Smooth Secures 60 Million Yen in Seed Funding for Innovative Mobility Payment Platform

Smooth Secures Seed Funding for Mobility Payment Platform

In a significant development for urban mobility, Smooth Inc., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has successfully raised a total of 60 million yen during its seed funding round. This funding comes through a third-party allocation of new shares, with prominent investors including TeamMake Capital and Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd. taking the lead.

Purpose of Funding

The capital raised will be primarily used to strengthen promotional activities and develop additional features for the Smooth Pay platform. This initiative aims to accelerate the realization of Smooth's vision: “Managing any location autonomously.”

Overview of Fundraising

- Funding Round: Seed Round
- Total Amount Raised: 60 million yen (entirely equity through third-party allocation)
- Lead Investors: TeamMake Capital, Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd.
- Use of Funds: Strengthening service promotions and adding features.

What is Smooth Pay?

Smooth Pay is an innovative mobility payment platform that utilizes license plate recognition and IoT devices. The lightweight system, which combines IP cameras for vehicle recognition with a mobile app, allows for completely unmanned and automated payment solutions without the need for large gates or terminals. It targets all payment scenarios involving mobility, such as existing parking facilities, minimizing costs significantly.

Once users register for the service, they can complete the entire process from entry and exit to payment automatically, without any physical interaction. This system also enables operators to manage facilities remotely without relying on physical manpower or paperwork. For a demonstration of the user flow, details can be viewed here.

On May 2026, a fully automated payment system employing Smooth Pay commenced operations at a coin parking facility in Itabashi, Tokyo.

Aiming for a Data-Connected Urban Mobility Infrastructure

Smooth's goal is to create an efficient urban mobility infrastructure that does not rely on human intervention. The integration of multiple locations through data is central to this ambition.

Investor Testimonials

The funding round has garnered positive feedback from key investors, reflecting their confidence in Smooth's potential:

- Kazuki Matsunaga, Partner at TeamMake Capital, emphasized the importance of having impactful leadership, praising CEO Bousuke Izumi for his capability to tap into the vast parking market.
- Masakuni Tsukimori, Executive Officer at Terada Warehouse, expressed excitement about combining technology with existing infrastructure to generate new value in urban environments.
- Koushirou Kawamoto, President of Kasumigaseki Capital, pointed out that Smooth's vision transcends mere parking management, aiming to redesign urban mobility itself.

Remarks from the CEO of Smooth

Bousuke Izumi, CEO of Smooth, highlighted the ongoing reliance on human operators and paperwork within urban locations. Smooth aims to transform these areas with technology to achieve a truly automated, driverless future, envisioning a “third mobility payment revolution.”

Izumi expressed his gratitude for the participation of investors who possess deep insights into the real estate field and other prominent entrepreneurs. He noted that the funds will focus on expanding the Smooth experience across more locations and developing functionalities tailored to the unique challenges faced by operators.

Support for Parking Operators

Smooth is now enhancing its support system for parking operators, promoting automation and cashless transactions through existing facilities. Importantly, no large-scale construction for gates or payment machines is required.

- Low Initial Costs: Smooth’s lightweight system structure allows the transition to smart parking at a minimal expense.
- Operational Efficiency: By automating entry, exit, and payment through license plate recognition, operators can significantly reduce the burden of premises operations and cash management.
- Remote Monitoring: With data visualizing the operational status of all locations, management from a distance becomes a reality.

Operators looking to reduce their operational costs or seeking to eliminate cash management practices are encouraged to reach out for personalized information about the innovative solutions Smooth offers.

Free Initial Cost Campaign

In celebration of this funding achievement, Smooth is currently offering a promotion to waive initial fees for the implementation of Smooth Pay in various locations. There is limited availability, so interested operators are encouraged to get in contact promptly.