ANELLA Group Secures 1.55 Billion Yen Funding to Expand Unique Welfare-focused Dog Cat Cafe Concept
A Transformative Initiative in Animal Welfare
On July 31, 2025, ANELLA Group, formerly known as DT Corporation, announced a staggering achievement in raising 1.55 billion yen in its Series A funding round, culminating in a total fundraising amount of 3.4 billion yen. Based in Setagaya, Tokyo, and helmed by CEO Daiki Ito, the company is set to accelerate the nationwide expansion of its welfare-oriented dog and cat interaction cafe, ANELLA CAFE, while enhancing its staffing, facilities, and digital infrastructure.
The mission statement of ANELLA CAFE is compelling: “Change one life forever.” While saving one animal may not change the world, it undoubtedly transforms that one dog's or cat's life forever. ANELLA CAFE is not merely a standard animal interaction cafe; it is a groundbreaking, welfare-oriented establishment designed to provide a safe space for rescued dogs and cats, as well as for people with disabilities seeking meaningful employment. By merging employment opportunities with animal care, ANELLA CAFE supports social inclusion for individuals with disabilities and seeks to find forever homes for displaced pets simultaneously.
Through its unique approach, ANELLA CAFE is redefining what a pet interaction facility can be. It aims to create “life-connecting opportunities” between animals and patrons, facilitating rewarding experiences for both groups and fostering a “triple benefit” model that champions animal welfare and enriches community ties.
The innovative ANELLA CAFE integrates the role of an animal interaction facility with a welfare agency, facilitating hands-on training for individuals with disabilities. Opening franchise opportunities in May 2024, the company has already secured over 50 locations. The unique business model is garnering attention for its ability to lower entry barriers and ensure operational sustainability in pet protection, a domain often considered challenging due to financial constraints.
By combining employment support with animal welfare, ANELLA CAFE achieves impressive profitability. Instead of relying solely on donations or grants, the business generates income through admission fees, merchandise sales, and grooming services. This dual revenue stream allows for stable profitability, with an estimated monthly revenue of over 5 million yen and a payback period for investments of about 14 months.
The recent funding will be allocated to several critical areas:
1. Expansion of the Central Shelter: Establishing a facility capable of housing around 1,000 animals to cater to increased donations and expand veterinary care and behavioral management systems.
2. Support System for Franchisees: Hiring and training staff to ensure nationwide operational support, alongside recruiting a team of veterinary experts to fortify the animal welfare aspect of the franchise.
3. Enhanced Marketing Efforts: Increasing funds to elevate awareness of rescued animals and promote adoptions effectively.
With these initiatives, the company aims to expand its operations nationwide within the next two to three years.
Various investors have highlighted the potential of ANELLA Group’s innovative model that effectively tackles societal issues involving both animal welfare and employment for people with disabilities. Yuji Setsu, the CEO of 1982 Impact Fund, emphasized the company's dual commitment to social and economic returns, demonstrating substantial promise in its mission.
Others, including Kazuyoshi Fujii and Daisuke Teraoka, lauded the unique position of ANELLA CAFE in addressing social challenges while building a sustainable business model, anticipating substantial growth in the coming years.
Daiki Ito shared his vision, stating, “We aspire to create a nurturing environment that not only saves lives but also empowers those who might feel marginalized.” He noted that their endeavor is to establish a network of supportive spaces across the country that respect life and offer dignified opportunities for all.
Company Name: ANELLA Group (formerly DT Corporation)
Headquarters: Setagaya, Tokyo
Founded: November 2017
Capital: 186.33 million yen (including capital reserves)
Number of Stores: 50 (including planned openings)
CEO: Daiki Ito
Business Areas: Planning and Operation of Welfare-based Dog and Cat Interaction Cafe “ANELLA CAFE,” Franchise Headquarters, Support for Continuous Employment B-type, Animal Protection Activities, Restaurant Management, and Lodging Services.
