Joe Saijo

Counterpart Ventures, Co-Founder and Partner

📍 San Francisco, California, United States🔄 Updated September 2026💼 21 investments📅 18 years investing🗓 Last invested Aug 2017
Operator-angel🌍 United States20+ investments
21
Total investments
7
Early stage
9
Mid stage
3
Late stage
18y
Years active

Portfolio

19 investments · sorted by recency
All investments
Early stage
Mid stage
Late stage
Investor
Aug 2017
ShoCard is a digital identity and authentication platform built on a public blockchain data layer, using public/private key encryption and data hashing to safely store and exchange identity data, which includes biometrics such as fingerprint, facial, iris and voice. ShoCard’s approach to identity is different than existing solutions in that the user owns and carries her own data within her mobile app and is the sole person who decides with whom to share it with and which pieces of identification to share. The blockchain in then used to validate that information and confirm other third parties who have definitively certified the identity of the user. There is no privately held central location that holds user’s private information and pieces of a user’s identification does not need to be spread in other services in order to authenticate or prove ownership of an account. The mobile app is as easy and intuitive to use as a driver’s license, but secure enough for a bank.
Investor
Oct 2016
Brickwork is the first SaaS provider to bridge the gap between consumer e-commerce and brick & mortar experiences by powering a new digital presence for stores. In 2014, the Brickwork team came together excited by an idea with singular promise to save the future of retail: The door to the brick-and-mortar store is now online. Over just three years, Brickwork has emerged as the leading SaaS platform for brands and retailers like Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bonobos to leverage their digital strategy to modernize the experience and increase the profitability of their brick-and-mortar business. The Brickwork platform moves beyond the uncertain hype of “omnichannel” to help you optimize the digital presence of your retail stores to drive qualified online traffic to unique in-store experiences via geo-location features, online appointment booking, event RSVPs, and local content and marketing. In turn, Brickwork provides consumer insights in a comprehensive data map of digital-to-store customer journeys. Brickwork is your technology and strategy partner on the journey to evolve your digital and store experiences to become more customer-centric. At Brickwork, we are architecting the retail experience of the future. Learn more about Brickwork software, visit www.brickworksoftware.com/ and to join our team
Investor
Oct 2016
Relay Robotics, Inc. is a leading supplier of simple, sophisticated, autonomous service robots that work with humans safely, securely, reliably, and contact-free. Relay Robotics and its affiliates have been technology leaders in robotics since 2013 and hold 10 U.S. patents. Relay’s robots supplement staff across hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate settings. They have completed more than 1,000,000 deliveries worldwide. Relay delivery robots are currently deployed at major hotels in the United States such as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Mandarin Oriental, Holiday Inn, and Radisson, nationally recognized hospitals such as Georgetown and Dartmouth, and commercial real estate properties. Relay robots are available via a monthly subscription or RaaS (Robots as a Service). Relay’s Rapid-Install™ trains and activates a robot within hours of arrival at a location. Customers can name their robot and create a customized “wrap” to give it a unique character and harmonize it with their brand.
Investor
Jun 2016
Alignable is a remote-first, mission-driven Series C (and profitable) growth stage startup on a mission to bring together small business owners from across the globe to help them gain competitive advantage so they can succeed in their business. Small businesses give our communities character -- generating local jobs and supporting local causes. They are the creators, the risk takers and the problem solvers. Each with a unique story. For business owners who depend on referrals for success, Alignable is the online community helping them initiate and build trusted relationships leading to quality referrals. Owners depend on quality referrals for all aspects of their business, and whether they’re looking for new customers, suppliers, or services needed to run their business – they’re finding them all here on our platform. Our highly engaged and supportive peer network plays a critical role in helping these businesses (our Members) succeed, especially within an ever-changing economic environment. Alignable is North America's largest small business network with over 8 million businesses in 30,000+ communities. If you want to empower the small business owner through a networking platform unlike any other, let’s talk. Check out what "Life at Alignable" is like: https://careers.alignable.com/#remote #WereHiring
Investor
Jun 2016
Founded in 2014, ShipBob offers best-in-class supply chain and fulfillment capabilities for thousands of brands. ShipBob has an international fulfillment network across the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia. ShipBobs proprietary technology combines order and inventory management, warehouse management, predictive data and analytics, as well as optimized shipping for ecommerce companies.
