#Japan #Tokyo #Urban Development #NEWLOCAL #Sustainable Model

NEWLOCAL Secures 400 Million Yen in Funding

NEWLOCAL, a Tokyo-based startup focused on urban development, recently completed a Series A funding round securing 400 million yen, with Samurai Incubate as the lead investor. Collaborative investments have been made by significant industry players like West Japan Railway Company, JR East Startup Corporation, and KDDI Corporation. To date, NEWLOCAL's total funding has reached 1 billion yen, including loans since its inception.

Mission and Business Model

Founded with the mission of creating happiness through community-driven initiatives, NEWLOCAL aims to establish a sustainable urban model in Japan's declining population environment. Its primary focus is real estate development, leading to various urban projects across five locations: Nozawa Onsen Village and Miyada Town in Nagano Prefecture, Oga City in Akita Prefecture, Tango in Kyoto Prefecture, and Komatsu City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

NEWLOCAL collaborates with local leaders through joint ventures to create a system where resources—people, finance, and knowledge—flow within the community, leading to self-sustaining business initiatives and expansions. Within just three years, they have developed and operate 12 facilities, including accommodations and restaurants, generating over 50 jobs, nearly half of which are filled by residents who have relocated from outside the area.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, NEWLOCAL plans to expand its presence to ten regions by 2027 and seeks to refine its methodology to create a replicable urban model. The company envisions spreading this established model nationwide, leveraging urban development to foster a thriving ecosystem in Japan. NEWLOCAL’s approach aims to tackle the global challenge of declining populations, creating sustainable economic zones led by community initiative.

Funding Details

The latest funding round is intended to bolster human resource acquisition, enhance existing projects, and explore new urban territories. By collaborating with new shareholders who provide infrastructure across transportation, communications, and agriculture, NEWLOCAL is committed to developing services for multi-regional living, thereby enhancing corporate engagement in local areas.

Investors' Insights

Key stakeholders have expressed optimism regarding NEWLOCAL’s approach:

• - Kenta Sakakibara, CEO of Samurai Incubate, emphasized NEWLOCAL's unique ability to elevate regional resources and cultural values into sustainable ventures.
• - Iida Toshino from West Japan Railway Company commended the initiative for fostering a cycle of talent, funding, and knowledge across Japan.
• - Hiroshi Shibata, President of JR East Startup Corporation, noted the collaborative power between regional leaders and NEWLOCAL, highlighting the richness these partnerships bring to community regeneration.

Conclusion

As founder Ryo Ishida stated, since its inception, NEWLOCAL has been blessed with the right partnerships. With the support of visionary investors during this Series A, the company is poised for robust growth and aims to expand into ten regions, establishing a sustainable model that can be replicated across Japan and possibly the world. The commitment to a "Happy Scenario from the Region" remains the guiding principle as NEWLOCAL embarks on this exciting journey.

For those interested in joining this impactful mission, NEWLOCAL is actively strengthening its recruitment across various positions. Potential applicants can apply through their website: NEWLOCAL Careers.

About NEWLOCAL

NEWLOCAL is a pioneering urban development startup with a mission to create happiness from regional initiatives by focusing on real estate development. It currently operates in five regions and aims for growth into ten by 2027. Led by CEO Ryo Ishida, NEWLOCAL is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for a declining population in Japan. For more information, visit NEWLOCAL Official Website.