Yayoi Expands Its Business Spectrum by Acquiring Startup Handbook

In a significant move to enhance its service offerings for entrepreneurs, Yayoi Co., Ltd. has announced the acquisition of 100% of Startup Handbook Co., Ltd. This acquisition makes Startup Handbook a wholly-owned subsidiary under Yayoi, which is headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and led by CEO Kenichiro Muto.

Yayoi has been committed to its mission of "creating a positive cycle within Japan by empowering small businesses." The company has developed solutions aimed at supporting small businesses, helping them to effectively manage operations and streamline business processes. One of its flagship products, the Yayoi Series, has seen registrations surpassing an impressive 3.5 million users, marking a significant footprint in the business software market.

Founded in 2014, Startup Handbook specializes in providing essential resources and tools for entrepreneurs at the start of their business journey. Through its renowned "Startup Handbook" series, the company offers valuable guidance on startup know-how, fundraising, and governmental procedures. The organization has successfully published over 2.5 million copies of its guidebook and attracts over a million visitors to its web media monthly. More than 4,000 entrepreneurs register each month, showcasing Startup Handbook’s robust network and trusted reputation within the entrepreneurial community.

This acquisition is expected to broaden Yayoi's reach and influence among entrepreneurs, leveraging Startup Handbook's extensive network to foster a supportive environment for new business ventures. The partnership aims to enhance the services offered by both entities, creating a seamless support pathway from the founding phase to growth stages of business operations. The goal is to build a comprehensive support system that caters to entrepreneurs' needs throughout their entire business lifecycle.

Yayoi envisions utilizing its wealth of collected data and integrating cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to provide advanced and insightful offerings to small businesses. By combining its expertise with Startup Handbook’s proficiency, Yayoi is set to further bolster the support provided to Japan's small business ecosystem, which is vital for the overall economic vitality of the country.

Both companies continue to assure their clients that Startup Handbook’s offerings will remain available unchanged, ensuring a steady transition for users.

Statements from the Executives

Kenichiro Muto, CEO of Yayoi:
"We warmly welcome Startup Handbook to Team Yayoi. For years, Startup Handbook has been an indispensable entity for emerging entrepreneurs, and we deeply resonate with their mission. By bringing them under our group, we are confident in our ability to deliver an even more valuable service to entrepreneurs in a consolidated partnership. We aim to facilitate an integrated support system, helping businesses from startup to growth phases."

Yukiyo Okubo, CEO of Startup Handbook:
"The inception of Startup Handbook stemmed from the idea that a systematic guide could effectively resolve common challenges faced by entrepreneurs. By collaborating with government data, we have created a free distribution mechanism for our guidebook, benefitting countless entrepreneurs throughout Japan. With Yayoi’s support since our inception, this acquisition strengthens our foundation, allowing us to offer even more significant services to entrepreneurs."

Company Overviews

Startup Handbook Co., Ltd. Overview:

- Founder: Yukiyo Okubo
- Location: 3-Chome-3-10 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo
- Established: April 10, 2014
- Capital: 104,290,000 yen
- Business: Media and entrepreneurship support platform operation
- Website: Startup Handbook

About Yayoi Co., Ltd.:
Yayoi, established in 1978, is dedicated to supporting back-office operations with its software solutions. With over 3.5 million registered users utilizing the Yayoi series, the company combines its robust customer connections with vast data and technological enhancements like AI. Yayoi aims to guide small enterprises on their journey towards their envisioned future.