#Japan #Tokyo #Euphoria #ONE TAP SPORTS #SMBC Venture

Recent Funding in Sports Tech: Euphoria's New Journey

Euphoria, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently secured funding through impact investment from SMBC Venture Capital (SMBCVC), aimed at addressing social and environmental concerns alongside offering financial returns. This investment signifies a remarkably progressive step in the sports technology industry, fostering a commitment to creating positive societal impacts.

Founded in 2013, Euphoria has dedicated itself to developing management systems for athletes' condition and training data, introducing their flagship product, ONE TAP SPORTS. Over a decade, Euphoria has significantly contributed to enhancing performance and preventing injuries among a diverse range of athletes, including national teams, professional sports teams, university students, and even children. The commitment towards athlete welfare has solidified their standing as a transformative force in the industry.

Expansion into Corporate Wellness

Since 2022, Euphoria has broadened its scope by launching ONE TAP SPORTS for Biz, applying sports science research and visualization methods from elite athletes to promote health and safety management in corporate environments. This initiative tackles the issue of presenteeism—a phenomenon where employees are present at work but fail to perform effectively due to health-related issues—thus aiming to improve productivity through better health management.

The funding from SMBCVC will enhance the development of this project, addressing crucial societal challenges like Japan's aging population and rising medical costs, while promoting a health-oriented, sustainable approach to living and working in an aging society. By utilizing their expertise, Euphoria aims to share their methodologies with corporate employees and the public, harnessing the power of sports to drive improvements in health and productivity.

Tackling Inequality in Sports

Addressing a critical social issue—disparity in children's sports experiences due to factors such as declining birth rates and economic inequalities—Euphoria is positioned to effect change. Disparities in sports participation can diminish self-efficacy among children, leading to a decrease in their engagement in physical activities well into adulthood. By leveraging sports science and technology, Euphoria is set to tackle this problem head-on, promoting equal opportunities for all children to experience the benefits of sports.

Euphoria’s vision centers around building a future that allows every individual’s potential to thrive, and through this partnership with SMBC, they aspire to cultivate a sustainable society while addressing vital social issues. Their profound commitment to enhancing wellness through sports, guided by the principles of impact investment, allows Euphoria to take significant strides towards its mission.

About SMBC Venture Capital

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, SMBC Venture Capital specializes in private equity investments, aligning its operations with the vision of creating social value—a pillar of SMBC Group’s corporate philosophy. They strive to create measurable impact across various sectors focusing on diversity and inclusion, human rights, and economic disparities.

About Euphoria

Euphoria embodies the mission of enhancing happiness through sport, utilizing technology to address challenges in the sports domain. Their diverse suite of offerings includes the SaaS-based ONE TAP SPORTS, the DX platform for managing sports schools named Sgrum, and a free practice record app for students, SportsMate. Euphoria is not only committed to the sports community but is also extending its knowledge and services to resolve business challenges across different sectors.

Euphoria's efforts, alongside SMBC's strategic investment, underline a robust trajectory towards crafting healthier and more equitable environments through sports, ensuring that their innovations generate lasting positive societal impacts.