#Japan #Tokyo #Family Meals #Tsukurioki.jp #Antway

Antway's Successful Series D Funding

Antway, a Tokyo-based company operating the home-cooked meal subscription service 'tsukurioki.jp', has recently completed a Series D funding round, raising approximately 3.3 billion yen. This new influx of capital brings the company’s total funding to around 6.5 billion yen. Major investors in this round include SMBC-GB Growth Fund, JAFCO Group, and the KDDI Open Innovation Fund.

Background of Funding and Business Growth

Founded with the mission to eliminate burdens from households, Antway launched its service in February 2020 within select areas of Tokyo. The rise in dual-income households and the increasing participation of women in the workforce have created a growing demand for solutions that ease household chores and foster quality family time. With this in mind, 'tsukurioki.jp' has been steadily gaining support and expanding its reach.

Key milestones in the company's timeline include:

• - August 2021: Raised a total of about 1.5 billion yen in funding.
• - September 2021: Opened a direct kitchen in Koto Ward.
• - May 2023: Raised approximately 870 million yen in Series C funding.
• - Plans for franchise kitchens in various regions between 2024 and 2025, including Miyagi, Ibaraki, and Hiroshima, with aim to provide services in 46 out of 47 prefectures, excluding Okinawa, by the end of 2025.
• - Establishment of a subsidiary in Singapore projected for October 2025.

Utilization of the New Funds

The funds raised in this round will be directed towards critical investments aimed at accelerating the company's growth. Antway plans to open new proprietary kitchens to significantly increase production capacity and will use its newly established Singapore branch to expand internationally. Moreover, the organization aims to scale its workforce to approximately 120 employees by the end of January 2026, actively recruiting to fulfill various positions as part of its expansion strategy.

Investor Comments

Sakimoto Yoshiko from Global Brain expressed her enthusiasm about working with CEO Maejima. She remarked on Maejima’s logical grasp of social issues and exceptional vision for overcoming customer pain points. She noted the impressive growth trajectory of the business and reiterated her commitment to supporting Antway in its mission to alleviate burdens on households.

Matsumoto Takayuki from JAFCO Group echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the business's ability to balance scale and profitability amid the challenges of fixed cost structures in meal delivery services. He stated that Antway’s labor efficiency and high customer retention rate give strong confidence in its potential for sustainable growth, especially with its impending international expansion.

Statement from CEO Maejima

In a statement following this funding round, CEO Maejima emphasized that this Series D funding represents a vital step toward expanding their mission beyond Japan and around the world. He extended his gratitude to investors and loyal customers, revealing that the company aims to empower individuals to create personal lifestyles by reducing household burdens.

Antway endeavors to enhance domestic production capabilities and facilitate the delivery of its services to a broader customer base while tackling global challenges through its Singapore operations. The company is on the lookout for new team members who resonate with its vision to alleviate duties from all families.

Recruitment Information

Antway is now actively seeking individuals eager to grow alongside the business as it embarks on this new phase of progression. If you connect with the mission of lessening domestic responsibilities, consider checking out the recruitment page to learn more about career opportunities within Antway.

About 'tsukurioki.jp'

The ‘tsukurioki.jp’ service, overseen by professional chefs and nutritionists, delivers homemade dishes crafted in dedicated kitchens to customer doorsteps each week. Meals are priced at 798 yen per serving for a plan of five meals per week, allowing customers to delegate cooking-related chores. With over 1,000 recipes on offer, a range of meal plans caters to various needs.

Conclusion

Antway's vision and ambitious expansion plans position the company as a significant contender in the meal delivery sector, addressing both domestic burdens and participating in the international market. With plans underway for growth and global outreach, the future looks promising for both the company and its customers.