Preferred Networks
Preferred Networks's full profile: funding, valuation, competitors, and the people behind the company.
Awaira Score
Out of 100
HQ
Japan
Founded
2014
Raised
$308M
Stage
Series B
Team
100-500
About Preferred Networks
Preferred Networks develops deep learning technology applied to robotics, autonomous driving, and industrial applications, building neural network architectures for real-time edge inference in robot control, factory automation, and connected vehicle systems. The Tokyo company gained international recognition for early competition victories in autonomous navigation and robot manipulation…
Key Facts
- Preferred Networks has raised a total of $308M in disclosed funding across 2 funding rounds.
- Preferred Networks was founded in 2014 by Toru Nishikawa and is headquartered in Japan.
- Preferred Networks employs approximately 100-500 people.
- Preferred Networks operates in the AI Robotics category and is currently at the Series B stage.
- Preferred Networks has an Awaira Score of 72/100, ranking it among the tracked AI companies on Awaira.
- Preferred Networks's most recent funding round was a Series B of $117M closed in May 2019, led by Mizuho Financial Group.
Source: Awaira · Updated Mar 24, 2026
Valuation
N/A
Post-money
Total Raised
$308M
All rounds
Awaira Score
72/100
Founded
2014
100-500 employees
Strengths & Risks
Strengths
Strong Awaira Score of 72/100
Large team of 100-500+ employees
Established market presence (founded 2014)
Considerations
Valuation not publicly disclosed
Analysis based on publicly available data. Not investment advice.
Funding Velocity
2
Total Rounds
$66M
Avg Round Size
3.7yr
Funding Span
Preferred Networks raised 2 rounds over 3.7 years, averaging $66M per round — a pace of roughly one round every 22 months.
Awaira estimate based on public data. Not financial advice.
How does Preferred Networks stack up against competitors?
Competitor Comparison
| Metric | ★Preferred Networks | Waymo | Wayve | Figure AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awaira Score | 72/100 | 96/100 | 95/100 | 95/100 |
| Total Raised | $308M | $27.1B | $2.8B | $1.9B |
| Valuation | N/A | $126B | $8.6B | $39B |
| Stage | Series B | Corporate | Series D | Series C |
| Founded | 2014 | 2009 | 2017 | 2022 |
| Employees | 100-500 | 3500 | 100-500 | 450 |
| Country | 🇯🇵 | 🇺🇸 | 🇬🇧 | 🇺🇸 |
Investors in Preferred Networks
Funding Rounds
InactiveLed by Mizuho Financial Group
$117M
May 2019
Led by Toyota Motor Corporation
$15M
Oct 2015
Preferred Networks Latest News
Preferred Networks Deploys Autonomous Robots in Major Manufacturing Facilities
Preferred Networks Closes Funding Round as Investor Interest in AI Surges
Preferred Networks Valued at $3.6 Billion as Japan's Most Valuable AI Startup
Open Positions at Preferred Networks
View all jobs →Founded Same Year (2014)
Similar by Funding Stage (Series B)
More from Japan
🇯🇵 View all AI companies in Japan →Alternatives
View all alternatives to Preferred Networks →If you're looking at Preferred Networks, also check out
View all AI Robotics →People Also Viewed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Preferred Networks's valuation?▾
Who invested in Preferred Networks?▾
When did Preferred Networks last raise funding?▾
How many employees does Preferred Networks have?▾
What does Preferred Networks do?▾
Who founded Preferred Networks?▾
Is Preferred Networks profitable?▾
Where is Preferred Networks headquartered?▾
Compare Preferred Networks
See how Preferred Networks stacks up against competitors in valuation, funding, team size, and Awaira Score.