The onset of the global pandemic highlighted a widespread desire for improved wellness and well-being. Niremia Collective, a venture capital firm rooted in Silicon Valley, is capitalizing on this demand as well as addressing the gender imbalance in venture capital with its inaugural fund, securing $22.5 million in capital commitments.
Niremia Collective emerges as a prominent women-led fund, aligning itself with other debut funds like New Fare Partners, Curate Capital, Pact, Double Down, and f7 Ventures.
Co-founders Naoko Okumoto and Nichol Bradford first crossed paths in 2018 and embarked on various initiatives before uniting as investors. Their focus is on nurturing startups at the pre-seed and seed stages that innovate in the realm of well-being technology.
The firm’s name, Niremia, melds “iremia” — the Greek term for peace and tranquility — with the founders’ initials, symbolizing their commitment to fostering serenity and wellness.
Okumoto, with a 17-year tenure in major tech firms and a rich background in investment and business development both in the U.S. and Japan, emphasizes the importance of human happiness and health. “We are destined for happiness, aiming to unlock the fullest potential of humanity through technological investment,” she shared with TechCrunch.
Her experience includes leadership roles at Mistletoe Venture Partners, a social impact fund, and Amber Bridge Partners, specializing in international business and investment advisory.
Bradford, with a diverse background in tech, ventured into the gaming industry with positions at Disney Interactive and Vivendi Games. She played a pivotal role in the Activision Blizzard merger with Microsoft during her time in corporate strategy at Vivendi and founded Transformative Tech, a leading global network focused on wellness technology.
Niremia Collective’s debut fund has attracted support from notable investors including Mistletoe Venture Partners, Shionogi Pharmaceuticals, and MIXI Inc., positioning it to empower well-being startups in a market expected to reach $8.5 trillion by 2027.
Bradford highlights the firm’s investment ethos centered on mental, social, and emotional well-being, aiming to harness human potential and technology for healing, thriving, and reaching peak human performance.
To date, Niremia Collective has invested in 12 startups, including Feno, an AI-driven oral care provider; Tripp, a VR/XR wellness platform; and DeepWell, a company focusing on mental health treatments through gaming.
