#Japan #Investment #Tokyo #Funds #UI/UX Redesign

Introduction

Funds Inc., the operator of the fixed-rate investment asset management service known as "Funds," is planning a significant revamp of its service site, scheduled to take place in mid-October 2025. This redesign aims to make asset management more enjoyable for a wider audience, reimagining the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) to create a more intuitive and friendly design.

Background of the Redesign

The company aspires to become a "national asset management service," ensuring that more individuals can confidently utilize Funds. The decision to revamp the site stems from valuable user feedback and data analysis, addressing two critical issues:

1. Making the UI Accessible for Beginners
The previous site was designed with advanced users in mind, which may have made first-time users feel intimidated. The redesign focuses on creating an interface that is easy to understand and navigate, regardless of investment experience. Information presentation and flow will undergo a complete overhaul to improve usability.

2. Breaking Away from the Stiffness Associated with Financial Services
The earlier design conveyed a somewhat rigid impression typical of financial services. The upcoming changes aim to make investing a more exciting and engaging experience, showcasing friendly visuals and enhancing the understanding of participating companies' values and missions. This approach helps users appreciate the significance of circulating funds to growing businesses through Funds.

Key Features of the Redesign

The following improvements and design changes will be implemented primarily across the homepage, fund list, fund detail pages, and investment application pathways:

1. Addition of "Highlight Tags"
By adding tags like "Benefits" and "Pro Fund" on fund lists and detail pages, users can instantly grasp the unique features and attractions of each fund.

2. Dividend Simulation Feature
Users will be able to input their investment amount to easily forecast potential dividend earnings.

3. Tabbed Information Organization
Fund detail pages will be organized into tabs to streamline navigation, enabling users to access necessary information promptly.

4. Improved Presentation of Participating Company Information
Each fund's thumbnail will include key information about the participating company, facilitating intuitive understanding of the background behind the fund.

Future Prospects

This redesign is part of the company's broader ambition to establish itself as the go-to asset management service for everyday investors. Future enhancements will include revised guide pages to deepen service understanding and the introduction of a membership program offering benefits tailored to user engagement. The company is committed to continuously improving the service to ensure that asset management becomes an accessible, enjoyable, and secure experience for more people.

About Funds

Funds offers an online platform allowing individuals to lend money indirectly to publicly-listed companies starting from just one yen. To date, the company has successfully launched 545 funds consisting of 111 publicly traded companies, with no record of distribution delays or defaults as of August 2025 (future performance is not guaranteed).

Main Features of Fixed-Rate Investment "Funds"

• - Stability through Fixed Returns: Funds offers financial products that provide fixed returns without market fluctuations, easing the psychological burden of investment management.
• - Investment from One Yen: Funds pioneered the ability to invest in one-yen increments, helping lessen the initial psychological barrier for novice investors.
• - Rigorous Company Selection: Only companies that pass the company's strict financial and business plan reviews participate in fundraising through Funds.
• - Attractive Perks and Benefits: Some funds offer special advantages such as discounts and invitations to exclusive tasting events for investors, fostering deeper connections between individual investors and companies through financial interaction.

CEO Yuichiro Fujita’s Background

Yuichiro Fujita, the CEO of Funds Inc., graduated from Waseda University with a degree in commerce. After joining CyberAgent, he founded a company providing Web development and marketing support in 2007, eventually taking it public in 2012. In 2013, he launched a major lending-based crowdfunding service and established Funds Inc. in November 2016.

Important Notes on Fees and Risks

• - No fees are charged for account setup, maintenance, or investment. However, transfer fees from users' financial institutions to the deposit account are the users’ responsibility; consult your financial institution for details.
• - The bonds that fund dividends are not traded in financial markets, meaning no market price exists, although their selling prices may be influenced by market trends.
• - Generally, a cooling-off period of eight days is allowed from the application date; however, early withdrawals are not permitted, and the sale of fund holdings requires approval from both the company and the fund-formation company.
• - Funds invested are not guaranteed, and there is a risk of loss. Please read the important information thoroughly regarding each fund's conditions, risks, and nature.

About Funds Inc.

Company Name: Funds Inc.
Headquarters: 5th Floor, Fujiwara Building, 1-10-11 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya, Tokyo
CEO: Yuichiro Fujita
Established: November 1, 2016
Capital: ¥850 million
Financial Services Registration: Kanto Finance Bureau Chief (Financial Instruments Business) No. 3103
Membership: General Incorporated Association for Second Class Financial Instruments Business