Japan’s SmartRyde raises $3.4m to grow airport transfer services

Photo credit: SmartRyde

SmartRyde, a Japan-based marketplace for pre-booked airport transfers, has raised around 450 million yen (US$3.4 million) through a third-party allocation of shares and a subordinated loan from Japan Finance Corporation.

NVenture Capital led this series A+ funding round, which also saw participation from investors such as SMBC Venture Capital, Yamaguchi Capital, and Hiroshima Venture Capital.

SmartRyde provides its transfer services to over 700 airports worldwide. It has partnered with more than 650 transportation operators and over 25 online travel agencies (OTAs), including Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Traveloka, and Despegar.

The Japanese startup also said it has launched a new product called “Developer Portal for API,” enabling OTAs and airline companies to offer in-app airport transfer services to their customers.

CEO Sota Kimura tells Tech in Asia that his company is currently prioritizing Japan and Southeast Asia but will expand to Latin America soon.

See also: Org Chart: The people bringing Traveloka to life

SmartRyde aims to turn its platform into a global distribution system that connects travel agencies and other travel-related service providers. The company intends to streamline vehicle allocation systems and inventory management in the taxi and limousine industry as part of the effort.

The startup last raised funding in October 2021, securing US$1.6 million in a series A round joined by Angel Bridge, SG Incubate, and SMBC Venture Capital, among others.

Currency converted from Japanese yen to US dollar: US$1 = 131.41 yen.