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On the 24th, TRINUS, a company specializing in branch lifestyle brands, announced that it has received investment in its latest funding round from Hakuhodo’s startup support solution “Rally for Growth” and JA Group’s innovation lab AgVenture Lab. This marks the first investment case for “Rally for Growth.” While the name and amount of the round remain undisclosed, the company aims to accelerate business growth based on design and regional resources. The company operates SiKiTO, a subscription service that delivers seasonal branches such as cherry blossoms and Enkianthus directly from the market. To date, it has shipped over 600,000 branches, with the number of users doubling year-on-year. The company also offers related goods such as the exclusive flower vase “EDA VASE,” creating a new market by proposing a lifestyle with branches. Additionally, it operates the experiential store “SiKiTO CAFE,” expanding brand engagement. A key feature is the establishment of a supply chain that combines design with underutilized resources such as branches and shrubs native to various parts of Japan, delivering them to urban dwellers. The EDA VASE has won the “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022,” recognized for its balance of aesthetic appeal and ease of use as an interior item. The company is also advancing production area collaborations in places like Toyooka Village in Nagano Prefecture, Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture, and Kurotaki Village in Nara Prefecture, expanding a sustainable forest utilization model. The funds raised will be allocated to strengthening marketing and PR to spread branch culture, developing new products, and enhancing service experiences. The company aims to expand brand recognition domestically and internationally by leveraging Hakuhodo’s creative expertise and AgVenture Lab’s agricultural network. via PR TIMES
