Global Brain has invested in Best Beer Japan Inc. (Best Beer Japan), a startup building the IT and logistics infrastructure for craft beer in Japan, through its KURONEKO Innovation Fund II (KIF II). Best Beer Japan is building IT tools and logistics solutions for the craft beer industry in Japan. The company aims to create an environment where breweries can reach more consumers. Specifically, they offer management software that reduces back-office operations for craft breweries by 88%^*1, a keg-sharing service called “Rentaru” that cuts shipping costs in half, and a B2B craft beer platform that allows restaurants to purchase beer from over 200 breweries^*2 nationwide. The craft beer B2B platform, officially launched in July 2023, boasts a monthly growth rate of 33%^*3, expanding its recognition within the industry.
^*1 Reduction in daily order processing and monthly liquor tax application time for craft breweries
^*2 As of the end of September 2024, 215 breweries are using the service.
^*3 Platform GMV (usage by beer bars, restaurants, etc.) average Month-over-Month growth rate In Japan, the multi-SKU and small-batch production of craft beers, along with constraints like chilled delivery, have led to distribution inefficiencies and higher prices compared with the US as well as other countries. However, with the anticipated 2026 liquor tax reform in Japan, the number of breweries and restaurants serving craft beer is surging, as is consumer demand. While craft beer represents approximately 25%^*4 of the US beer market, the share of craft beer in Japan remains small, highlighting significant growth potential. Best Beer Japan is leveraging this opportunity to build industry infrastructure through technology.
^*4 Brewers Association, National Beer Sales & Production Data Global Brain highly recognizes the founding team’s deep industry expertise, their strategic focus on distribution challenges, and impressive growth to date. Global Brain is dedicated to supporting Best Beer Japan’s continued business expansion and anticipates further innovations in craft beer logistics through synergy between Best Beer Japan and Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd., the LP of KIF II.

About Best Beer Japan

Location: Saitama, Japan
Representative: Peter Rothenberg
Founded: May 2018
URL: https://www.bestbeerjapan.com/

About KIF II

Name: KURONEKO Innovation Fund II
General Partner: Global Brain Corporation
Fund Size: JPY 8 billion

About Global Brain

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

Global Brain has invested in Best Beer Japan Inc., a startup building the IT and logistics infrastructure for craft beer in Japan