Investor
Nov 2015
At Bench by Mainstreet, we believe small business owners deserve more than just software - they deserve real financial support. That’s why we’ve built one of the most affordable dedicated bookkeeping and tax advisor options on the market, designed to give small businesses the financial resources they need to succeed at every stage. Since 2012, we’ve helped 30,000+ U.S. businesses simplify their finances with a combination that actually works: 💼 A dedicated bookkeeper who knows your business ⚙️ Easy-to-use software that keeps you organized and tax-ready 📊 Accurate monthly financials you can trust We proudly serve a wide range of small business owners across the U.S., including: Small Professional & Creative Firms, Health & Wellness Services, Freelancers & Sole Proprietors, Local Retail & E-Commerce, SaaS/Tech Startups, Trade & Skilled Labor Professionals, Food & Beverage SMBs, Truckers & Transportation, Hospitality, and more. -- As part of Mainstreet, Bench now connects bookkeeping with tax filing, tax credits, banking, and business formation -- giving founders one seamless financial operating system built to help them start, run, and grow smarter. ✨ Current Offer: Get 9 months of Catch-Up bookkeeping free (a $3,600 value) when you start an annual plan.
mid stageAccounting
Investor
Aug 2015
Trusted by more than 1M businesses in over 100 countries, Veem is the market leader in automating accounts payables and receivables for businesses. Started with the intention of making business payments as simple as sending an email, Veem has revolutionized the way businesses pay and get paid around the world by empowering business owners, accountants, and finance professionals to take control of their payment processes. Veem levels the playing field by providing enterprise-level payment tools to small businesses. Designed with data security and privacy in mind, Veem adheres to strict compliance, privacy and data protection practices. Services for senders in the US are delivered by Veem Payments Inc. under state money transmission licenses. Money movement services are brought to you by Veem Payments Inc., licensed as Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. See www.veem.com/licenses
Investor
Jul 2015
Kabbage from American Express has innovated a data and technology platform to help American Express move “Beyond the Card” and provide U.S. small businesses digital cash flow solutions, including online business checking accounts with 1.3% APY on balances up to $500,000, online payments to get paid faster, business analytics to forecast and track cash flow 24/7, and flexible lines of credit up to $250,000. Kabbage uses real-time data and automation to provide an integrated suite of financial tools empowering small businesses to spend less time on their books and more time on building thriving businesses. Twitter: http://twitter.com/kabbageinc Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KabbageInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabbageinc/ Learn more about Kabbage: https://www.kabbage.com/why-kabbage
Investor
Apr 2015
Nice to meet you, we’re Hometeam. We’re a mission-driven company working at the intersection of technology and healthcare to change the way Americans experience wellness in their senior years. We are proud to support older adults with a diverse team of caregivers, clinicians and care managers, all enabled by user-centric technology collaboratively developed in-house. Our goal is to positively affect health outcomes and empower older adults to live their lives at home, connected to their community.
Investor
Apr 2015
99designs by Vista is the global creative platform that makes it easy for freelance designers and clients to work together to create designs they love. From clients who need custom design, to designers who want access to quality projects, people around the world rely on the tried-and-true 99designs creative process to get great design online.
late stageDesign Services
Investor
Mar 2015
Sprinklr is the definitive, AI-native platform for Unified Customer Experience Management (Unified-CXM), empowering brands to deliver extraordinary experiences at scale — across every customer touchpoint. By combining human instinct with the speed and efficiency of AI, Sprinklr helps brands earn trust and loyalty through personalized, seamless, and efficient customer interactions. Sprinklr’s unified platform provides powerful solutions for every customer-facing team — spanning social media management, marketing, advertising, customer feedback, and omnichannel contact center management — enabling enterprises to unify data, break down silos, and act on real-time insights. Today, 1,900+ enterprises — including Microsoft, P&G, Samsung, and 60% of the Fortune 100 — rely on Sprinklr to help them deliver consistent, trusted customer experiences worldwide.
Investor
Jan 2015
Sourcery is developing the next generation Foodservice Commerce Platform for restaurants, caterers and corporate kitchens of all sizes. With Sourcery’s foodservice expertise, easy-to-use technology, and unmatched customer support, professional food businesses trust Sourcery to make their back-of-the-houses more efficient. With Sourcery, customers spend less time shuffling paper and balancing payments, and more time delighting their customers.
Investor
Dec 2014
Directly is a pioneer in customer service for many of the world’s leading brands. Customer service leaders partner with Directly to support customers with cutting-edge AI and on-demand solutions for the modern enterprise. Companies like Airbnb, Microsoft, and Samsung improve their customer experience, boosting CSAT by up to 20% while significantly reducing contact center volume and saving millions per year. Directly is based in San Francisco and backed by Microsoft’s M12 Ventures, Samsung NEXT, True Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, Industry Ventures, Triangle Peak Partners, and Northgate Capital. Come join Directly and contribute to our culture of curiosity, authenticity, and innovation!
