#Japan #Tokyo #foreign talent #Daiwa House #LiNC

Linc Secures 200 Million Yen to Aid Foreign Workers in Japan

Linc, a Tokyo-based company specializing in support for foreign workers, recently announced that it successfully raised 200 million yen (around $1.8 million) from the Daiwa House Group Growth Fund as part of its Series B funding round. This new funding brings the total amount raised in this round to 500 million yen, illustrating the growing demand for solutions addressing the issues facing foreign professionals in Japan.

Addressing Japan's Labor Shortage

Japan is facing a critical labor shortage, primarily fueled by its aging population and declining birthrate. This issue significantly impacts essential industries such as construction and logistics, where the lack of workforce affects project completion and threatens to undermine the nation's infrastructure. According to reports from the Nikkei, the construction sector alone has seen unfinished projects exceed 15 trillion yen, the highest ever recorded. The introduction of regulatory caps on overtime work, associated with the upcoming '2024 problem,' further exacerbates this situation.

In response to these challenges, Linc aims to facilitate the integration of foreign talent into Japan’s labor market, emphasizing the necessity for a supportive infrastructure. The Japanese government is also keen on improving this situation by expanding the types of jobs eligible for the specified skills program, thus encouraging the influx of foreign workers who can contribute to the economy.

Strengthening Support with Linc Global Hub

With the latest capital influx, Linc plans to bolster its AI-driven recruitment management platform, the 'Linc Global Hub,' which specializes in foreign talent recruitment tailored for the construction and logistics sectors. This comprehensive platform addresses three main components vital to successful integration:

1. Recruitment and Retention: By providing an industry-specific recruitment solution that leverages a proprietary network of foreign communities and AI-driven matching technology, Linc targets a wide range of skilled candidates, from construction workers to logistics operators. This approach aims to reduce mismatches and ensure sustained employment by supporting workers from the initial hiring to long-term retention.

2. Training and Development: Linc is committed to developing standard educational programs for these industries, focusing on critical skills required in the construction and logistics fields, such as safety training, technical expertise, and Japanese language proficiency. They aim to create a robust learning environment that allows foreign workers to launch their careers with confidence while continually enhancing their skill sets.

3. Life Support and Community Building: Recognizing that foreign workers’ successful integration hinges on their overall living conditions, Linc is working towards establishing supportive environments in regions suffering from labor shortages. By fostering community development and providing resources on housing and social support, they aim to genuinely contribute to creating sustainable local societies.

Future Developments of Linc Global Hub

The 'Linc Global Hub' is not just a recruitment platform; it seeks to address the industry's operational challenges efficiently. By incorporating AI into various recruitment aspects, such as pre-employment assessments and post-hire evaluations, Linc plans to enhance the accuracy of candidate evaluations significantly. This includes tracking qualifications and visa management, all conducted under a unified management system to streamline what can often be a convoluted hiring process.

Comments from Partners and Linc's CEO

Yukio Yamaguchi, a senior capitalist from Daiwa House Group Growth Fund, expressed enthusiasm for Linc’s passion in transforming the landscape for foreign professionals in Japan, which stems from their core mission to enhance their experiences in Japan.

Linc's CEO, Haruka Naka, articulated pride in this partnership, emphasizing the importance of creating a dynamic and inclusive environment in the construction and logistics sectors. Linc is fully committed to addressing the industry's challenges while advocating for a society where people of all nationalities can pursue their dreams.

Recruitment Expansion at Linc

As a natural a response to Linc’s rapid growth, the company is enhancing its hiring practices across all positions. The contribution of global talent in reversing Japan's demographic trends is indispensable, and Linc invites individuals who resonate with their mission to maximize the foreign employee experience in Japan to apply through their careers page.

About Linc

Linc is headquartered at 1-7-4 Nakaorikangai, Chiyoda, Tokyo. Their website, https://www.linc-info.com, offers further insights into their mission and ongoing initiatives aimed at transforming the future of work in Japan.

As the demand for local talent rises, Linc stands at the forefront of bridging gaps within the workforce, ensuring that immigrants can thrive and contribute positively to Japan’s economy.