Singapore incubator TechCube8 invests in Japanese travel startup LCO-Creation

LCO-Creation, a Japanese startup that makes travel apps, has indicated that they’ve received funding from Singapore-based incubator TechCube8. It announced the deal in a press release last month, without disclosing terms.

Founded by CEO Yuki Hiraki and COO Saki Kobayashi, the company recently relocated its HQ to Singapore in order to focus on growth in Asia.

The startup is behind a series of Travel Door apps, which showcases the best tourist attractions each country has to offer without requiring Internet access. They have an offline partnership element as well, where they work with tourist spots to attract Japanese tourists via the company’s network of 2,000 travel agencies in Japan (more on e27).

LCO-Creation will use the capital to expand its sales network and improve product development. They’ll also work on growing B2B business opportunities in Asia, upgrading its Travel Door apps, and providing more offline travel apps to the market by end-2012. To  execute on its plans, it is seeking senior and entry-level engineers to join its team.

The startup is entering the Asian online travel market at a time of increasing competitiveness. Asia’s Startup ecosystems are rising in maturity, resulting in a slew of travel startups entering into play. The WebinTravel conference, a signature web tourism event in Singapore, has even increased its focus on travel startups.

Companies that are operating in LCO-Creation’s space in Singapore includes TripFlick, which also offers an offline travel app, and TouristPads, an iPad rental service that includes Internet connection and travel apps.

TechCube8 focuses on investing in Singapore or US-based startups. Industries they look at include: wireless and broadband, video apps, enterprise software, IT security, semiconductors as well as cleantech and renewable energy.