Raised approximately 100 million yen in seed funding.
March 1, 2022
LIFEHUB Inc. (Location: Kita-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Hiroshi Nakano, hereinafter referred to as "the Company") raised approximately 100 million yen on March 1, 2022, by acquiring CyberAgent Capital, Inc. as a new shareholder and through a third-party allocation of new shares to its existing shareholder, Incubate Fund Inc. Ltd. as a new shareholder.
■Thoughts behind the development of the first product, next-generation chair-type mobility
Our management philosophy and mission is to "free mankind from physical limitations" to create a world where all people do not hesitate to lead free and enriched lives through the use of robotics and other cutting-edge technologies.
As the first product that embodies our philosophy, we aim to release the next-generation electric wheelchair "TRANSELLA" (tentative name), which has an unprecedented two-wheeled upright structure.TRANSELLA will enable users to perform actions such as walking, standing up, and climbing over, which were not possible with wheelchairs until now. The plan is to begin general sales of the initial model in July 2023, followed by a mass-produced commercial model by the end of 2024.
"We would like to present a slightly futuristic view of electric wheelchairs to wheelchair users in the Japanese and global markets, where they can stand up and move indoors or outdoors while riding in the mobility vehicle, and use escalators in the same way as able-bodied people do while facing in the direction of travel.This is a great technical and business challenge to reproduce the function of the human leg in mobility!"said Hiroshi Nakano, CEO and Representative Director, and continued as follows."Together with our corporate and individual investors who have agreed to invest in our vision, and with our many partners and organizations who support the realization of a stress-free society for wheelchair users, we will strive to bring the TRANSELLA, an advanced mobility solution, to users around the world who are looking forward to the usability of our products."
■Functionality of TRANSELLA
TRANSELLA will be equipped with the basic operating functions of levers, buttons, and remote controls provided with ordinary electric wheelchairs so that it can be used as an electric wheelchair in daily life. In addition, we are currently conducting research to enable operation by shifting the center of gravity. Also, in implementing the two-wheeled upright structure, we are preparing for the implementation of safety equipment for emergencies, such as a laser contact prevention function to avoid colliding with surrounding people or objects when standing up, an airbag function to protect the user in the event of a fall, and an emergency alert to a smartphone when a fall is detected.
＜Standing up with user on board＞
To enable electric wheelchair users to use TRANSELLA as a practical daily mobility device, we are working on a standing function that will allow users to stand up approximately 60 to 80 cm while seated in TRANSELLA, for example, when looking at products displayed in a store or when completing an errand at a cash register or counter.
＜Rotation in narrow spaces＞
At home, at school, at work, and in stores on the go, we encounter many situations where we must move through narrow spaces, such as between tables and desks.TRANSELLA aims to achieve a mobility performance that allows 360-degree free directional change even on a road width of approximately 1 meter.
■Supporting comments from underwriters
1. Mr. Toru Akaura, Managing Partner, Incubate Fund Inc.
LIFEHUB is a highly challenging concept of a next-generation wheelchair that can stand up, and is quickly being realized by a passionate team lead by CEO Nakano, who excels in technology and mobility.
We agree with the company's vision to become the world's leading company in Augmentation as a Service (AaaS), and we are ready to take on the challenge together. With the addition of strong new shareholders in this procurement round, we are determined to join forces and give our full support. Please look forward to LIFEHUB's future endeavors.
2. Hirofumi Kondo, President and CEO, CyberAgent Capital, Inc.
I first met LIFEHUB last year when we teamed up at the Incubate Camp, and I strongly empathized with Mr. Nakano's passion and challenge to realize his childhood dream of "making robots and changing the world in the future".
The AaaS (Augmentation as a service) market, in which the elderly and other physically challenged people are freed from restrictions by technology, is attracting more attention as the world faces the problem of declining birthrates and aging populations.
I believe that Team LIFEHUB, led by CEO Nakano and CTO Nomiya, who have high technological capabilities and strong aspirations, will pioneer this market and bring good impact to the world.
■Strengthening Recruitment Activities
We are now actively recruiting associates to help us create the future of human beings through technology. If you are interested in joining us, please apply from the employment information page below.
https://www.lifehub.co.jp/recruit
■LIFEHUB Inc. Company Profile
Official Website : https://www.lifehub.co.jp/
Representative : Hiroshi Nakano
Established : January 2021
Location : 1-17-4 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
Description of Business :
・Research and development of body augmentation and provision of related services.
・Research and development of mobility products and provision of related services.
・Research and development of medical and welfare equipment and provision of related services.
・Providing services related to the design and development of machinery.
【Press Contact】
LIFEHUB Inc.
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