Neconome Raises 110 Million Yen for New Shogi Game 'KIOU' Set for June 2026 Release

Neconome's Latest Funding and Upcoming Game Release

Neconome Inc., based in Chuo, Tokyo, announced a successful fundraising round of 110 million yen through a third-party allotment equity financing (Series A). With this round, the total funds raised by the company have reached 200 million yen.

This funding round involved three investors: EX Innovation Fund, which is managed by Simplex Capital Investment and backed by TV Asahi Holdings; Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd.; and SMBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd. The funds raised will primarily be used for the development and launch of their new title, 'KIOU', set for a June 2026 release, as well as for the global expansion of existing titles and strengthening the company's development and operational team through recruitment.

Background of the Funding

Neconome operates with the motto of being "a company by gamers, for gamers," focusing on game development driven by qualitative user interviews. Their flagship title, the "Mesologear series," employs a unique simultaneous turn-based format to create a fast-paced, psychological card game lasting just three minutes per match. The game achieved 200,000 downloads without any promotional efforts and showcased its success at the Tokyo Game Show in both 2024 and 2025, where it claimed the top spot in the App Store's free overall and card game rankings. This funding round aims to accelerate the development of unique games and intellectual properties while enhancing global reach and talent acquisition.

About 'KIOU', Scheduled for June 2026 Release

In June 2026, Neconome plans to launch 'KIOU', a new shogi game designed for players ranging from beginners to advanced participants. 'KIOU' uniquely combines engaging character interactions with competitive shogi matches to offer a fresh gaming experience. It features voice performances by renowned voice actors, a character likability system, and a play style accommodating all skill levels. Players will navigate the shogi board’s strategic maneuvers while intertwined with character-driven narratives in a world that blends traditional Japanese elements with fantasy themes.

Already generating excitement among shogi enthusiasts, Neconome is diligently working on the game's development ahead of its release.

Comments from Leadership

Sean Kudo, CEO of Neconome
"We are thrilled to have received investments from a diverse group of investors. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to advocating for 'fun,' a concept that is notoriously hard to define, and we are committed to doing so based on data. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our current users, shareholders, and new investors participating this time. Moving forward, we will strive to deliver the experiences stemming from our games to audiences around the world through partnerships with various stakeholders."

Kazuki Fujimori, Principal at EX Innovation Fund
"Neconome exhibits a team that embodies the integration of a product mindset honed through dialogue with users alongside technical prowess. We look forward to supporting Neconome as they work to create beloved games and IPs that users will cherish for years to come. I am also eagerly awaiting their upcoming title set to release this year."

Kento Konishi, Deputy General Manager at Mitsubishi UFJ Capital
"We have chosen to invest in Neconome due to their evident dedication to merging user enthusiasm directly into their products, showcasing the essence of modern entertainment. I anticipate their new experiences reaching a broader audience, both domestically and internationally."

Takumi Iwabuchi, Deputy Manager at SMBC Venture Capital
"The gaming market is particularly competitive in the entertainment industry, and creating hit titles requires not only technical skill but a deep understanding and love for games. Through our discussions, I have sensed a genuine passion for creating exceptional experiences and a desire to present shogi, a culture Japan can be proud of, as an innovative game. I eagerly await the release of 'KIOU' and envision Neconome's journey in making impactful game IPs worldwide."

With solid backing and a promising new title, Neconome Inc. is poised to make significant strides in the gaming industry and expand the reach of Japanese traditional games into global markets.