#Japan #Tokyo #Money Forward #Manageboard #Knowledge Lab

Money Forward's Strategic Merger to Boost Business Management Services

In a significant move that aims to strengthen its business management capabilities, Money Forward Inc. has announced a merger with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Knowledge Lab, through its management consultancy arm, Money Forward Cloud Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (referred to as MFCC). The merger is slated to take effect on December 1, 2025, as part of an overarching strategy to consolidate resources and expertise within the group.

Background and Synergy of the Merger

Money Forward initially established MFCC with the goal of expanding its footprint in the business management sector. This involved integrating Knowledge Lab, which specializes in providing management platforms primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through stock exchanges, Knowledge Lab was transformed into a 100% subsidiary of MFCC, paving the way for a more cohesive service offering.

Starting from December 2024, MFCC will officially launch its operations, presenting a comprehensive lineup of services that cater not only to SMEs but also to enterprise-level organizations. The merger will enhance the synergies between MFCC and Knowledge Lab, particularly leveraging Knowledge Lab's management platform, Manageboard, to drive greater visibility and efficiency in business management solutions.

The integration aims to accelerate the development of new services while enhancing existing customer relationships through cross-selling. This strategic merger is expected to widen the customer base, enabling MFCC to support companies in their growth journey. The company is committed to enhancing its product offerings in the management domain while also addressing the rising demand for AI integration in business operations, thus creating new value for its clients.

MFCC comprises several key subsidiaries, including Outlook Consulting Inc. and Knowledge Lab. Together, they will work towards a unified strategy in the management sector, significantly impacting clients' operational efficiencies.

Overview of Manageboard

At the core of Money Forward's management strategy is the Manageboard platform, which operates in the cloud and facilitates budget creation and variance analysis. Manageboard allows companies to achieve a dual approach to management, combining flexible operations in times of change with a strategic planning focus for goal attainment. Its capabilities extend beyond financial planning—integrating financial statements like PL, BS, and CF to create comprehensive financial forecasts while allowing for non-financial performance metrics, such as KPIs.

The platform efficiently generates reports for variance analysis by leveraging various integrations with accounting software, enabling users to derive insights within minutes. More information about Manageboard can be found on its official website: Manageboard Service.

About Knowledge Lab

Knowledge Lab, located in the heart of Osaka, Japan, has established itself as a leading provider of business management solutions since its inception in October 2012. Under the leadership of Chairman Hidetoshi Kunimi and CEO Yusuke Kadoide, Knowledge Lab focuses on managing the Manageboard platform and offering consultancy services in business design. For more details, visit their site: Knowledge Lab.

About Money Forward Cloud Management Consulting Co., Ltd.

MFCC is situated in the Minato area of Tokyo and is led by CEO Hiroshi Shimauchi. The company specializes in providing Software as a Service (SaaS) and consulting for management areas, reinforcing Money Forward's commitment to delivering innovative and tailored solutions. More information can be found at: Money Forward Cloud Consulting.

About Money Forward Inc.

Founded in May 2012, Money Forward has rapidly evolved into a prominent platform service provider, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Under the leadership of Group CEO Yosuke Tsuji, the company has carved out a unique niche in the business tech landscape, continuing to innovate and grow. For details, visit: Money Forward.

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