NURTURING BRANDS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR BETTER HEALTH WORLDWIDE

At Otsuka Nutraceutical Emerging Ventures (“ONCE Ventures”), we search for companies that deliver meaningful improvements to consumer health. Our focus is on innovations that align with Otsuka’s mission to create and maintain better health worldwide.

  • Two elderly men sitting at a wooden picnic table playing chess outdoors, with three other adults standing and sitting around behind them.

    Longevity

    Novel supplements and digital health solutions that increase the number of healthy years a person lives

  • A highly magnified colorized image of two bacteria with surrounding structures and details.

    Microbiome

    Novel pre-, pro-, post-, and synbiotics supporting general and targeted health needs

  • Inside a refrigerator, various fresh vegetables and berries are visible. There are carrots, kale, strawberries, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, green onions, lemons, limes, and packaged food containers in colorful baskets.

    Personalized Nutrition

    Holistic health platforms including testing, personalized advice, and/or personalized supplements / dietary recommendations for targeted outcomes

  • A woman sitting on a bench, overlooking a sunset over rolling hills, during a peaceful outdoor scene.

    Mental Wellness

    Novel solutions to improve overall mental health by improving sleep, reducing stress, and increasing mental acuity

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a gray zip-up hoodie, white sports bra, and black leggings, stretches with her arms raised above her head on a dock by the water during sunset.

    Women's Health

    Digital and physical product solutions supporting women across life stages and preventing & managing acute conditions

  • Three scientists in lab coats and protective glasses looking at a tablet in a laboratory.

    Other Areas of Interest

    Scientifically differentiated medical foods, supplements, foods, digital health solutions, and consumer devices

We invest up to $5 million in Series A & B companies in our focus areas. We may consider companies in earlier and later stages on a case-by-case basis. When evaluating opportunities, we search for a combination of:

Located In or Focused On North America

Demonstrated Revenue (>$1M) or Strong Clinical Evidence

Available to Consumers Without a Prescription

Strong Strategic Fit with Otsuka’s Existing Businesses

Our Strengths

  • Proprietary insights, demonstrated brand-building capabilities, and long-tenured relationships with prominent retailers across North America all contribute to an ability to develop cross-channel go-to-market strategies

  • World class R&D capabilities include product development, clinical research design, and intellectual property protection

  • Significant regulatory and legal expertise supported by strong manufacturing practices, labeling, and health claims, across domestic and international markets

Person pointing at a wall covered with sticky notes or index cards during a planning session

Who is Otsuka

For 100 years, Otsuka has executed its mission of building a healthier world through groundbreaking creativity and innovation. Headquartered in Japan, the company operates multiple brands across Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite the increase in scale, size, and influence over the years, Otsuka has remained true to its core identity and family roots: A big venture company that thinks unconventionally and challenges the status quo.

Otsuka’s North American Nutraceutical Brands

Nature Made logo with green leaves and red background
Megafod logo in dark green cursive font on a white background
Bonafide logo in black text on a white background.
Daiya logo with green leaf and "Dairy-Free" text in green
Uqora logo with a red semicircle above the word 'uqora' in lowercase letters
EQUELLE logo in gray capital letters on a white background

Understanding Otsuka

  • A lab technician pouring pink liquid into a row of small, clear test tubes in a rack.

    Pharmaceutical Origins

    Leveraging the scientific expertise accumulated in our pharmaceutical business, we search for unique products with meaningful clinical evidence and support

  • A spoonful of ground greenish-brown powder on a white marble surface with some scattered powder around.

    Nutraceuticals

    Our core expertise are supplements, foods, & drinks supported by scientific evidence to contribute to the maintenance of everyday health. We have a robust track record of operating and nurturing leading brands in the health and wellness category

  • Black and white photograph of Otsuka's early manufacturing sites in Japan.

    Long-Term View

    Established in 1921, Otsuka recently passed its 100-year anniversary. Internally, we strive to make decisions using a long-term lens. Looking to Otsuka’s own entrepreneurial roots, we seek to partner with entrepreneurs for sustainable, long-term success

  • A modern multi-story building with balconies covered in lush greenery and plants, set against a clear blue sky.

    Sustainability

    From both personal and societal perspectives, we benefit enormously from nature. Otsuka takes its responsibility for respecting and preserving the environment seriously, and strives to show leadership in offering sustainable and effective products

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