#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Finance #Mizuho Bank #COUNTERWORKS

COUNTERWORKS Secures Funding for Expansion

COUNTERWORKS, a Japanese company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo and led by CEO Naoki Sanpei, has successfully secured loans from three major financial institutions: Mizuho Bank, Japan Finance Corporation, and Shoko Chukin Bank.

Background of the Funding

COUNTERWORKS is recognized for its commitment to digitalizing commercial real estate through platforms like "Shop Counter," which supports pop-up store placements and the leasing DX system "Shop Counter Enterprise." The company has made significant strides in utilizing vacant spaces across various settings, including supermarkets, shopping centers, and train stations nationwide. Over the recent years, their expansion efforts have not been confined to Tokyo, but rather they have made notable progress in regional areas as well. Data shows that in the last five years, the revenue ratio outside Tokyo has surged by 46.7 points, increasing from 12.5% in 2019 to 59.2% in 2024.

The recognition of their initiative to revitalize local economies led to the Japan Finance Corporation applying a specific capital loan, called the "Challenge Support Capital Enhancement Special Financing," which is aimed at new business ventures and high-impact community contributions. Moreover, the loan from Shoko Chukin Bank is part of the bank's commitment to supporting startups, providing opportunities for future business matching with local enterprises through its extensive branch network.

Additionally, Mizuho Bank acknowledged the company's potential for long-term growth, leading to this financing based on factors such as the acceleration of the national deployment of "Shop Counter" and the proven success of "Shop Counter Enterprise."

Plans Going Forward and Allocation of Funds

The funds raised will be allocated to the following areas:

1. Enhancing Product Quality: Ensuring that COUNTERWORKS continues to meet the highest standards and expectations in the industry.
2. System Development and Human Resource Recruitment: Strengthening support systems to enhance customer service and streamline operations.
3. New Development of Vacant Spaces: Focusing on exploring vacant spaces, especially in regional areas, alongside expanding collaborations with local governments and companies.

COUNTERWORKS is on a mission to digitize all commercial real estate and create a new infrastructure for retail. They aspire to ensure the utilization of vacant spaces is not just a temporary solution, but a sustainable contributor to regional economies. Moving forward, the company aims to harness the power of digital technology to broaden the horizons for commercial spaces and generate diverse business opportunities tailored to local challenges and needs.

Comments from Financial Institutions

Eiki Uchida, Head of Mizuho Bank's Corporate Division:
"COUNTERWORKS is dedicated to digitizing all commercial real estate and creating a new infrastructure for retail. Their unique approach is expected to generate new value in the mid to long term. We decided to support them in this endeavor and will continue to assist their sustainable growth."

Koichi Takahashi, Head of Startup Business at Shoko Chukin Bank:
"Previously, available spaces in shopping malls and supermarkets were underutilized due to a lack of manpower and expertise. However, I am confident that COUNTERWORKS' innovative solutions will enable effective space utilization in many commercial facilities and contribute to local economic development. Shoko Chukin Bank will wholeheartedly support the growth of startups addressing regional challenges."

About Shop Counter

"Shop Counter" is an online platform that allows for the booking of pop-up stores, events, and exhibitions in various commercial spaces. Users can search and reserve locations such as shopping centers, supermarkets, department stores, shopping streets, train stations, and office buildings. As of June 2025, approximately 80,000 tenants are expected to utilize the platform, spanning diverse industries including apparel, miscellaneous goods, food, and service industries.

URL: https://shopcounter.jp

About Shop Counter Enterprise

This is a DX system tailored for commercial facilities that allows them to list their available spaces on a tenant recruitment site while offering management systems for inquiries, sales tracking, tenant information management, and space utilization management in a SaaS format. Over 1,000 commercial facilities have currently adopted this system.

URL: https://shopcounter.jp/lp/enterprise

About COUNTERWORKS

• - Company Name: COUNTERWORKS Inc.
• - Location: 1-8-7 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, MFPR Roppongi Azabudai Building, 9F
• - CEO: Naoki Sanpei
• - Business Focus: Planning, development, and operation of "Shop Counter" and "Shop Counter Enterprise."
• - Capital: 654 million yen (including capital reserve)
• - Company URL: https://counterworks.co.jp

COUNTERWORKS is dedicated to shaping the future of commercial real estate, providing innovative solutions that benefit local economies and enhance business opportunities across Japan.