chikaku Inc.

Based in Japan, Chikaku Inc. develops innovative digital communication solutions, primarily aimed at improving connectivity for individuals, particularly senior citizens, separated by distance and time. Chikaku Inc. was founded in 2014 in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on enhancing digital communication.

The company has secured 8 deals, with its most recent deal occurring on April 6, 2021, during a VENTURE DEBT funding round. In total, Chikaku has raised JPY 175 million, which is part of a larger JPY 500 million SERIES B and VENTURE DEBT financing. The founders, Kenji Kajiwara and Michi Sato, have a background in technology and entrepreneurship. Chikaku Inc.

specializes in digital communication services designed to enhance connectivity between individuals separated by distance and time, particularly targeting senior citizens who may struggle with conventional digital platforms. Their flagship product, a digital proximity service referred to as 'Chikaku,' facilitates video communication through TVs, enabling multiple users to engage in conversations on a large screen. This service aims to simplify the digital experience for users unfamiliar with computers or smartphones, thereby promoting interactions among families and friends. The company also actively collaborates with corporations and municipalities to explore new experiences across various sectors.

Current markets for Chikaku's products include Japan, with specific outreach initiatives targeting urban areas and senior living communities. Chikaku's revenue structure primarily revolves around partnerships and service subscriptions, focusing on B2B collaborations and direct-to-consumer sales. Clients, which include both individual users and organizations, subscribe to their services for a fee, allowing access to features such as video calling and information sharing through their digital platform. The company has developed strategic partnerships, evidenced by collaborations, such as the one with SECOM for the 'Mago Channel,' which enhances the user experience and extends their market reach.

Additionally, Chikaku’s services may involve pricing plans tailored to various user needs, encompassing individual and corporate subscriptions that enable seamless communication for families and senior citizens. Specific pricing details for these services are proprietary to the company. In April 2021, Chikaku secured JPY 175 million in SERIES B funding from new investors including ABC Dream Ventures, Aflac Corporate Ventures, Yamaguchi Capital, and returning investors GMO Venture Partners and SMBC Venture Capital. This funding is part of a larger JPY 500 million SERIES B and VENTURE DEBT financing, which will be utilized to support the design and launch of new products aimed at enhancing user experience and expanding into new geographic markets.

The company is targeting growth initiatives within Japan, particularly among urban areas and senior living communities, to create more accessible digital communication tools for senior citizens.