Social Pentagon's Innovative Investment Initiative
The Tokyo-based company, Social Pentagon, has begun soliciting investors today through Japan's first equity crowdfunding platform, FUNDINNO. This initiative is not merely about raising funds; it seeks to address the pressing social issue of "unread consent" troubles in the rapidly growing online transaction market. By developing and disseminating a summary solution for terms of service, in collaboration with legal experts, Social Pentagon aims to enhance transparency and foster trust between businesses and consumers.
The Rise of Unread Consent Challenges
In our digital age, online transactions have become daily necessities. However, the practice of agreeing to terms of service and privacy policies without reading them—commonly known as "unread consent"—has emerged as a significant societal issue. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan has reported almost 80,000 inquiries about these online transaction troubles each year, while a mere 5.5% of users verify their agreements beforehand. It's estimated that damages resulting from unread consent and deceptive design patterns exceed one trillion yen annually. Social Pentagon estimates that consent is given over 20 billion times a year within Japan's online space, highlighting a growing demand for services that mitigate these potential risks.
Building Trust with Social Pentagon DIGEST
To tackle this societal challenge, Social Pentagon has developed the "Social Pentagon DIGEST", a lawyer-reviewed summary solution for terms of service. This solution, currently patented in Japan, summarizes lengthy legal documents into five crucial points, providing a clear and accessible overview for users. By displaying these summaries on consent screens, both businesses and consumers can engage in transactions with greater assurance. The involvement of legal professionals in the review process guarantees high reliability and legal accuracy—a significant advantage over automated summaries. Companies implementing this solution have reported increases in registration rates and customer lifetime value, demonstrating the dual benefits of consumer protection and corporate growth.
Experienced Team and Strong Network
Leading the company, CEO Hiroshi Yoshizawa brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, including successful exits to publicly traded IT firms. The board comprises former lawyers and big advertising agency veterans, complemented by advisors from various sectors, including HR and web marketing. This formidable team structure propels the creation of new market opportunities and emphasizes Social Pentagon's commitment to educating the industry through active participation in the newly formed Japan Dark Patterns Countermeasures Association, established in September 2024.
Why Choose Equity Crowdfunding Over Venture Capital?
Social Pentagon opted for crowdfunding through FUNDINNO rather than pursuing venture capital (VC) for several reasons. Unlike traditional VC, which prioritizes rapid investment returns, the problem of unread consent presents a long-term challenge that requires time and societal integration for solutions to achieve critical mass. This endeavor necessitates more than just financial capital; it requires the emotional capital of support and understanding from individuals who resonate with the social significance of these efforts.
"Social Pentagon DIGEST" is more than just a legal aid tool; it aims to establish a new social infrastructure that ensures users can confidently engage in online transactions. We seek changemakers who share this long-term vision and understand the societal implications of this venture. We invite individual investors to join us in this mission, as your support will be crucial in shaping a healthier online environment.
Join Our Movement
For more information and to support this transformative initiative, visit the FUNDINNO fundraising page:
FUNDINNO