Preferred Networks

ai_ml · Tokyo, JP · preferred.jp

AI unicorn developing AI solutions and AI semiconductors, including the MN-Core processor series.

Founders

Toru Nishikawa (Japan · ♂) — A University of Tokyo computer scientist and competitive-programming champion who co-founded Preferred Infrastructure, then spun off Preferred Networks in 2014 to bring deep learning to IoT and industry, serving as CEO and later Chairman.
Daisuke Okanohara (Japan · ♂) — Met Nishikawa at the University of Tokyo through competitive programming, co-founded Preferred Infrastructure and then Preferred Networks, leading its core AI research as CTO and becoming CEO in 2025.

Date	Round	Amount
Dec 2024	Growth Preferred Networks raised 19B yen (including debt) led by SBI Group, with Sekisui House, DBJ, Mitsubishi Corp and Wacom participating, to fund AI semiconductor development.	$127M

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