Advancements in technology have changed many aspects in business environments, one of which is how businesses can be financed. In the past, entrepreneurs and start-up companies relied heavily on banks and other similar financial institutions for funding. However, this has seen rapid change with the emergence of crowdfunding.
The idea of crowdfunding is simple. Entrepreneurs can use various online platforms, such as Kickstarter, to solicit funds. Rather than large financial institutions, businesses directly present their ideas to everyday internet users and customers, as well as angel investors. This allows a lot more freedom and opportunity for the start-up business.
Today, most Japanese start-ups and entrepreneurs rely heavily on crowdfunding for their business growth. As such, many Japanese crowdfunding platforms have popped up. However, if you want your want your small business to grow in Japan’s vibrant economy, you need to understand what these different platforms can offer.
Below are the Top 3 crowdfunding platforms in Japan:
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Green Funding
Founded in 2011 and owned by the Tsutaya Group, it is one of the three biggest crowdfunding platforms in Japan.
Green Funding focuses on creative tech gadgets. It is particularly popular with single men funders aged 40 and above.
They help Japanese entrepreneurs fund raise globally. Having established partnerships with the likes of Kickstarters and Indiegogo, they are able to help Japanese projects featuring on those sites.
This platform takes the campaign success rate very seriously. Their success rate has been continuously improving over the years. In 2017, they managed to achieve a staggering 89% success rate which is significantly higher than their peers.
Normally, it takes 1 month for them to review a project and funders can expect to receive the fund within a 1 month from the end of the 2 months campaign period.
Cost: 20% commission
Makuake
Makuake is born out of CyberAgent – a Japanese internet service group – the funding platform was launched in 2013. Most Makuake funders are within the 30-50 age range.
Funders on this platform have a 60:40 male-to-female ratio. As a crowdfunding platform, Makuake focuses itself on funding products made in Japan. As a result, 90% of their funding goes to Japanese products, while only 10% go overseas. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms, a majority of the funding goes to already finished products, such as general hardware, fashion products, etc.
This platform offers two different funding options for their fundraisers: ‘all or nothing and ‘all in.’ The all or nothing option, like its name suggest, means that fundraisers will return funds to the funders if the target amount is not reached. Meanwhile, all in allows fundraisers to keep whatever funds they gather, regardless of whether they reach their target goal or not.
The secret to the success of Makuake is the simplicity and reliability of the platform.
Makuake is NOT a good choice for International Startups.
Makuake’s parent company is a huge Japanese company. According to their vision mission and inner policy, it tends to help Japanese business and startups rather than international companies like us. Makuake requires too many paper works includes TELEC certification as part of the review conditions for IT products. You can spend 2-month waiting for their review if your product hasn’t already been mass-produced.
Crowdfunding is a platform where entrepreneurs can list their products and concepts in a campaign. Interested parties can buy or support them with a pre-order or donation. As such, Makuake is not a great choice for zero-to-one startups in Japan.
Campfire
Campfire is a topnotch fundraising platform in Japan. As of June 2017, Campfire revealed that their funding had reached ￥1 billion. Since its inception, Campfire has successfully funded over 6500 projects.
Founded in 2011 by Kazuma Ieiri, the platform has performed fantastically. With its activities tailored toward contributing to the growth of the Japanese economy, Campfire supports anyone who wants to start something new in Japan. They strongly support and encourage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs.
And those are the top crowdfunding options in Japan. Provided you approach them with an impressive proposal of your idea, they can help you raise the funds you need to grow your business.
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