# Clear

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/clear-2

- Industry: Consumer Products
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Website: www.clear-inc.net/
- Total disclosed funding: $15M
- Latest round: Series C (May 26, 2021)
- Investors on record: 8

## About

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Clear Inc. develops and promotes premium sake, enhancing consumer experiences with high-quality products through its flagship brand, SAKE HUNDRED.Clear Inc. was founded in 2013 in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the production and promotion of premium sake. The company has completed 4 deals to date, with its latest funding round being a Series C, raising JPY 1,295.000 mn led by JAFCO Group on March 3, 2025. Clear Inc.'s current company valuation stands at JPY 7,174.776 mn.Clear Inc. specializes in the production and promotion of premium sake through its flagship brand, SAKE HUNDRED. The brand is dedicated to enhancing the experience of sake consumption by delivering exceptional quality products that aim to satisfy the hearts and lives of consumers globally. In addition to its sake offerings, Clear Inc. operates SAKETIMES, a leading web media platform focused on sake, providing insights into sake culture, including interviews with brewers and industry news. The company targets an international clientele, with its products and services reaching markets in over 160 countries, catering to individual consumers and businesses such as restaurants, bars, and retail outlets.Clear Inc. derives its revenue from sales of premium sake products, primarily through direct-to-consumer channels and partnerships with retailers and wholesalers. The transaction structure includes bulk sales to distributors and direct sales via platforms like SAKETIMES, which promotes its products. This strategy emphasizes building lasting client relationships through value-driven customer experiences, aligning with their mission to provide both physical and emotional satisfaction through their offerings.In March 2025, Clear Inc. plans to utilize new funding to expand the global reach of SAKE HUNDRED, recruit talent, enhance promotional activities, and increase its media presence in international markets. The investment, led by Money Forward Venture Partners, aims to support these initiatives and tap into new geographic regions.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, May 26, 2021, $12M — JAFCO Group, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, Akatsuki Ventures, OPENSAUCE
- Series B, Feb 3, 2020, $2.3M — Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, ANOBAKA, Akatsuki Ventures, Asahi Media Lab Ventures, MTG Ventures, OPENSAUCE
- Series A, Oct 31, 2018, $0.7M — ANOBAKA

## Investors

- ANOBAKA (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/anobaka) — Series A, Series B
- Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mitsui-sumitomo-insurance-venture-capital) — Series B, Series C
- SMBC Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/smbc-venture-capital) — Series B, Series C
- Akatsuki Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/akatsuki-ventures) — Series B, Series C
- Asahi Media Lab Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/asahi-media-lab-ventures) — Series B
- MTG Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mtg-ventures) — Series B
- OPENSAUCE — Series B, Series C
- JAFCO Group (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/jafco-group) — Series C