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Geofra, the operator of the outing entertainment app “Prally“, announced on the 27th that it has conducted a third-party allotment of new shares with Yamato Social Impact Investment Business Limited Partnership (operated by Nanto Capital Partners and Capital Medica Ventures) as the underwriter. The amount raised has not been disclosed. On the same day, the company also announced investment from IHD STRATEGY FUND and a capital and business alliance with funbox, aiming to accelerate regional expansion centered around Nara Prefecture through both capital and network enhancements. “Prally” is a smartphone app that gamifies user movement by combining location information with digital stamp rally features. It offers experiences such as checking in and spinning capsule toys within the app, allowing users to exchange points accumulated at various destinations for rewards, thus transforming everyday travel into entertainment. Since its official release in December 2023, Prally has been used by hundreds of thousands of users monthly. The company promotes OMO (Online Merges with Offline) entertainment, characterized by linking digital stamps for touring tourist areas with real capsule toys called “Prapon.” In Nara City’s “Naramachi,” limited edition keychains with deer motifs were set as exchange items, successfully generating new visitor flows, with over 80% of participants initially having no plans to visit “Naramachi.” The funds obtained will be used to expand permanent content within Nara Prefecture, develop point functions linked to daily steps and check-ins, and enhance the human flow data analysis platform. Additionally, using the results of demonstrations in the prefecture as a model, the company plans to roll out services nationwide in collaboration with local governments, transportation operators, and commercial facilities. Geofura was founded in March 2023. That same year, the company won the grand prize at the “Yamato Impact Investment Program” hosted by Nanto Bank (co-hosted by Nara Prefecture and Yamato Social Impact Fund), building its reputation as a business focused on solving regional challenges. via PR TIMES
