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§ Private Profile · Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
Assistive technology startup developing a wearable in-shoe navigation system with haptic feedback for visually impaired individuals.
Ashirase is an Utsunomiya, Japan-based assistive technology company that develops an in-shoe navigation system utilizing haptic vibrations and a smartphone application to safely guide visually impaired individuals. The venture-backed hardware manufacturer has raised $3.7 million in total equity funding to address a global target market of approximately 225 million people living with moderate to severe visual impairments. In October 2024, the enterprise achieved a significant manufacturing milestone by completing an initial mass production run exceeding 300 units of its updated Ashirase 2 wearable device. The startup originated as the first official spin-out from the IGNITION business creation program at Honda Motor Co., which remains a primary corporate incubator and lead investor alongside venture firms Real Tech Holdings and Keio Innovation Initiative. Prior to commercializing this mobility solution, Ashirase was founded in 2021 by former automotive engineer Wataru Chino.
Ashirase has raised $3.9M across 3 funding rounds.
Ashirase has raised $3.9M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Ashirase has raised $3.9M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $1.2M Other Equity in February 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2024 | $1.2M Venture Round | QB Capital, Taro Kinoshita | — | Announced |
| Oct 5, 2022 | $2.1M Seed Plus | QB Capital, Real Tech Fund | Asics Ventures Corporation, General Asahi, Honda, Leos Capital Partners | Announced |
| Jul 28, 2021 | $640K Venture Round | — | — | Announced |
Ashirase has raised $3.9M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Ashirase's investors include QB Capital, Taro Kinoshita, Real Tech Fund, ASICS Ventures Corporation, General Asahi, Honda, Leos Capital Partners.