Social Commerce FlutterScape Receives $750,000 in Investment

FlutterScape, which describes itself as a cross-border social commerce platform, has just closed its latest round of funding at 60 million yen ($749,000). The funding round was led by NVCC, with NGI group and Innovation Engine also joining as investors. Prior to this investment, Flutterscape secured its first seeding round at 25 million yen ($310,000) last August from Digital Garage, Net Price, and Aucfan.

Rilakkuma

Flutterscape aims to deliver Japanese culture abroad by leveraging on foreign residents in Japan as sellers. There are over 1,500 sellers and 7,000 customers on the social commerce site, with 6,000 item sold to date. Popular items on Flutterscape include Japanese character items like Rilakkuma and original items like Sushi memo pad.

Its Facebook fan base is huge with more than 250,000 people ‘liking’ the service. From what we have understood, half of Flutterscape’s users are from the United States and the rest are from Eastern Asia. Flutterscape is popular among young people who love Japanese culture and goods. 68 percent are in the age range of  18-24 while 18 percent are in the age range of 25-34.

Flutterscape plans to use the investment to ‘socialize’ its commerce system.  At present, Flutterscape works more like an e-commerce website. The team plans to make its website more shareable and user-friendly. Other upgrades are in the pipeline which will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned to Flutterscape’s Facebook,  Twitter, and official blog. You might also want to meet Takehiro Kakiyama, the founder of Flutterscape on Twitter to tweet him a congratulations note.

Here are some popular products on Flutterscape. Interestingly, 20 percent of all items sold are Japanese character-related. They are pretty cool:

1. Elecome ipod Nano Leather Belt Wrist Watch Band
2. Jigazo Puzzle Make Your Own Self-Portrait Puzzle With Only 300 Pieces
3. Popin’ Cookin’ DIY Sushi Candy “Tanoshii Osushiyasan” Grape Flavor
4. iPhone 4 CLEAVE Aluminum Bumper Case
5. One Piece 2011 Collectibles Japan Postal Stamps Set Pre-Order
6. Revoltech Danbo Amazon.Co.Jp MINI Ver. 80mm
7. Hetalia Axis Powers Artbook ArteStella
8. GIGA Pudding
9. Kokeshi Bento Kyoto Newest Design Handmade Lunch Box MAIKO (Geisha Girl)
10. Point-And-Speak Phrasebook (Japanese)
11. Nico Sushi Memo Block
12. Pikachu Pokemon Cosplay Kigurumi Pajama Outfit
13. Rilakkuma Cosplay Cap
14. My Neighbor Totoro Japanese Thermal Bento Lunch Box
15. Rilakkuma Iphone 4 Soft Case