5 rising startups in Japan

The race to be Japan’s  top robo-advisor startup continues. Read below to see which startups got funding this week.

SmartEstate

Photo Credit: Jordan Donaldson

Anyone who is familiar with the Japanese real estate market knows how expensive and lengthy the rental process is. But SmartEstate, a startup founded by 20-year entrepreneur Akihiro Yoshimoto, aims to change all that. For example, one common practice in Japan is the key fee, a non-refundable deposit that’s equivalent to one to three months’ worth of rent. SmartEstate’s online platform features a structure that does away with the key fee, thus reducing the bureaucratic costs and transaction delays associated with renting properties.

SmartEstate collected US$200,000 in new funding from ANRI, Chimera and East Ventures as well as a few angel investors.

Do The Samurai

Photo Credit: Lin Mei

Do The Samurai has developed Hotokami, a website where people can post about shrines and temples in Japan. Currently, the site has over 10,000 unique posts, which  include temple recommendations or suggestions on which shrines to visit for marriages, festivals, etc. After signing up through Facebook or email, users can narrow their search to shrines and temples in their area and start browsing and/or uploading their own articles.

According to a recent press release, Do The Samurai raised US$910,000 from angel investor Seiji Kurokoshi. It was also announced that Kurokoshi is now a board director for the company.

WealthNavi

Photo Credit: Lukas Blazek

WealthNavi is Japan’s no. 1 financial robo-advisor service in terms of user population and assets under management. It solidified its position this week after amassing nearly US$41 million from Mirai Creation Fund, Global Brain, Sony Innovation Fund, DBJ Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, and Mizuho Capital, among other financial institutions.

Meant for individual users, WealthNavi has an algorithm that suggests different portfolio options based on users’ risk tolerance and other preferences. Similar businesses seem to be popping up, with domestic competitors like Money Design’s Theo and Folio as well as foreign competitors like 8- Securities from Hong Kong joining the scene.

DentaLight

Photo Credit: paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo

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