Movus Technologies Secures 4.26 Billion Yen in New Funding
Movus Technologies, headquartered in Tokyo and led by CEO Tohru Sakai, has successfully completed a Series B funding round, raising a total of 4.26 billion yen. This funding is split into equity investments totaling 1.66 billion yen and a debt portion amounting to 2.6 billion yen, which includes various lines of credit.
The funding round was spearheaded by the Future Creation Fund No. 3 managed by Sparks Asset Management, with participation from existing and new investors, including Mitsubishi UFJ Capital and Suzuki Global Ventures. Movus has secured loans from five major banks, including Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. As part of this fundraising effort, Movus plans to strengthen its recruitment within Japan, targeting a diverse workforce that can contribute to its mission.
Addressing Mobility Challenges in Southeast Asia
Indonesia, where Movus primarily operates, faces significant mobility challenges due to underdeveloped public transportation infrastructure like railways and buses. With a low car ownership rate, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek effectively serve as the main mode of public transport. However, the growing demand for drivers is creating a crisis, as there is a severe shortage.
A critical underlying issue is the lack of access to financing necessary for individuals to acquire vehicles. In Indonesia, the approval rate for loans from local banks is less than 0.1%, resulting in many aspiring drivers unable to enter the workforce. Movus aims to alleviate this barrier by offering an eco-car subscription service that utilizes proprietary technology to assess individual potential accurately. This model provides a pathway for those who couldn't previously afford to own cars to join the ride-hailing ecosystem without the burden of high initial costs.
By fostering financial inclusivity, Movus actively contributes to building a robust mobility infrastructure where everyone can improve their quality of life through accessible transportation.
Partnering with Southeast Asia's Leading Ride-Hailing Platform
Since its launch in 2022, Movus has successfully expanded its services to seven cities in Indonesia, becoming the leading brand recognized by drivers in Jakarta. The demand for its services has steadily increased, with monthly inquiries exceeding 10,000.
In a significant move towards expansion, Movus has entered into a partnership agreement with Grab, Southeast Asia's top ride-hailing platform with a valuation exceeding 2 trillion yen and over 47 million users. As the only partner from Japan, Movus will supply eco-friendly cars to Grab drivers, enhancing mobility within Indonesia and across Southeast Asia.
The collaboration goes beyond vehicle supply; Movus intends to leverage Grab’s extensive customer data and application features to create new service offerings in delivery, payment solutions, financing, and insurance, impacting over 800 cities across eight Southeast Asian countries.
Grab expressed its enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting that driver shortages are a major bottleneck in the democratization of mobility. They view Movus’ contributions as a pivotal force in resolving these challenges and advancing vital social infrastructure in the region.
Hiring for a Global Challenge
As Southeast Asia continues to experience population growth and economic development, Indonesia is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050, expanding fivefold. With the recently acquired funding, Movus plans to accelerate its customer base growth in Indonesia while strengthening its organizational structure, focusing on hiring talent in Japan to support its ambitious goals.
Movus invites individuals passionate about pioneering industry developments to join them in crafting social systems in this emerging market, presenting unique opportunities to gain frontier experience.
Investor Insight and Future Goals
Investors from various financial institutions, including Sparks Asset Management and Suzuki, have expressed support for Movus's innovative approach to addressing mobility and financial accessibility issues in developing markets. They recognize Movus as a promising leader in sustainable mobility solutions, combining advanced technologies for significant societal impact.
As Movus Technologies embarks on this ambitious journey, CEO Tohru Sakai emphasized the importance of support from both investors and stakeholders in realizing the vision of enhancing mobility infrastructure while contributing positively to society.
Movus aims to generate value amidst evolving economic dynamics, striving to bridge Japan and emerging markets through impactful infrastructure development.
Company Overview
- - Founded: February 15, 2021
- - CEO: Tohru Sakai
- - Location: 4th and 5th Floors, First Kishi Building, 3-12-4, Uchikanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
- - Corporate Website: movus.com
- - Recruitment Page: recruit website
- - Employee count: 110 (as of April 2026)
For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:
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