#Japan #Tokyo #Incubate Fund #Kohodo #Oikaze Ventures

Kohodo Inc. Expands Horizons with New Funding

Kohodo Inc., a Tokyo-based company known for its luxurious ginger ale and unique non-alcoholic beverage offerings, has successfully completed a seed funding round through a third-party allotment. Leading the investment are Oikaze Ventures and Incubate Fund, marking a significant milestone for the brand as it embarks on a journey to strengthen its domestic operations and explore international markets.

Strengthening Domestic Operations

The recent funding will enable Kohodo to solidify its foundation within Japan by establishing a more reproducible sales system and expanding its production capacity. The company has built a solid track record with over 100 restaurants and hotels, including 35 Michelin-starred establishments, leveraging offline marketing and testing to demonstrate the value of its products. Kohodo plans to analyze and systematize its successful processes to create a sales methodology that can be consistently replicated.

To address the growing demand for its products, Kohodo is also enhancing its production systems and processes. This development will allow the company to maintain high-quality standards while ensuring a stable supply of its luxurious beverages, thereby meeting the increasing consumer expectations.

Expanding Internationally

In a bold move, Kohodo is set to expand its business into Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore—regions that exhibit high demand for premium non-alcoholic beverages within the dining and hotel sectors. These markets share compatibility with Kohodo's Japanese service models, allowing the brand to deliver value beyond just being an alternative to alcohol. Instead, Kohodo aims to integrate its drinks as an essential component of the dining experience, thereby redefining non-alcoholic beverages in these diverse food cultures.

This venture also lays the groundwork for future expansions in the United States and Europe, with a vision to establish Kohodo’s brand presence on a global scale.

What is Kohodo?

Kohodo is not just a beverage company; it is a pioneering brand that redefines the non-alcoholic drink experience starting with its signature ginger ale. With an experiential store located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, Kohodo focuses on integrating its production capabilities with customer experiences to rethink the role of non-alcoholic drinks in dining establishments.

Visit: Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Address: 4-2-3 Kudansouth, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Stations: 3-minute walk from Ichigaya Station (A3 Exit) or 8-minute walk from Hanzomon Station (5th Exit).
Online Store: Kohodo Online Shop

Comments from Leadership

Makoto Shirogaki, Founder and CEO:
“We started with the vision of creating the ultimate ginger ale. Throughout this journey, we recognized a significant gap in non-alcoholic options available in the restaurant industry. Our mission is to bridge the gap between those who drink and those who do not, ensuring that a drink can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Shirogaki expressed gratitude for the support from Oikaze Ventures and Incubate Fund in providing the necessary resources to enhance domestic operations while expanding the brand's reach into overseas markets.

Investor Insights

Mizuki Matsumoto, General Partner, Oikaze Ventures:
“The market for non-alcoholic beverages is shifting from being seen merely as substitutes to actively chosen options. Kohodo's use of local ingredients like high-quality ginger and lemons showcases their innovative approach to craft a new category of beverages.”

Yudai Fujita, Incubate Fund:
“I am thrilled to be part of the Kohodo team, which is poised to address the challenges high-end dining establishments face in appealing to non-alcoholic consumers. The potential for expansion, especially into luxury hotels, is immense.”

For any inquiries, please reach out to Kohodo Inc. at [email protected] or visit our website at Kohodo.com.