Future of Work Startups

Zivy is an AI copilot for managers that connects to Slack and Google to filter message noise, categorize items into actionables and FYIs, summarize threads, draft replies, and send automatic follow-ups. It also offers a Slackbot and professional services to optimize how teams use Slack.

2 investors

Zooza is management software for dance studios that automates scheduling, enrollment, payment collection, and parent communications. It serves dance studios and children's activity providers across multiple locations with features including self-serve booking, automated billing, attendance tracking, and multi-language support.

2 investors

Zoyi offers a free team chat application for real-time communication and collaboration among remote teams and groups. The platform enables direct messaging and group conversations to support workplace productivity.

2 investors

ZumoDrive provides cloud-based storage and access to media files. The service allows users to store and retrieve photos, videos, and other media content from remote servers.

2 investors

Cheongyeon (formerly Cleaning Lab / 청소연구소) operates a matching platform in South Korea that connects households with vetted cleaning managers for home, move-in/out, office, and air-conditioner cleaning services. The company also runs a senior-care service ('청연케어') and a household-goods store, and trains homemakers to become professional cleaning managers.

2 investors

Wishket operates a marketplace platform that connects software developers and companies with businesses seeking digital technology services, facilitating transactions for software outsourcing and business innovation.

2 investors

ADDress operates a multi-location residential service in Japan that allows members to live across different cities and rural areas through access to vacant properties and vacation homes on a flat monthly subscription. The company addresses rural depopulation and urban isolation by enabling a distributed lifestyle that connects people to regional communities.

2 investors

Spacee operates a space-matching service offering meeting rooms, shared offices, rental spaces, and single-person work booths that users can book by the hour. The company serves individuals and businesses in Japan looking for flexible workspaces and third places.

2 investors

Buzzkuri is an HR and organizational consulting firm that works closely with clients' teams to reform performance evaluation, 1-on-1s, and training programs. It serves HR departments and company executives who want to drive organizational change beyond surface-level initiatives.

2 investors

Lancers operates a Japanese online marketplace connecting individuals and companies for outsourced work, including freelance and side-job matching services. The company launched Japan's first business-outsourcing platform "Lancers" and offers talent services supporting smart management for businesses.

2 investors

BONX develops a voice communication platform and hearable (wearable audio) devices, handling their planning, development, and sales. Originally created from a snowboarder's desire to talk with friends while riding, the product now targets workplace/team communication for people who take both work and play seriously.

2 investors

HRBrain develops and provides cloud-based HR software for Japanese companies, including personnel evaluation, talent management, and organizational survey tools. The products focus on HR digitalization and organizational improvement using data and technology, with over 4,000 companies having adopted the HRBrain series.

2 investors

INFORICH operates a mobile battery sharing service called CHARGESPOT across multiple countries in Asia, Europe, and Australia, alongside other sharing economy platforms including CheerSPOT for fan engagement and SPOTJOBS for gig workers. The company is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.

2 investors

Linc provides online services supporting foreign nationals in Japan through education, career advancement, and employment opportunities across various life stages. The company operates a paid job placement service licensed in Japan.

2 investors

mento operates a platform for supporting middle managers, combining management coaches focused on behavioral change with a purpose-built "management AI" to help companies improve managerial effectiveness. The Japan-focused product aims to make management repeatable and less dependent on individual talent, addressing productivity and organizational performance.

2 investors

OKAN provides employee retention and workplace wellness solutions through an on-site cafeteria service and organizational health assessment platform for Japanese companies.

2 investors

TechBowl is a Japanese internet-services company that runs TechTrain, an engineering-education program aimed at training the next generation of engineers, alongside an HR/recruiting business. It operates as a licensed job-placement service in Japan.

2 investors

xCARE operates a talent platform and project management service specialized for the medical industry, connecting external professional experts with pharmaceutical, medical device, and other medical product development projects. The Japan-based company aims to help startups and academic projects bring medical products to market by supplying needed specialists on a flexible basis.

2 investors

LTB (株式会社エルティービー) provides foreign worker employment support in Japan, including recruitment placement, visa/residence-status compliance, and employment management tools. It operates the "Peregre Works" job platform and "Peregre Agent" staffing service, matching foreign workers to jobs (including logistics and warehouse roles) while automating residence-card tracking and employment-eligibility checks to prevent illegal employment.

2 investors

Kaminashi is a service platform that implements comprehensive security measures including data encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular third-party security audits. The company operates on AWS infrastructure in Tokyo with redundant data protection and holds ISMS (ISO 27001) certification.

2 investors

Caster is a Japanese human-resources company that operates staffing and recruitment services, including AI-assisted online assistant offerings, to support remote and outsourced work for businesses. Founded in 2014 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, it pursues an "AI First" strategy across its workforce services.

2 investors

MESHWELL is a Japanese on-demand staffing service for the fashion retail industry, letting individuals post their preferred dates, hours, and rates so stores can send them one-off customer-service (sales floor) job requests. It targets freelancers and people seeking side or flexible work, connecting them with apparel brands without interviews, resumes, or employment by any single company.

2 investors

GroupBy aggregates startup job postings into a single place, letting candidates browse and apply to open positions across companies. The platform presents listings with role details, company information, and benefits for job seekers in South Korea.

1 investor

Maetel is a Korea-based consulting team that helps companies expand overseas by building and running their LinkedIn presence for lead generation, partner discovery, and buyer outreach. It designs and executes B2B sales and growth strategies tailored to each client, serving Korean businesses such as climate tech startups and manufacturers seeking international buyers.

1 investor