[OUGI Co., Ltd.] Raised funds through Japan’s first startup support scheme “SAFE stock acquisition rights investment” from MUIC OUGI Co., Ltd. Press release: April 24, 2025 We have raised funds through Japan’s first startup support scheme “SAFE stock acquisition rights
investment” from MUIC. Today, April 24, 2025, we would like to inform you that there was a news release from the Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC Kansai) stating that “MUIC has implemented the startup support scheme ‘SAFE type stock acquisition rights investment’ for the first time.”
OUGI Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Takaaki Ota), which develops tourism content and operates tours for wealthy inbound tourists, has raised new funds through an investment using “SAFE (*)” type stock acquisition rights from the Kansai Innovation Center (Chairman: Minoru Saotome). We received full support in the legal field for this project from the Nishimura & Asahi Legal Consultation Office and the Foreign Law Joint Venture (attorneys: Bonso Morimoto and Hajime Akamatsu). *What is “SAFE” Abbreviation for Simple Agreement for Future Equity. As a simple and quick financing method for startup companies, this financing scheme is frequently used in startup investments in overseas countries such as the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and is well-known among overseas investors. SAFE scheme overview diagram
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124935/8/124935-8-e80eb0f97b65ffea26ebfab37e2a9c82-2250×1907.png Schematic diagram at the time of contract conclusion
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124935/8/124935-8-85d78172ad607b715af2670a6c7cd82e-2250×1907.png Scheme overview diagram at SAFE redemption Although OUGI is a three-year-old startup company, we are promoting the development of luxury tourism content mainly targeting inbound tourists by involving local businesses across Japan. OUGI has decided to invest because they see the future potential in OUGI’s strengths in digital technology and the entertainment field, as well as the approach, action, and speed of development that leverages these strengths. In the future, OUGI is planning to develop content in more than 10 regions, and with the support and support of the Kansai Innovation Center, we will accelerate the further development of OUGI. Recognizing the current situation where direct investment by HUBs themselves using “SAFE” is not widespread in Innovation HUBs in Japan, the Kansai Innovation Center (General Incorporated Association) and supporting members Nishimura & Asahi Law Offices and Foreign Law Joint Venture have been continuously discussing new funding methods with the aim of expanding the support function. While making full use of SAFE’s original function of supporting start-up companies in a simple and quick manner, the founding concept of the Kansai Innovation Center (general incorporated association) rather than pursuing economic returns [bringing new connections between companies and people involved in tourism and inbound tourism] Kansai Innovation Center (General Incorporated Association) made this investment after developing its own original specifications, which are slightly different from the usage of SAFE that is generally implemented overseas. The specific specifications are not based on the assumption that rights will be exercised during the term, but rather long-term holding is assumed where money will be paid according to the valuation upon execution of IPO/M&A. OUGI also aims to be a pioneer in expanding investment projects using SAFE in Japan.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124935/8/124935-8-c938bf997bb0294e7471f081320658db-820×547.png An incorporated association established by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (Representative Executive Officer and President, Hironori Kamezawa) and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Ltd. (Director, President and Executive Officer, Junichi Hanzawa), which aims to revitalize the Kansai economy and contribute to the success of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. ■Company profile Head office location: 3-6-3 Fushimi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture Representative: Chairman Minoru Saotome Opening: February 2021 URL: https://www.muic-kansai.jp/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/124935/8/124935-8-f63f4a75919f3d0b0494e44c6ec9d0ae-1200×800.jpg A tourism content holder that enlivens various parts of Japan with experiential luxury travel based on the concept of “delivering a luxurious journey that lets you feel the story of Japan.” We are a travel company that delivers the “real Japan” through experiences unique to Japan, such as tradition, culture, and nature. The plan is to develop content for 23 cities across the country over the next five years. ■Company profile Head Office: Crescent Hills 1F, 4-13-9 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Representative: Representative Director Takashi Ota Established: February 2023 URL:
https://ougi-japan.com/
