Japanese TravelTech startup PerkUP Inc. has announced the successful first close of its Pre-Series A funding round, securing approximately $252.000. The Karuizawa-based company is developing "MEETSCUL," a platform designed to streamline corporate off-sites, training camps, and workations. This initial funding is part of an ongoing round that aims to raise a total of ¥100 million by April 2025 to transform the group travel market.
Addressing a Niche in Corporate Travel
PerkUP aims to capitalize on a segment of the domestic group travel market that it identifies as a structural "blank space" for existing players. Its MEETSCUL platform facilitates direct connections between corporate event planners and local service providers through a unique bidding system. Planners post their event requirements, and interested venues or activity operators can "raise their hand" to submit tailored proposals.
This model offers a dual value proposition, creating efficiencies for both sides of the marketplace. Corporations can more easily discover and book customized plans that meet their specific needs without traditional intermediaries. Meanwhile, regional businesses gain a powerful tool to understand market demand, attract high-value group clients, and boost occupancy during slower seasons.
Strategic Allocation of New Capital
The newly acquired capital will be strategically deployed to accelerate the development of the MEETSCUL platform's next phase. The primary focus is on digitizing the "latter half" of the event process, which includes complex coordination and arrangement tasks. This evolution aims to transform the service from a simple matching tool into a comprehensive management system for group travel.
Beyond product development, the funding will support the expansion of the company's core teams, particularly in engineering and marketing. PerkUP also plans to intensify its marketing efforts and forge strategic alliances to drive business growth. These initiatives are crucial for scaling the platform's reach and solidifying its market position in the coming months.
A Vision for Tourism's Digital Future
According to co-representatives Aya Asao and Haruhisa Saito, MEETSCUL is designed to be more than just a booking service. They envision it as a catalyst for digitally reconstructing the tourism industry and unlocking the latent potential of local regions. The platform's core mission is to resolve deep-seated structural inefficiencies that have long hampered the group travel sector.
Looking ahead, PerkUP is determined to establish itself as a leading TravelTech brand driving structural change in tourism. The company is also positioning itself to capture growing inbound travel demand by discovering Japan's untapped regional resources. Its goal is to redefine these local assets into high-value, attractive experiences for a global audience.
This $252.000 first close marks a significant milestone for PerkUP, providing the necessary resources to advance its technological capabilities and expand its team. The investment validates the company's innovative approach to solving challenges in the corporate travel and tourism sectors. PerkUP is now better positioned to execute its vision of reimagining how people and places connect through technology.