KLD Executes First Close of Equity Funding Round

KLD Co., Ltd., headquartered in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and led by CEO Kenta Ito, has announced the successful first close of its equity funding round. This funding round sees participation from four investors: Mint Co., Ltd. as the lead investor, and Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., Saga Capital & Consulting Co., Ltd., and GxPartners LLP as follow-on investors. All contributions have been received as of the date of this announcement.

Background and Purpose of Fundraising

With a mission to "BUILDING MARKET OF STORIED REUSABLES," KLD has been operating in the fashion sector of the reuse business. The company emphasizes more than just the distribution of second-hand goods; it places importance on accurately communicating the background and value of items, ensuring that they are passed on to the next owner with conviction. This focus has driven KLD to refine its unique operations and customer experience.

Over time, KLD has gained continuous support from quality-focused consumer segments through its reuse services, leading to steady growth in both user numbers and transaction volume. A stable business foundation is forming as a result of this sustained growth.

Yet, challenges persist in terms of "experiential value" and "trustworthiness" across the broader reuse market, limiting the delivery of sufficient value compared to its potential market size. As such, KLD has entered a critical phase where it seeks to create new value through collaboration with other companies, rather than relying on internal growth alone.

Expansion of RaaS (Reuse as a Service)

Through this funding round, KLD plans to significantly expand its RaaS (Reuse as a Service) initiative. RaaS involves offering the valuation, operation, and sales systems that KLD has developed to partner companies, allowing them to implement reuse experiences within their customer interactions. This approach enables the delivery of new value to customer segments previously unacquainted with reuse.

As a first step, KLD has initiated a partnership with White Plus Co., Ltd., which operates a delivery cleaning service called "Lenet." They are working together to create a novel circular model that melds cleaning and reuse. Further collaborations with multiple partners across lifestyle, media, retail, and service sectors are planned for the future.

Launch of "FUKU BATON by Lenet" Service

KLD and White Plus have also launched a joint宅配買取 service named "FUKU BATON by Lenet," aiming to streamline the acquisition of second-hand clothing.

Strengthening Organization and Expansion to Tokyo

In addition to bolstering its organizational structure, this funding will allow KLD to hire core personnel in product development, operations, and business development. They will also build a framework capable of supporting business expansion.

To enhance its business foundation, KLD plans to expand its presence into Tokyo gradually. Strengthening its foothold in the metropolitan area will accelerate collaboration with partner companies and create new customer contacts.

Future Prospects

KLD is committed to pursuing sustainable models of reuse centered around the principle of "correctly circulating the value of goods." By integrating product, technology, and partnerships, it aims to improve the quality and speed of its services through this funding initiative, offering more satisfactory options to a broader audience.

KLD looks forward to continued attention and support for its endeavors.

Company Overview

- Company Name: KLD Co., Ltd.
- CEO: Kenta Ito
- Location: 2-10-30 Maebaru Chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Business: Reuse business (focused on buying and selling fashion items, RaaS)
- Website: https://kld-c.jp