The KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND Invests in Brave group, a Global IP Business Centered on Comprehensive VTuber Production
- CSV
April 22, 2026
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
TOKYO, April 22, 2026 – Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) announced today that it has invested in Brave group Inc. (Brave group) through the KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND, a corporate venture capital (CVC) fund established jointly with Global Brain Corporation (Global Brain), a leading independent venture capital firm.
Among digital-native generations such as Generation Z and Generation Alpha, there are believed to be latent health challenges related to mental well-being, sleep, and lifestyle habits. In addressing these challenges among younger generations, it is increasingly important to go beyond the provision of information and adopt communication approaches that foster appropriate understanding. Information consumption among younger audiences has diversified, combining exposure to mass media such as television commercials with interactive communication through influencers and “favorite” creators.
Brave group develops entertainment businesses built around content with strong affinity to younger audiences, including esports and music. In the IP Production field, which includes VTuber businesses, Brave group manages all aspects of VTuber activities—from planning and development to streaming, events, and community building—and has built a strong fan base through ongoing, interactive communication in everyday settings. Through this investment, Kirin Holdings aims to deepen understanding of health among younger generations by leveraging these touchpoints, while also seeking to create new businesses and expand its business foundation in the health science domain.
About Brave group
Founded in 2017, Brave group is an entertainment company that operates under the purpose of “Japanese Adventure, World Wide Romance” and the mission of “Strike wonder in 8 billion hearts”. Brave group develops multiple businesses domestically and internationally in the IP Production field, which includes VTuber businesses, as well as in the closely related IP Platform and IP Solution fields. Alongside highly distinctive IP such as “VSPO!”, which has a strong presence in the esports space, Brave group has built a multifaceted business model encompassing streaming, merchandise, events, and licensing. By internalizing 3D/XR technologies and studio functions, Brave group seeks to maximize IP value, while aiming for the global growth of Japanese-origin IP through initiatives such as animation production and expanded overseas operations.
About the CVC Fund “KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND”
Through the KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND, Kirin Holdings intends to invest in startups around the globe that have innovative technologies and business models for resolving health issues, and to leverage their advanced health science technologies and solutions for improving customer experience. By combining the Kirin Group’s wealth of assets and competence in health science with innovations and technologies that startups will bring to partnerships, Kirin Holdings will be better able to bolster its existing Food & Beverages domain as well as step up efforts to launch new businesses in its Health Science domain.
About Kirin Holdings
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.
Under its long-term vision “Innovate2035!”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourage behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group-wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well-being.
The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth in corporate value.
*Creating Shared Value combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.
Company Overview
(1) About the KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND
| Fund name | KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND (registered as KIRIN and GB Investment Limited Partnership) |
|---|---|
| Primary sector for investment | Startups around the globe operating in the health science domain |
| Established | March 2020 |
| Assets under management | 5 billion yen |
| Investment period | 10 years |
| General partner | Global Brain Corporation |
(2) About Global Brain Corporation
| Company name | Global Brain Corporation |
|---|---|
| Head office | SHIBUYA AXSH, 2-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, JAPAN |
| Representative | Yasuhiko Yurimoto, President & CEO |
| Established | January 1998 |
| Primary business | Venture Capital |
| URL | https://globalbrains.com/en/ |
(3) About Brave group
| Company name | Brave group Inc. |
|---|---|
| Head office | 8F PMO Tamachi III, 4-1-28, Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
| Representative | Keito Noguchi, President & CEO |
| Established | October 2017 |
| Primary business | IP Production/IP Platform/IP Solution |
| URL | https://bravegroup.co.jp/en/ |
