#Japan #Nagoya #Foreign Workers #KUROFUNE #KUROFUNE PASSPORT

KUROFUNE Secures New Funding for Skilled Worker Support App

KUROFUNE, a company dedicated to supporting foreign workers in Japan, has recently announced a successful funding round in the pre-Series A stage. The funding will enhance the company's app, KUROFUNE PASSPORT, which is designed to provide legal and settlement assistance to skilled foreign workers, ensuring they have a smoother transition and experience while working in Japan.

Founded in February 2018, KUROFUNE is headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, led by CEO Ryo Kurakata. The company aims to create a world where foreigners can work and live just as easily as they do in their home countries. As part of its mission, KUROFUNE operates two key applications: KUROFUNE, which supports job hunting for foreigners in Japan, and KUROFUNE PASSPORT, launched in April 2019, providing specialized support for skilled workers under the new immigration category “Specified Skilled Worker.”

The newly raised funds come from various investors, including IYO Venture Fund No. 7, Chugoku Infinity Fund No. 3, and companies that utilize KUROFUNE PASSPORT, such as Joytam Co., Ltd. and Yamako Industries Co., Ltd. Additionally, private investor Naoki Akira has contributed to this funding round. The collaboration underscores the importance of this platform in supporting foreign workers within Japan’s labor market.

Funding Allocation and Future Goals

The funding will be strategically used for three main objectives:

1. Strengthening Sales Capabilities: Enhancing the sales team to reach more businesses that employ foreign workers.
2. Marketing and Public Relations: Increasing awareness and user acquisition through targeted marketing campaigns.
3. Enhancing Development Teams: Investing in the ongoing development of KUROFUNE PASSPORT to incorporate new features catered to the needs of foreign workers.

This investment aligns with KUROFUNE's commitment to improving the settlement rates of foreign workers in Japan. Despite the popularity of the Specified Skilled Worker visa category, with an average of 380 new workers entering every day, many companies face challenges retaining them due to the nature of the visa allowing frequent job changes. Traditional recruitment firms primarily earn revenue through placement fees, limiting their ability to assist with worker retention. KUROFUNE aims to change this model by focusing on long-term support and engagement with foreign workers.

Insights from Investors

The investment community has expressed enthusiastic support for KUROFUNE's mission. Tomohiro Taniguchi, a manager at IYO Capital Co., remarked on the challenges facing local businesses regarding talent acquisition and retention. He believes that KUROFUNE's service is a promising solution to these issues and can greatly contribute to the revitalization of the local economy through increased foreign worker stability.

Rei Ishimoto from Chugoku Capital Partners pointed out the multifaceted challenges facing foreign workers, emphasizing the need for neutral, native-language support for their everyday lives. He recognized KUROFUNE's role in navigating these complex support needs as vital for business sustainability as foreign workers become a significant part of Japan’s workforce.

Company representatives from Joytam and Yamako Industries also highlighted the positive experiences with KUROFUNE in addressing labor shortages and fostering foreign workers’ integration into Japanese society. Individual investor Naoki Akira expressed hope for KUROFUNE’s innovative business model, stating that enabling a multicultural society is essential for Japan's future.

Conclusion

With these new funds, KUROFUNE is poised to expand its impact and enhance its app’s capabilities, ultimately striving for a society where all foreign workers can feel secure and welcomed in their new environment. As KUROFUNE continues to develop its offerings, the company remains committed to transforming the Japanese labor market for skilled foreign workers through technology and dedicated support.

For more information about KUROFUNE and its initiatives, visit their official website: KUROFUNE.