Investor
Nov 2014
Discover the best workouts around. Search gyms and studios near you, book a spot and get moving. Join our quickly-growing team and you’ll have an incredible opportunity to build a career with a high-growth startup while empowering others to reach their fitness goals. Companies can also give their employees access to our global network of fitness studios and gyms with one membership, while increasing engagement, retention and saving on healthcare costs. Find out more about our new Corporate Wellness Program here: corp.classpass.com.
Investor
Sep 2014
With over a decade of experience creating digital talent at scale, Udacity’s comprehensive solutions address the global talent shortages impacting growth, productivity, and innovation. Our exceptional curriculum, personalized mentor support, and measurable outcomes create expertise with a focus on the in-demand competencies that ensure workplace relevance. Udacity is now part of Accenture.
mid stageE-learning
Show all 19 investments ↓
Experience · 23 entries
All (23)
Investments (21)
Founder (1)
2018
Counterpart Ventures
Co-Founder and Partner
Feb 2018
2017
Investor
Aug 2017
ShoCard is a digital identity and authentication platform built on a public blockchain data layer, using public/private key encryption and data hashing to safely store and exchange identity data, which includes biometrics such as fingerprint, facial, iris and voice. ShoCard’s approach to identity is different than existing solutions in that the user owns and carries her own data within her mobile app and is the sole person who decides with whom to share it with and which pieces of identification to share. The blockchain in then used to validate that information and confirm other third parties who have definitively certified the identity of the user. There is no privately held central location that holds user’s private information and pieces of a user’s identification does not need to be spread in other services in order to authenticate or prove ownership of an account. The mobile app is as easy and intuitive to use as a driver’s license, but secure enough for a bank.
2016
Investor
Oct 2016
Brickwork is the first SaaS provider to bridge the gap between consumer e-commerce and brick & mortar experiences by powering a new digital presence for stores. In 2014, the Brickwork team came together excited by an idea with singular promise to save the future of retail: The door to the brick-and-mortar store is now online. Over just three years, Brickwork has emerged as the leading SaaS platform for brands and retailers like Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bonobos to leverage their digital strategy to modernize the experience and increase the profitability of their brick-and-mortar business. The Brickwork platform moves beyond the uncertain hype of “omnichannel” to help you optimize the digital presence of your retail stores to drive qualified online traffic to unique in-store experiences via geo-location features, online appointment booking, event RSVPs, and local content and marketing. In turn, Brickwork provides consumer insights in a comprehensive data map of digital-to-store customer journeys. Brickwork is your technology and strategy partner on the journey to evolve your digital and store experiences to become more customer-centric. At Brickwork, we are architecting the retail experience of the future. Learn more about Brickwork software, visit www.brickworksoftware.com/ and to join our team
Investor
Oct 2016
Relay Robotics, Inc. is a leading supplier of simple, sophisticated, autonomous service robots that work with humans safely, securely, reliably, and contact-free. Relay Robotics and its affiliates have been technology leaders in robotics since 2013 and hold 10 U.S. patents. Relay’s robots supplement staff across hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate settings. They have completed more than 1,000,000 deliveries worldwide. Relay delivery robots are currently deployed at major hotels in the United States such as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Mandarin Oriental, Holiday Inn, and Radisson, nationally recognized hospitals such as Georgetown and Dartmouth, and commercial real estate properties. Relay robots are available via a monthly subscription or RaaS (Robots as a Service). Relay’s Rapid-Install™ trains and activates a robot within hours of arrival at a location. Customers can name their robot and create a customized “wrap” to give it a unique character and harmonize it with their brand.
Investor
Jun 2016
Alignable is a remote-first, mission-driven Series C (and profitable) growth stage startup on a mission to bring together small business owners from across the globe to help them gain competitive advantage so they can succeed in their business. Small businesses give our communities character -- generating local jobs and supporting local causes. They are the creators, the risk takers and the problem solvers. Each with a unique story. For business owners who depend on referrals for success, Alignable is the online community helping them initiate and build trusted relationships leading to quality referrals. Owners depend on quality referrals for all aspects of their business, and whether they’re looking for new customers, suppliers, or services needed to run their business – they’re finding them all here on our platform. Our highly engaged and supportive peer network plays a critical role in helping these businesses (our Members) succeed, especially within an ever-changing economic environment. Alignable is North America's largest small business network with over 8 million businesses in 30,000+ communities. If you want to empower the small business owner through a networking platform unlike any other, let’s talk. Check out what "Life at Alignable" is like: https://careers.alignable.com/#remote #WereHiring
Show all 23 entries ↓
Investment activity
2008–2017 · 21 investments
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