Five innovative Japanese startups to watch out for in 2022 – Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Japan is among the most extraordinary, fascinating and progressive countries in the world, especially for entrepreneurs.

With its excellent work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and availability of VC capital, Japan has an abundance of outstanding startup companies.

Japanese entrepreneurs have an atmosphere that is highly respected around the globe and contributes to the country’s extraordinary achievements. Additionally, they have taken advantage of government investment to improve the startup environment.

This article offers an assessment of five Japanese companies to watch in 2022. Which of these could be successful over the long term, and which are just riding a temporary surge of interest?

The Japanese reputation for innovative ideas

From mass-produced laptops to the tiny emojis we use, Japanese innovation has become a part of our lives without us even knowing it. According to a Forbes report, Japan is home to nearly 10% of the world’s most creative companies.

Even so, Japan’s creative power is sometimes underestimated, with most observers focusing on areas like Silicon Valley or Tel Aviv. But Japan has contributed far more to the earth than karaoke, Pokemon, and quick bowls of ramen.

Five innovative Japanese startups in 2022

1. Atama More

introduction

Atama Plus is a Japanese educational technology company that provides students with AI-based educational resources to enhance their learning.

company valuation

With almost 12 million students enrolled in the school each year, academic success is an area in which the Japanese are deeply involved.

The Japanese prep school sector is expected to be worth around US$9 billion in 2020. The key selling point of Atama Plus’ AI technology is how it recognizes where learners are leaving in their school and offers tailored solutions to fill the current knowledge gap.

The company began providing online mock exams in July last year. Then, in December, they formed a collaborative research team with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto to link the company’s training records to the university’s entrance exams.

financial profile

To date, Atama Plus has raised a total of $74.6 million through fundraising stages. Until recently, Atama Plus had only received funding from domestic firms such as DCM Initiatives and JAFCO.

The recent Series B fundraising cycle on July 21 included participation from non-Japanese firms such as Pavilion Capital (SG) and T. Rowe Price (US).

2. Playco

introduction

Playco has evolved into a modern mobile gaming company founded by Michael Carter, co-founder of Game Closure, and Justin Waldron, co-founder of Zynga, along with game developers Takeshi Otsuka and Teddy Cross.

company valuation

Playco bills itself as an interactive games company because it develops games that can be played by two or more people anywhere in the world, regardless of whether either participant already has the program installed.

According to the company, his expertise stems from Carter’s technological background developing new computing technologies and Waldron’s knowledge at Zynga, which engages users in massive social gaming activities.

However, gaming companies like this must strive for excellence to thrive as Japan’s booming gaming and eSports industry attracts new entrepreneurs every day.

financial profile

According to a business release, Playco has secured $100 million in a Series A investment led by Sequoia Capital and angel investor Josh Buckley. The financing is worth one billion dollars to the company.

Funds raised will be used to build relationships with the world’s leading digital and messaging companies and to assemble a world-class workforce.

3. Parallel

introduction

Parallel, Japan’s locally created variant of Discord, first unveiled in August ’19, is a social network that allows users to view material with their peers while engaging in written or voice-based discussions.

It was developed in response to complaints from Discord members in Japan when they found that the browser-based version was particularly problematic to use. The majority of Parallel consumers are currently Gen Z and gamers.

company valuation

Parallel currently has over a million subscribers inside and outside of Japan. So you might be wondering if a new system of this kind is really necessary.

However, the erroneous user interaction and the increased demand for remote conversational applications during the Covid epidemic indicate that there is undoubtedly a certain market for it.

The brand aims to expand its popularity and capitalize on the lockdown lifestyle that has been gaining popularity over the past year or two.

Developing areas of communication for friends and family that focus on circumstances such as watching movies, watching live shows, playing music, and shopping. The “parallel” is nowhere.

financial profile

The company has not disclosed its entire investment. However, on June 21, the company received an additional $11 million in Series B funding through investment firms including JAFCO, KDDI OIF and Mitsubishi Capital.

4. Izumi Finance

introduction

Izumi Finance (CRYPTO: IZI) was a platform offering configurable liquidity-like solutions mainly on Uniswap 3.0 multi-chains. It proposes to provide Uniswap V3 LP token hedging incentives in non-homogeneous price ranges using LiquidBox liquidity calculation infrastructure.

With Uniswap V3, this could increase bonus allocation effectiveness for reward providers while increasing profitability for liquidity providers.

company valuation

Izumi is creating a new and unique solution that is much needed within the Defi environment, especially now that Uniswap V3 has launched.

Izumi’s configurable methods offer a win-win scenario for both consumers who benefit from pledging their assets on Izumi and those who can benefit from larger and more cost-effective liquidity pools.

financial profile

Izumi has raised a total of $5.6 million, counting the final round of funding in December 2021.

The recent funding will be used to support the release of Izumi’s native asset (iZi) on December 20th, supported by the debut of the Izumi “LiquidBox” system on December 21st.

5. hachitama

introduction

Hachi Tama is an IoT/AI company based in Enoshima, Kanagawa, Japan, known as “Cats’ Island”. Hachi Tama was the Japanese delegation to the 2018 Hardware Cup and one of Red Herring’s five notable startups.

company valuation

The Internet of Things (IoT) and proprietary measurement system in the Toletta® litter box continuously analyzes a cat’s weight fluctuations, urinating periodicity, urine volume and much more.

Cat parents can share this information with their doctor to spot UTI symptoms before it’s too late.

Japan is indeed a cat-loving nation, and if Hachi Tama’s Toletta product is ready to hit the US market, it should do so with the passionate support of Japanese cat parents.

On Cyber ​​Monday 2019, Toletta was the best-selling product on Amazon Japan.

financial profile

Hachi Tama Inc. confirmed the closing of its pre-Series A funding round in Japan totaling $4 million. The funds will be used to increase the efficiency of toletta’s proprietary early detection system, the company’s smart litter box.

Final Thoughts

Japanese industry is known for remaining conservative, dated, and risk-averse, yet startup innovation has surged in popularity in recent years.

While older men in Japan often run larger, more conventional companies, the passion for invention is active and thriving in most of the country’s young entrepreneurs.

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