CIO, AOI No.1 Fund, UTokyo IPC
We are pleased to make a follow-on investment in Robotruck Inc., following our participation in the previous round.
I first came to know Mr. Haga through his role as an advisor to one of our portfolio companies, ARAV. We reconnected through a third-party agent, which ultimately led to his appointment as CEO of Robotruck.
In the process of developing the business plan for this round, we received significant support from Mr. Kanamori, who previously led fundraising efforts at another portfolio company, Penetrator, despite being in the midst of launching his own business. We deeply appreciate his contribution.
We are also grateful to the many entrepreneurs and partners who supported this round.
We remain committed to supporting Robotruck’s continued growth and development.
About the AOI No.1 Fund
AOI Fund I was established in 2020 to promote open innovation around the University of Tokyo. Based on the concept of “startup creation and investment through industry-academia collaboration,” the fund supports the formation of new ventures, corporate carve-outs, and startups leveraging strategic assets in partnership with leading companies across sectors.academia-industry collaboration.
About Robotruck Inc.
Business: R&D and deployment of autonomous trucking technology
Headquarters: 1-15-11 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Yusuke Haga
Website: https://robotruck.jp/
For Inquiries:
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC)
Entrepreneur Lab 261, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL: +81-3-3830-0200 / FAX: +81-3-3830-0183
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact: Takahiro Mizumoto