[JOYCLE Co., Ltd.] JOYCLE Co., Ltd., which sustainably solves waste disposal issues, has completed raising a cumulative total of approximately 170 million yen including loans.
*JOYCLE Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 11, 2024
**
JOYCLE Co., Ltd., a company that sustainably solves waste disposal issues, has completed raising a cumulative total of approximately 170 million yen, including loans.
*Promoting PoC in local governments and remote islands to build decentralized infrastructure that “recycles waste without transporting or burning it.” We will accelerate commercialization within 2025. * * JOYCLE Co., Ltd. (Representative Director: Koyanagi
Yutaro, head office: Nakamura-ku, Aichi Prefecture (hereinafter “Joycle”) is a joint venture between ANOBAKA Co., Ltd., Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co., Ltd., Sanyu Environmental Research Institute Co., Ltd., Kamakura Investment Trust Co., Ltd., Warehouse Terada Co., Ltd., and individuals including Yusaku Maezawa. We are pleased to announce that we have completed a cumulative total of approximately 170 million yen in financing, including financing, through a third-party allotment to investors. *
A portion of this funding will be provided to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government project “TOKYO SUTEAM:
This includes funding from investors matched through the “Startup Support Development Project by Diverse Entities” (operated and supported by eiicon Co., Ltd.).
* [Background of funding] *
In order to solve the problem of waste disposal in a sustainable manner, our company offers small-scale upcycling that “does not transport, burn, and recycle as resources” as an option other than the current use of large incinerators, which involve transporting waste to a distant incinerator and burning it. We have been promoting the construction of distributed infrastructure centered on plants (*1). As the first step in this initiative, the data management platform “JOYCLE” BOARD” will be announced in March 2024 (*2), and with the cooperation of stakeholders such as industrial waste treatment companies and incinerator manufacturers, we will conduct demonstration experiments to solve waste treatment problems tailored to the characteristics of each local government nationwide. We are promoting
With this funding, we will further promote demonstration experiments in various places, and collaborate with artists to raise awareness of the significance of upcycling so that many people will be impressed by the fact that “garbage” can actually be used as a resource. We plan to carry out unprecedented initiatives, such as installing a small plant with decorative artwork.
(*1) Upcycling is the process of giving new value to products that would otherwise be thrown away and regenerating them. Also called “creative reuse.” Our company defines these “small devices that can recycle waste into resources and energy” as “upcycle plants,” and we are working to popularize them at all relevant locations. (*2) Reference: Press release
* [Use of funds] *
Aiming for our company’s vision of “creating a society where resources and joy (JOY) circulate (CYCLE)”, we will implement the following.
* 1. Recruitment *
We will recruit human resources who will be the core of our business operations. We will strengthen headquarters functions such as business planning and system engineers, as well as the product development promotion system.
We will recruit human resources who will be the core of our business operations. We will strengthen headquarters functions such as business planning and system engineers, as well as the product development promotion system. JOYCLE is currently recruiting CXO candidates (especially COO/CFO) in order to expand our business. We are looking for applications from ambitious people who want to invest their time in creating the next generation of infrastructure with our amazing team members and get great returns in life through their work. -inquiry-
https://joycle.net/#contact
* 2. Strengthen product development and operational structure * We are working to strengthen product development and build an operational system, including joint development and version upgrades of small upcycle plants with partner companies, and collaboration with artists to operate plants with a high level of design that suits the surrounding environment.
* [* Some comments from investors* ]*
・ANOBAKA Co., Ltd. Associate Hiroo Oda
After experiencing a failed business in Papua New Guinea, I had a strong desire to create a business that would change society 100 years after my death, and I fell in love with Mr. Koyanagi, who moved his business forward with his incredible energy, and made this investment. I had the opportunity to
In a society with a declining population, existing garbage processing infrastructure is on the verge of malfunctioning, and there is definitely a need in society for a “distributed upcycle plant” that turns garbage into resources without transporting or burning it. Let’s work together to create a society where resources and joy circulate! ! * -Career-*
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture. Graduated from Kobe University Faculty of Business Administration.
Joined Recruit Jobs Co., Ltd. as a new graduate and was in charge of sales planning for existing and new businesses.
In 2019, joined Rifcam Co., Ltd., an HRtechSaaS startup.
He serves as the manager of the customer success department and executive officer in charge of the business side of the company. Joined ANOBAKA in 2023. As an investment manager, he is engaged in developing new investment candidates and supporting existing investment targets.
・ZOZO founder Yusaku Maezawa
I sympathized with Mr. Koyanagi’s vision of a “society where resources and joy circulate,” and decided to make an additional investment following the previous angel round.
I am looking forward to seeing JOYCLE, a group of wonderful members, make a major contribution to solving the need for “distributed infrastructure” due to Japan’s declining population, and the “last mile waste disposal problem,” which will become a global issue in the future. Masu.
・Rei Ito, Director, Executive Officer, General Manager of Business Strategy Headquarters, Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co., Ltd. We decided to make this investment because we sympathize with JOYCLE’s progressive vision of “creating a society where resources and joy circulate.”
We believe that the innovative services provided by JOYCLE will lead to solving the problems of our customers and society, and will make it possible to realize a sustainable society.
We hope that this investment will be the first step in realizing our vision, and we look forward to the challenges of future growth. ・Mr. Gen Komatsu, Director of Miyu Environmental Research Institute Co., Ltd. and President and Representative Director of Miyu Plant Service Co., Ltd.
