Preferred Networks
Tokyo AI company that designs its own MN-Core processors and PLaMo foundation models and sells AI systems to manufacturing, life sciences and finance.
Preferred Networks (PFN) was founded on 26 March 2014 and is headquartered in Otemachi, Chiyoda ward, Tokyo. The company describes its strategy as vertical integration of computer science, from semiconductors and computing infrastructure to solutions and applications. It designs the MN-Core series of AI processors, develops the PLaMo generative AI foundation models and builds AI solutions for manufacturing, life sciences, finance and other industries. On 23 December 2024 PFN said it had raised a total of ¥19 billion in the first close of an equity round led by SBI Group combined with debt financing from MUFG Bank, Resona Bank, Shoko Chukin Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; it did not disclose the split between equity and debt. An extension announced on 30 April 2025, which also included a loan from Mizuho Bank, added ¥5 billion and brought the total to ¥24 billion, the company said. Shin-Etsu Chemical and Sumisei Innovation Fund joined the extension in June 2025 for an undisclosed amount. PFN said the money goes to hiring, development, production and sales of its MN-Core chips, especially the low-power MN-Core L1000, as well as PLaMo and large-scale computing infrastructure.
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- Founded
- 2014
- Country
- Japan
- Jun 30, 2025Extension round (additional investors)—
- Apr 30, 2025Extension round—
- Dec 23, 2024Equity and debt financing (first close)—