GLOBIS University Invests in Socollab: Recognizing the AI-Powered Hand-Drawn Illustration Monetization Model Following 'G-CHALLENGE 2024' Grand Prize Win
GLOBIS University has invested in Socollab, the grand prize winner of the 'G-CHALLENGE 2024' startup contest. Socollab operates 'Charaxy,' a platform that uses generative AI to turn hand-drawn illustrations into characters for merchandise and IP management. CEO Akihiro Nara's technical background and the company's unique business model were key factors in the investment. GLOBIS will continue to support the company's growth.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 01:29 (86h 29m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 00:23 (22h 53m after Collected)
GLOBIS University (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoshito Hori) announces its investment in Socollab Inc. (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka; CEO: Akihiro Nara), a startup building a platform that enables manufacturing and user communication from AI design to sales, centered on 'Charaxy,' which turns hand-drawn illustrations into characters for merchandise.
Socollab won the grand prize at the 'GLOBIS Venture Challenge (G-CHALLENGE) 2024,' a business plan contest for students and alumni hosted by GLOBIS University in February 2025.
■ Socollab Business Overview (https://charaxy.ai/)
Socollab is a startup with the mission of 'Unleashing Creation,' building a platform for manufacturing and user communication. 'Charaxy -Character Maker-,' which turns hand-drawn illustrations into characters for merchandise, is seeing continuous user growth.
Moving forward, the service will add digital preservation albums and merchandise production for children's art. Additionally, it will launch 'Charaxy -Fast Novelty-' for individual and corporate novelty sales, along with an IP management system. The company targets children interested in STEAM education, young people in their teens and 20s, adults wanting to turn memories into goods, and corporations.
■ Background of Investment from G-CHALLENGE Fund
The G-CHALLENGE Fund decided to invest in Socollab based on the following points:
1. Unique Business Model: Manufacturing x Generative AI x IP. They have built a competitive advantage by turning user illustrations into merchandise and IP.
2. CEO Nara's Background and Execution: CEO Nara has experience in technical development and commercialization at large corporations and has rapidly grown the user base.
■ Messages
Yosuke Inoue (G-CHALLENGE 2024 Jury Chair): GLOBIS aims to be the world's No. 1 MBA in the 'Technovate' era. We highly evaluated Socollab for building a platform that addresses user needs to bring their ideas to life.
Akihiro Nara (CEO, Socollab): 'I want to unleash human potential through manufacturing.' Receiving this investment makes me excited and strengthens my resolve for accelerated growth. We aim to become the world's leading imagination creation company.
Socollab won the grand prize at the 'GLOBIS Venture Challenge (G-CHALLENGE) 2024,' a business plan contest for students and alumni hosted by GLOBIS University in February 2025.
■ Socollab Business Overview (https://charaxy.ai/)
Socollab is a startup with the mission of 'Unleashing Creation,' building a platform for manufacturing and user communication. 'Charaxy -Character Maker-,' which turns hand-drawn illustrations into characters for merchandise, is seeing continuous user growth.
Moving forward, the service will add digital preservation albums and merchandise production for children's art. Additionally, it will launch 'Charaxy -Fast Novelty-' for individual and corporate novelty sales, along with an IP management system. The company targets children interested in STEAM education, young people in their teens and 20s, adults wanting to turn memories into goods, and corporations.
■ Background of Investment from G-CHALLENGE Fund
The G-CHALLENGE Fund decided to invest in Socollab based on the following points:
1. Unique Business Model: Manufacturing x Generative AI x IP. They have built a competitive advantage by turning user illustrations into merchandise and IP.
2. CEO Nara's Background and Execution: CEO Nara has experience in technical development and commercialization at large corporations and has rapidly grown the user base.
■ Messages
Yosuke Inoue (G-CHALLENGE 2024 Jury Chair): GLOBIS aims to be the world's No. 1 MBA in the 'Technovate' era. We highly evaluated Socollab for building a platform that addresses user needs to bring their ideas to life.
Akihiro Nara (CEO, Socollab): 'I want to unleash human potential through manufacturing.' Receiving this investment makes me excited and strengthens my resolve for accelerated growth. We aim to become the world's leading imagination creation company.
FAQ
Do Taiwanese universities offer similar startup support?
Yes, many Taiwanese universities, such as NTU and NTHU, provide startup support through incubation centers and accelerator programs.