Global Brain has invested in aba Inc. (aba), a startup dedicated to supporting caregivers through technology, through its TAKANAWA GATEWAY Global Co-Benefits Fund L.P. (TAKANAWA Fund) as the lead investor. Currently, while the number of care recipients in Japan is increasing, the shortage of caregivers is becoming a serious issue. Excretion care, in particular, is a critical challenge, as it directly relates to the dignity and privacy of the elderly and also imposes a significant burden on caregivers. In care facilities, a large amount of time is spent on excretion care tasks, including “dry runs” (opening a diaper only to find no urine or feces) and responding to leakage outside the diaper. Helppad, provided by aba, is an excretion detection sensor that captures the odor of urine and feces and notifies the users of the diaper changing timing via their smartphones, tablets, or PCs. By enabling diaper changes aligned with the care recipients’ excretion rhythm, it contributes to reducing the burden and improving the productivity of excretion care tasks. Furthermore, it facilitates care that respects the self-esteem and privacy of the elderly, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for care recipients. aba was awarded both the TAKANAWA FUND Award and the PhD Lab. Award in “TAKANAWA PITCH” at the business creation event “GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA2025” which was held in May of this year. Global Brain has decided to invest in aba, in recognition of aba’s technical capabilities demonstrated at this event, its excellent management team, and its strong vision of creating a society where technology makes everyone want to provide care. Through this investment, Global Brain will leverage the extensive networks and assets of the limited partner (LP) companies of the TAKANAWA Fund including East Japan Railway Company to contribute to aba’s business growth.

About aba

Location: Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, Japan
Representative: Yoshimi Wie
Founded: Oct 2011
URL: https://www.aba-lab.com/
(Available only in Japanese)

About TAKANAWA Fund

Name: TAKANAWA GATEWAY Global Co-Benefits Fund L.P.
General Partner: Global Brain Corporation
Fund Size: Approximately JPY 10 billion (planned)
Fund Term: 10 years

About Global Brain

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Yasuhiko Yurimoto
Founded: January 1998
URL: https://globalbrains.com

Global Brain has invested in aba Inc., a startup dedicated to supporting caregivers through technology, as the lead investor