Geofla Launches Strategic Investment for Regional Revitalization in Ehime

Geofla Partners With IHD Strategy Fund for Major Investment

Geofla Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is excited to announce a significant capital increase through a third-party allotment, with IHD STRATEGY FUND as the subscriber. The company aims to drive its purpose of using technology and entertainment to connect people and create reasons for gathering in various locations, thereby brightening the future of communities.

This investment will allow Geofla to accelerate its efforts in fostering regional collaboration by enhancing its entertainment application, 'Prally.' The app aims to increase交流人口 (the population exchange), stimulate consumption within the region, and promote inter-regional flow in Ehime Prefecture. Notably, this marks Geofla's first initiative in the Shikoku region.

Prally: Transforming Routine Travel into Fun Experiences

Prally is an innovative app designed to turn everyday travel and leisure activities into enjoyable experiences. It integrates online and offline interactions, combining location-based services with entertainment. Users can partake in stamp rallies, access AR content, and utilize digital coupons which altogether enrich the local experience.

With the investment, Geofla is poised to collaborate with IHD STRATEGY FUND to implement a 'Digital x Tourism' project across Ehime Prefecture. The goal is to facilitate visitor flow from the central city of Matsuyama, where many tourist facilities and attractions are located, to surrounding areas. Additionally, plans include launching tour initiatives aimed at attracting tourists and invigorating the local economy through partnerships with regional businesses, municipalities, and tourism associations.

Objectives of the Capital Increase

The recent capital increase aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Expansion and Functional Enhancement of Prally
Geofla intends to further amplify the Prally platform, which connects all forms of movement and experiences. This involves leveraging OMO (Online Merged Offline) entertainment and enhancing connections between everyday activities and tourism. The aim is to foster a vibrant flow of people in Ehime and ensure everyone has a reason to gather in various locations.
Key initiatives include setting up the digital stamp rally with capsules connected to the app in train stations and commercial facilities, and creating unique routes for retail partners. These efforts will reward everyday movements and bring a sense of fun and engagement to users.

2. Nationwide Expansion of the Regional Economic Revitalization Model
Geofla plans to customize high-value experiences that reflect the cultural and social characteristics of different regions, working closely with local governments, transport companies, and commercial facilities. In Ehime, the company will focus on sustainable initiatives that promote employment, attract tourists, enhance local resources, and develop content and products that expand regional tourism.

3. Maximizing Social Impact
Through entertainment, Geofla seeks to forge connections between communities and create a sustainable tourism model. The company also aims to provide solutions that encourage digital transformation in the retail sector, utilizing big data analytics and CRM for consulting purposes to generate new value.

Insights from Geofla’s CEO

Yuichi Ozaki, CEO of Geofla, expressed his vision, saying, "We want to transform 'movement' from merely a means of transport into a journey of discovery and excitement. This is a pioneering endeavor for us in the Shikoku region. By understanding the unique challenges of Ehime, we aspire to launch sustainable business projects that enable people to rediscover the region's charm through mobility. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with IHD STRATEGY FUND."

About the Prally App

Prally utilizes location-based services to transform daily commutes and tourism into engaging experiences. It allows users to explore their surroundings through digital stamp rallies and points, offering check-ins and capsule toy experiences. Launched in December 2023, the app has already attracted a diverse user base, engaging hundreds of thousands monthly.

For more information, visit Prally's website.

About IHD STRATEGY FUND

The IHD STRATEGY FUND is managed by Iyo Gin Holdings Group and aims to support the growth of regional businesses while generating new industries within and beyond Ehime Prefecture through strategic funding and expertise.

About Geofla

Founded in March 2023, Geofla operates under the motto of making every movement a new discovery and emotional experience. By maximizing the economic impact of travel, the company aims to contribute to sustainable regional development, creating reasons for people to gather. Geofla envisions a world where every journey transforms into a valuable experience, combining digital interactions with real-life engagements.