Smaregi Launches 'Store OS Fund' to Support Store Operations

Smaregi, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Ryuhei Miyazaki), provider of the cloud-based POS system 'Smaregi' for iPads and other tablets, has launched the 'Store OS Fund' to make strategic investments in businesses related to store operations, in line with its medium-term management plan to realize the 'Store OS' concept.

This fund aims to grow businesses that can create synergies with the Smaregi Group and expand the business domains connected to the Store OS concept through M&A, equity investments, and capital alliances.

■ Background of the Launch
Smaregi has been developing various services to support store operations, centered on its cloud POS system. Currently, the company is evolving beyond a simple POS register into a platform that connects data and services involved in store operations.

Previously, in addition to investment and business collaboration through its CVC activity 'Smaregi Ventures,' the company has accumulated expertise in post-investment business growth through M&A and PMI. In fact, following the 2021 acquisition of the former Royal Gate Inc. (operator of the payment service 'PAYGATE'), which had an annual deficit of 600 million yen, the company achieved profitability in about 1 year and 9 months. It has since grown into a core business for Smaregi, providing the company with valuable expertise and a track record in turning around loss-making businesses.

Based on this experience, the company has launched the 'Store OS Fund' to evolve its existing CVC activities and more strategically promote capital participation in businesses within the store domain.

■ Investment Targets and Policies
Focusing on synergies with the Smaregi Group and growth potential, the company will consider flexible capital participation, including M&A, equity investments, and capital alliances, depending on the situation of the target business.

■ Comment from Kohei Takamadate, Director / M&A, Investment, PMI
'We have rebranded Smaregi Ventures into the Store OS Fund. We have previously executed M&A and minority capital alliances with businesses and companies that could create synergies with Smaregi. Moving forward, we aim to leverage the know-how we have gained in payments and e-commerce to incorporate related businesses into our 'Store OS' portfolio, maximizing mutual synergies. As a framework that can realize the 'business expansion' that owners and shareholders desire most, we look forward to recruiting a wide range of businesses related to store operations that align with our future vision.'

■ Future Outlook
Through the 'Store OS Fund,' the company will proceed with capital participation in the areas of commerce and back-office operations based on its POS system, aiming to complement and expand its business foundation.