#Japan #Tokyo #Minnanoshashoku #Lotte Ventures #Corporate Meals

Minnanoshashoku Secures 120 Million Yen in Seed Funding

Minnanoshashoku, a popular provider of employee meal services, has successfully concluded its Seed Round (1st close) raising 120 million yen with Lotte Ventures Japan as the lead investor. This funding, along with previous bank loans, brings their total funding to 200 million yen. The company, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, aims to transform office lunches in Japan.

The soul of Minnanoshashoku lies in its commitment to delivering delicious meals from critically acclaimed restaurants, including those listed in Tabelog’s top 100. By offering rotating menus, they enhance workplace unity and elevate internal communication, resolving common corporate challenges, especially in the midst of a return to office culture following the pandemic.

Set to officially launch its service in June 2025, Minnanoshashoku has already made significant inroads, partnering with a range of enterprises from large corporations to startups within just six months of inception. The newly acquired funds will focus on improving customer experiences, expanding menu offerings, increasing partnerships with renowned eateries, and bolstering marketing efforts to enhance brand awareness and operational capabilities.

Market Background: The Resurgence of In-office Dining Amid Economic Changes

The return to office setups has intensified the challenges related to meal options, particularly for employees with limited access to nearby eateries, often referred to as “lunch refugees.” For companies lacking onsite cafeterias, addressing this issue can involve hefty investments in infrastructure, leaving many companies without employee dining solutions; of the approximately 1.77 million businesses in Japan, only about 5,433 (0.3%) have dedicated lunch facilities.

At the same time, rising living costs have prompted discussions around strengthening employee benefits. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has proposed increasing tax-free caps for meal subsidies in light of inflation, which is accelerating interest among corporations in diverse corporate cafeteria solutions to enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.

Overview of Minnanoshashoku's Meal Services: Quality at the Heart

Minnanoshashoku has begun offering its meal services to a variety of companies, including LINE Yahoo and TVer, demonstrating popularity across different business scales. Many have praised the delightful meals, leading to an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 64.5, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. A participant survey conducted during a tasting event revealed that 97% of attendees were satisfied with the meal quality, while 95% noted improved communication among colleagues, underlining the service's role in facilitating interactions through shared dining experiences.

The company's distinctive business model is designed to benefit restaurants, employees, and the companies themselves. Partnerships with renowned establishments, such as the popular curry shop “Hatsukoi” in Shibuya and the celebrated Chinese restaurant “Kakan” in Kamakura, allow workers to enjoy quality lunches at a modest price ranging from 0 to 500 yen.

Utilization of Acquired Capital

In alignment with its primary objective of enhancing customer experiences, the raised funds will be directed toward strengthening its service offerings, expanding brand recognition, and fortifying its workforce to support business growth. In the next six months, the company aims to add approximately 50 new partner restaurants to its network, ensuring an extensive variety of menu options.

Moreover, to enrich the customer experience further, Minnanoshashoku is investing in product development, focusing on providing high-quality utensils rather than disposable ones, and innovating buffet-style service designs that mimic dining at famous restaurants, right within offices.

Recruitment for Expanding Operations

To facilitate this growth, the company is actively recruiting for positions including COO, product development leads, restaurant operations management, and logistics management. More roles can be found on their Wantedy page.

Funding Overview

• - Total Funds Raised: 120 million yen
• - Funding Mechanism: Third-party allocation of shares
• - Investors: Lotte Ventures Japan (new investor) and individual investors

Investor Insights

Takashi Sawada, a Director at Lotte Ventures Japan, expressed excitement about the investment, highlighting the appeal of Minnanoshashoku’s service in improving workplace morale through delicious meals. His endorsement reflects confidence in the company's potential to impact the corporate dining landscape positively.

About Minnanoshashoku

Founded on the principle of enhancing lunchtime experiences for workers, Minnanoshashoku provides freshly prepared meals from popular eateries every selected lunchtime, ensuring a unique and enjoyable dining atmosphere in corporate spaces. By transforming office dining into an exciting affair, they aim to boost attendance, foster communication, and alleviate the challenges faced by “lunch refugees.”

For more information, please visit their website.