Runtrip Raises 190 Million Yen in Series B; Daichi Kamino and Masato Yokota Join as Investors ― Expanding the "Joy of Running" through Collaboration with Top Athletes; Cumulative Funding Reaches Approx. 630 Million Yen ―

Runtrip Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Eiichiro Ohmori), operator of the running app "Runtrip," announced on December 1st that it has raised 190 million yen in its Series B funding round. With this round, the company's total cumulative funding reaches approximately 630 million yen.

The company also revealed that it has welcomed two new shareholders: professional marathon runner Daichi Kamino, known as the "Third Generation God of the Mountain" from the Hakone Ekiden, and Masato Yokota, a former track and field athlete (former Japanese record holder in the 800m) and representative of TWOLAPS TC.

■ Supporting Not Just "Enjoyment," But Also Runners Who "Challenge" Themselves

Until now, Runtrip has focused on expanding a world where people can "run more freely and enjoyably," primarily targeting casual runners.

The participation of these top athletes signifies a deepening of the brand to support the joy of "chasing records" and "challenging oneself," in addition to the traditional "running for fun."

Moving forward, the company aims to leverage the insights of active athletes to strengthen content, training experiences, and product development aimed at serious runners. The goal is to create a society where everyone from fun-run enthusiasts to the elite layer can interact without barriers.

■ A New Running Culture Co-created with Athletes

Daichi Kamino commented, "The appeal of running lies in facing yourself through challenges and feeling your personal growth."

Masato Yokota also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Through this partnership with Runtrip, I want to co-design a world where not just athletes, but everyone can move their lives forward through running."

■ About the ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Start-up Creation-type Germination Research and Development Support Project."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million yen in R&D funding is provided in the form of subsidies. Additionally, regarding hands-on support, the evaluation committee members who were involved in the selection of league members continue to stay close after selection to promote growth. For companies that evaluators deemed they "absolutely want to select," a support system akin to "Oshi-katsu" (supporting one's favorite star) is established, where the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, such as advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Incubation
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to encourage the business growth of league members.
We also expand the base by discovering those who aim to start businesses in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed as a place for positive competition like a sports league, startups learn together and improve through friendly rivalry while competing to win the necessary funding (up to 20 million yen). We also provide a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with evaluation committee members.
4. Dissemination (PR)
We disseminate the initiatives of league members in cooperation with the media! By letting more people know about these businesses, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.

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Runtrip Raises 190 Million Yen in Series B; Daichi Kamino and Masato Yokota Join as Investors ― Expanding the "Joy of Running" through Collaboration with Top Athletes; Cumulative Funding Reaches Approx. 630 Million Yen ―

■ Supporting Not Just "Enjoyment," But Also Runners Who "Challenge" Themselves

■ A New Running Culture Co-created with Athletes

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