July 07, 2022
Global Brain has invested in Free Standard inc., a startup providing a circular economy solution to fashion brands
Global Brain has invested in Free Standard inc. (Free Standard), a startup providing a circular economy solution “Retailor” to fashion brands, through its KURONEKO Innovation Fund L.P. (KURONEKO Fund).
Free Standard’s “Retailor” enables e-commerce websites of craftsmanship brands to easily install try-on and reuse features. While the pandemic has further expanded e-commerce market, manufacturers and brands are facing the impact of severe price competition and specific industry structure. In primary distribution, increase in sales to other companies’ platforms has lowered the gross profit margin, causing customer assets not to be accumulated in their own companies. In addition, as consumers put up items on third-party platforms and secondary distribution, they purchase less items through primary distribution. “Retailor” will tackle these issues by offering trial and reuse features and others.
Global Brain has decided to invest in Free Standard, highly recognizing its efforts to create new ways of distribution together with craftsmanship brands and its motivated/experienced management team. Through this investment, Global Brain will proactively support the company in further developing “Retailor” to be used more widely.
About Free Standard
- Location
- Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Representative
- Takao Harimoto
- Founded
- August 2020
- URL
- https://freestandard.co.jp/
(Available only in Japanese)
About KURONEKO Fund
- Name
- KURONEKO Innovation Fund L.P.
- General Partner
- Global Brain Corporation
- Fund Size
- JPY 5 billion
About Global Brain
- Location
- Tokyo, Japan
- Representative
- Yasuhiko Yurimoto
- Founded
- January 1998