Website: ANELLA Group
On July 31, 2025, ANELLA Group, formerly known as DT Corporation, announced a staggering achievement in raising 1.55 billion yen in its Series A funding round, culminating in a total fundraising amount of 3.4 billion yen. Based in Setagaya, Tokyo, and helmed by CEO Daiki Ito, the company is set to accelerate the nationwide expansion of its welfare-oriented dog and cat interaction cafe, ANELLA CAFE, while enhancing its staffing, facilities, and digital infrastructure.
What is ANELLA CAFE?
The mission statement of ANELLA CAFE is compelling: “Change one life forever.” While saving one animal may not change the world, it undoubtedly transforms that one dog's or cat's life forever. ANELLA CAFE is not merely a standard animal interaction cafe; it is a groundbreaking, welfare-oriented establishment designed to provide a safe space for rescued dogs and cats, as well as for people with disabilities seeking meaningful employment. By merging employment opportunities with animal care, ANELLA CAFE supports social inclusion for individuals with disabilities and seeks to find forever homes for displaced pets simultaneously.
Through its unique approach, ANELLA CAFE is redefining what a pet interaction facility can be. It aims to create “life-connecting opportunities” between animals and patrons, facilitating rewarding experiences for both groups and fostering a “triple benefit” model that champions animal welfare and enriches community ties.
The Franchise Model and Its Impacts
The innovative ANELLA CAFE integrates the role of an animal interaction facility with a welfare agency, facilitating hands-on training for individuals with disabilities. Opening franchise opportunities in May 2024, the company has already secured over 50 locations. The unique business model is garnering attention for its ability to lower entry barriers and ensure operational sustainability in pet protection, a domain often considered challenging due to financial constraints.
By combining employment support with animal welfare, ANELLA CAFE achieves impressive profitability. Instead of relying solely on donations or grants, the business generates income through admission fees, merchandise sales, and grooming services. This dual revenue stream allows for stable profitability, with an estimated monthly revenue of over 5 million yen and a payback period for investments of about 14 months.
The Financial Road Ahead
The recent funding will be allocated to several critical areas:
1. Expansion of the Central Shelter: Establishing a facility capable of housing around 1,000 animals to cater to increased donations and expand veterinary care and behavioral management systems.
2. Support System for Franchisees: Hiring and training staff to ensure nationwide operational support, alongside recruiting a team of veterinary experts to fortify the animal welfare aspect of the franchise.
3. Enhanced Marketing Efforts: Increasing funds to elevate awareness of rescued animals and promote adoptions effectively.
With these initiatives, the company aims to expand its operations nationwide within the next two to three years.
Investor Insights
Various investors have highlighted the potential of ANELLA Group’s innovative model that effectively tackles societal issues involving both animal welfare and employment for people with disabilities. Yuji Setsu, the CEO of 1982 Impact Fund, emphasized the company's dual commitment to social and economic returns, demonstrating substantial promise in its mission.
Others, including Kazuyoshi Fujii and Daisuke Teraoka, lauded the unique position of ANELLA CAFE in addressing social challenges while building a sustainable business model, anticipating substantial growth in the coming years.
CEO Daiki Ito's Commitment
Daiki Ito shared his vision, stating, “We aspire to create a nurturing environment that not only saves lives but also empowers those who might feel marginalized.” He noted that their endeavor is to establish a network of supportive spaces across the country that respect life and offer dignified opportunities for all.
About ANELLA Group
Company Name: ANELLA Group (formerly DT Corporation)
Headquarters: Setagaya, Tokyo
Founded: November 2017
Capital: 186.33 million yen (including capital reserves)
Number of Stores: 50 (including planned openings)
CEO: Daiki Ito
Business Areas: Planning and Operation of Welfare-based Dog and Cat Interaction Cafe “ANELLA CAFE,” Franchise Headquarters, Support for Continuous Employment B-type, Animal Protection Activities, Restaurant Management, and Lodging Services.
Website: ANELLA Group
Topics People & Culture）
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