7 rising startups in Japan

The tap of money flow into Japanese startups seems to be wide open as 2017 winds down. Get the lowdown on earlier-stage Japanese startups that received their seed funding and an investment update on fashion startup AirCloset.

PLEN Robotics

Osaka-based PLEN Robotics is launching PLEN Cube, a carry-size personal robot for all your IoT needs. PLEN Cube’s features include panorama photography, weather and news updates, notification and reminders, and more. Funding for PLEN Cube was originally raised through two crowdfunding sources: Kickstarter and Japanese platform Makuake. PLEN Robotics recently announced a partnership with MX Mobiling that’s aimed at providing AI concierge services to apartments and other accommodation facilities.

The startup just received an undisclosed amount of funding from ABBALab. It plans to use the money to further develop PLEN Cube’s personal service and support functions. 

Minden

Minden is an early-stage electric retail service startup that aims to decentralize the distribution of energy. It provides greater transparency about energy sources and gives customers more freedom to choose where to get their power supply. The company is also developing a sort of shared economy platform where people can create or buy energy.

In its series A, Minden raised US$1.6 million from major players including SMBC VC, Mizuho Capital, Yokohama Capital, and MT Partners. The startup plans to use this funding to develop its PTP platform to connect energy producers with consumers.

Flamingo

Flamingo connects foreigners living in Tokyo with Japanese people who are looking to learn English or one of 36 other languages that the sharing-economy service supports. Aspiring teachers can register through Flamingo’s iOS app, and then students can request a lesson. Prices are set by teachers, and the final rate includes a fee for Flamingo’s handling costs. Over 1,500 users have joined Flamingo, and the company estimates around 200 more people sign up each month. 

Flamingo just raised US$1.5 million  for its Series A from Globis Capital, Global Brain, among others. This round comes after the company secured an undisclosed investment from Mercari, Freakout President Yusuke Sata, former CTO of Nanapi Shuichi Wada, and CEO of Campfire Kazuma Ieiri, last June.

AirCloset

Girasol Energy

EveEve

Med Plus