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.

nSmartEstatenn

Photo Credit: Jordan Donaldson

n n

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.

nDo The Samurainn

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.

nWealthNavinn

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.

nDentaLightnn

Photo Credit: paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo

DentaLight’s Genie allows dental clinics to move paperwork and other behind-the-scenes processes from analog to digital. Appointments and reminders can be handled through Genie, and the service can even automatically contact people who have not scheduled their next visit. At present, over 100 clinics are using Genie.

DentaLight is following the digitization trend that’s sweeping across various sectors in Japan, including HR, real estate, construction, and accounting. DentaLight’s has raised US$1.45 million in its latest round from 500 Startups Japan, Dogan Beta, F Ventures, and Beenext.

nRobot Fundnn

Photo Credit: Chris Li

Robot Fund develops asset management robo-advisor services for financial institutions and other businesses. Services include a tool for analyzing market data and a phone automation service that can answer clients’ questions about investments and market conditions. Some Robot Fund’s investors include Mizuho Capital as well MUFG and its subsidiary, Kabu.com are using these services.

The company recently raised US$3.6 million from these investors as well as Incubate Fund, TechAccel and SMBC Venture Capital. Robot Fund is also developing a robo-advisor product to optimize clients’ portfolios.