#Japan #Minato, Tokyo #Shippio #Forest #Genomic Fish

October 2025 Startup Funding Highlights

In the latest report published by Forstartups Co., Ltd., significant funding rounds have highlighted the innovative strides made by startups in sectors ranging from e-commerce to international logistics. The focus of this report is on the top three startups raising the most significant investments during October 2025.

1. Forest Raises ¥3.24 Billion

Leading the funding ranking is Forest, the operator of the cross-border e-commerce site omakase, which successfully secured ¥3.24 billion in a Series B round. This amount was recalibrated from the initially announced ¥6 billion to reflect accurate registration records. Forest's mission, “Cultivating Japanese Goods to Color the World,” emphasizes their commitment to promoting brand succession and re-growth within the e-commerce sector.

Since its inception, Forest has executed a total of 21 business succession-type M&A transactions, collaborating with both local Japanese firms and companies from the U.S. Their comprehensive operational framework covers design, logistics, marketing, and customer support. The newly acquired funds will be allocated to enhancing M&A activities, strengthening data infrastructure, advancing cross-border e-commerce efforts, and expanding their retail tech initiatives. Thus, Forest aims to showcase high-quality Japanese brands on the international stage, fostering the development of a sustainable retail industry.

2. Shippio Secures ¥2.27 Billion

In second place is Shippio, which operates the Shippio Platform, an international logistics platform. The company raised ¥2.27 billion in a Series C funding round, trimmed down from the originally reported ¥3.24 billion based on preregistration data. With the vision of “Making International Logistics Advanced,” Shippio provides a cloud-based platform to centralize export/import procedures, customs, cargo tracking, and document management.

The platform has seen rapid adoption, particularly among manufacturers, trading companies, and logistics providers, marking unprecedented growth over the past three years—net revenue surged nearly twentyfold, container handling amplified by approximately thirty-five times, and user base expanded eightfold. The recently acquired funds will be directed towards product development, including the AI customs cloud Shippio Clear, furthering M&A activities, and organizational strengthening. By integrating real-world insights with cutting-edge technology, Shippio plans to evolve into a platform leader in global logistics, driving structural changes in the trade and logistics sectors.

3. Regional Fish Raises ¥1.96 Billion

Claiming the third position, Regional Fish, which specializes in research on fish species improvement utilizing genome editing technology, raised ¥1.96 billion in a pre-Series D funding round. The company's slogan, “The Fish Humanity Needs Right Now,” reflects its mission to develop and mass-produce new fish species that possess traits such as high-temperature resistance and accelerated growth.

In just five years, Regional Fish has collaborated with approximately 90 companies, universities, and municipalities, forging an all-Japan network to push forward the species improvement initiative. They have achieved success in developing fish that grow rapidly and have large edible parts, as well as breeds resilient to global warming trends. The funds from this recent round will support research and development of new species, establishment of overseas bases, and recruitment of specialized talent for global expansion.

Conclusion

These significant fundraising achievements underscore the innovative spirit driving the Japanese startup ecosystem. As Forest and Shippio pave the way for global supply chains and logistics, Regional Fish is making strides in sustainable aquaculture. Such developments not only promise growth for these companies but also emphasize Japan's pivotal role in the evolving global market.

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