#Japan #Osaka #Money Forward #HIRAC FUND #CI Partners

HIRAC FUND's Strategic Investment in CI Partners

HIRAC FUND, a venture capital fund under the umbrella of Money Forward Group, has made a noteworthy investment in CI Partners, a startup focused on providing support services for children with disabilities and employment assistance. This collaboration aims to tackle significant challenges within Japan’s disability support sector.

Background of the Investment

Japan faces serious structural issues when it comes to supporting individuals with disabilities, including a scarcity of qualified personnel and challenges in operational optimization. Small businesses struggle with financial viability, and there are concerns regarding the sustainability of high-quality service delivery within communities. These pressing issues necessitate innovative solutions.

CI Partners, the recipient of this investment, is a startup with a mission to eliminate the term 'disabled person' from the nation’s lexicon by improving the lives of those it serves. By implementing a roll-up strategy that consolidates headquarters functions and optimizes on-site operations, CI Partners efficiently expands its number of accessible service locations. Additionally, the company is introducing unique employment support services that leverage internal company facilities and create support offices within businesses, providing benefits to both users and employers while promoting social independence.

The investment from HIRAC FUND is a recognition of CI Partners’ approach to merging operational efficiency with sustainability in addressing social issues. HIRAC FUND believes that CI Partners’ model supports a dual objective of addressing fundamental societal challenges while ensuring business viability.

Future Plans and Support

Moving forward, HIRAC FUND plans to leverage its network of local financial institutions, business corporations, and the insights of the Money Forward Group to accelerate the roll-up strategy and expand headquarters functions. This includes support for underrepresented regions where operators and successors are lacking, and assistance in designing sustainable capital policies to back CI Partners’ national expansion efforts.

About CI Partners

Founded on November 25, 2015, CI Partners is dedicated to running support projects focusing on children with disabilities, including developmental and after-school services, as well as employment assistance. The CEO, Yoshifumi Iezumi, who has personal experiences that push the mission forward, aims to remove barriers faced by individuals with disabilities through innovative management practices and community engagement. CI Partners is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

CEO's Vision and Commitment

Yoshifumi Iezumi expressed heartfelt gratitude towards HIRAC FUND for understanding CI Partners’ mission and providing not just funding but valuable connections and operational insights that are accelerating their business growth. He acknowledged the urgency of addressing the substantial challenges still present in the disability welfare sector, even as more private businesses enter the field. CI Partners is committed to confronting these challenges head-on, driven by its goal to eradicate the term 'disabled person' from society.

About HIRAC FUND

HIRAC FUND is a venture capital fund dedicated to solving social issues through investments primarily aimed at seed and early-stage startups leveraging technology. Drawing on the strengths of the Money Forward Group—including experience in startup launching and IPOs, expertise in Fintech/SaaS, and connections with entrepreneurs and regional financial institutions—HIRAC FUND provides substantial support to the startup ecosystem.

Fund Overview

• - Name: HIRAC FUND 2nd Investment Business Limited Partnership
• - Total Fund Size: ¥9.08 billion
• - Investment Focus: IT/technology companies in seed and early stages, both domestically and internationally.
• - General Partner: Money Forward Venture Partners Inc.

About Money Forward Venture Partners

The parent company, Money Forward Venture Partners, specializes in fundraising and fund management, serving as a fully owned subsidiary of Money Forward Group. Established on May 25, 2020, it aims to expand funding opportunities and bolster startup growth in Japan.

For more information, please visit CI Partners website or HIRAC FUND website.