SPS Group’s core business is industrial waste treatment. Our corporate slogan is “Protect the environment and resources,” and we view waste as a “resource for the future” and are engaged in a variety of initiatives.
JOYCLE’s “Small Upcycle Plant” aims to solve the garbage disposal problem that is increasing every year with a novel idea and create a society where garbage can be turned into a resource. We felt that this company was in line with the philosophy that the Sanyu Group was aiming for, and decided to accept the capital increase.
* -Career-*
Joined Miyu Plant Service in 2020 after working in design,
construction, and IT consulting at a system integrator and HR consulting at a financial think tank. After serving as director and senior managing director, he will be appointed representative director and president in April 2024.
・Tatsuya Mori, Incubator, Investment Division, Kamakura Investment Trust Co., Ltd.
This time, we had the opportunity to invest in JOYCLE, a company that is creating a new infrastructure system for the waste treatment industry. We are confident that the company’s business has the potential to bring about change in society by involving a variety of players in this industry, which is fraught with challenges. Our fund will do our best to support the company’s efforts to change society 100 years from now.
* -Career-*
After gaining experience in planning/monitoring investment strategies, trading stocks and bonds, overseas corporate financing, and consulting at a financial institution, he joined Kamakura Investment Trust. Responsible for investment and development at the start-up investment fund “The Law of Emergence.”
・Masanori Tsukimori, Director of Future Creation Office with Executive Officer and CEO, Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd.
I was deeply impressed by Mr. Koyanagi’s goal of “creating a business that will change society 100 years from now,” as it reminded me of the essence of business promotion, both as a business company and as a business manager myself.
Now that the warehousing and logistics industry is facing a shortage of drivers and environmental issues, we would be very happy if we could be of some help so that JOYCLE’s solutions can penetrate this industry as well.
* -Career-*
After joining Warehouse Terada in 1998, engaged in warehouse operations. In 2012, we released the home-delivered trunk room “minikura.” Create APIs for warehouse systems and jointly create new businesses with multiple companies. He also supports startups that are struggling with warehousing and logistics, and also serves as an outside director. In 2022, we will begin activities that combine startup support and town development.
・Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc. Managing Executive Officer Hiroyuki Suzuki Hokkaido is a vast prefecture with an accelerating population decline, and a variety of social issues are becoming apparent, with garbage disposal being one of the most serious issues. You can work with Mr. Koyanagi and everyone at JOYCLE in Hokkaido to create a new
decentralized infrastructure that can contribute to decarbonization and resource recycling while increasing the sustainability of this important venous industry. When I think about this, my heart is so excited.
* -Career-*
In charge of the newly established “Business Co-Creation Promotion Office” in November 2023. Using Hokkaido’s hidden potential and social issues as business opportunities, we are promoting business
development and investment in areas where glocal growth is expected. ・BLOOM Co., Ltd. Representative Director/Circular Economist Asako Saito We are honored to participate as an investor in JOYCLE, whose mission is to “create a society where resources and joy (JOY) circulate (CYCLE).” We believe that the resolution of social issues will only progress if it is compatible with economic rationality, and their small upcycle plant service converts waste into resources, reducing costs and improving business efficiency. This is a service that promotes exactly that “balance.” Although it may be a small effort, I would like to support JOYCLE from the bottom of my heart.
* -Career-*
After working at Mercedes-Benz, BCG, and Louis Vuitton, he started his own business. In 2015, he became an outside director of Yaoko, and currently holds concurrent positions at several companies including Mitsubishi Pencil. While working on the ESG response of listed companies on the Sustainability Committee, he also supports the promotion of “sustainability as a strategy” through training and events as a “circular economist.”
・Midtown Co., Ltd. CEO Takahiro Nakamura
I sympathize with the company’s vision of creating a society where resources and joy (JOY) circulate (CYCLE), and I believe that CEO Koyanagi’s ability to build relationships, take action, and break through will help the company grow, so I decided to invest this time. I did. We hope that you will be a driving force in building a regenerative society from a long-term perspective.
* -Career-*
Completed the Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo. I joined Accenture as a new graduate and then joined Recruit in the new business development department. At ispace, he oversaw all business operations as a founding shareholder and director COO. After scaling up from 2 employees to 200 employees, went for an IPO. Founded Midtown Co., Ltd. with the keywords space x climate change x biodiversity. * [Comment from our representative Yutaro Koyanagi] *
We are very happy that our respected investors have agreed to support and participate in the activities that JOYCLE aims to create new infrastructure. I was able to gain reliable colleagues who are essential for us to become an infrastructure company that spreads throughout the world. As an entrepreneur, I am more excited than anyone else and will do my best to create a society where resources and joy circulate together with everyone. Please look forward to it.
About JOYCLE Co., Ltd.
By providing a platform for small-scale upcycling plants, we aim to achieve our vision of “creating a society where resources and joy (JOY) circulate (CYCLE).”
– *Business name JOYCLE Co., Ltd.*
– * Representative Yutaro Koyanagi*
–
* Founded March 2023 * * Business details *
– Providing consulting and data platform services specializing in small upcycle plants
– *Location*
– *Nagoya Head Office*
– 453-0872
– 4-60-12 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City
– Global Gate
– *Tokyo Branch*
– 105-0001
– 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
– Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15th floor
– Environmental Energy Innovation Community Room