On February 24, Matabi Technologies, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Riki Ueno)—the provider of "AMPGIFT," a corporate gifting automation platform—announced the results of its "Survey on Workplace Gifting and Employee Engagement," conducted among 575 office workers.
This study provides Japan's first quantitative data illustrating the correlation between workplace gifting and employee engagement, a critical factor in human capital management. The results were compelling: employees who have received a gift at work showed engagement scores nearly double (over 30 points higher) those who had not.
According to the survey, gift recipients significantly outperformed non-recipients across all four key metrics, including "feeling valued by the company" and "feeling pride in the company." Furthermore, the Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) showed a 32.1-point difference, with the ratio of "Promoters" being 2.6 times higher among those who received gifts.
Notably, 73.7% of recipients stated that "having a physical gift made them feel more strongly appreciated compared to verbal or email praise alone." This suggests a "reminder effect," where physical gifts remain in one's memory and recall the moment of appreciation every time the item is used.
Conversely, the survey highlighted challenges with generic gifting (such as expired catalog gifts), with 41.6% of employees expressing a desire for "personalization that considers age, gender, and personal preferences."
Matabi Technologies' "AMPGIFT" service is designed to meet these specific needs. By combining AI with gifting professionals, the platform curates high-quality selections tailored to each individual. The system allows recipients to choose their favorite from six curated options, resulting in a 99% gift acceptance rate. Moving forward, the company aims to continue supporting positive relationships between organizations and individuals through the high-touch tool of gifting.
■ ICT Startup League
Launched in FY2023 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), this support program stems from the "Seed-stage R&D Support Project for Startup Creation."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four primary pillars:
1. R&D Funding & Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided via grants. In terms of hands-on support, the selection committee members who evaluate the startups continue to provide guidance after the selection process to accelerate growth. For companies highly recommended by committee members, a "mentor-fan" support system is established, where the evaluators themselves provide ongoing advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
The League provides opportunities for learning and networking to promote business growth. It also focuses on discovering aspiring entrepreneurs to expand the startup ecosystem.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Designed like a sports league, it fosters a positive competitive environment where startups learn and grow together while competing for necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). It also serves as a "co-creation" hub where league members collaborate to expand their businesses through sessions with committee members and other networking opportunities.
4. Promotion & Outreach
The League collaborates with media outlets to broadcast the initiatives of its members. By increasing public awareness of these businesses, the program aims to broaden the scope for new matching opportunities and growth.
■ Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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Matabi Technologies, Inc. (Official Site)
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Matabi Technologies, Inc. (LEAGUE MEMBER)
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AMPGIFT (Service Site)
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Original Press Release
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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.
