Hitseries Capital has invested in icuco KK during its pre-Series A funding round, highlighting the growth potential of IoT solutions in Japan's childcare industry.

Target Information

icuco KK, headquartered in Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan, is a startup specializing in the development and sales of IoT SaaS solutions primarily focused on childcare and after-school services. Founded in 2018 by a team of engineers from a major automotive manufacturer, icuco launched its flagship product, icuco touch, in 2020. Over the past four years, the company has installed its solutions in over 1,600 facilities, catering to more than 10,000 users daily. As of September 2024, icuco has successfully raised a total of 1.3 billion JPY, of which 580 million JPY is equity capital.

Industry Overview

Japan's childcare and educational services sector is witnessing a significant evolution driven by technology and innovation. With the increasing demand for quality childcare services and the shortage of personnel in the industry, startups like icuco are stepping in to bridge the gap. The government has also been actively promoting digitalization in educational and childcare settings, aiming for better management, enhanced safety, and improved educational outcomes.

Furthermore, the IoT SaaS market in Japan is growing at a rapid pace, encouraged by the nation's push for smarter cities and connected services. IoT applications are bein