# Leading Mark

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/leading-mark

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Website: www.leadingmark.jp/
- Total disclosed funding: $12M
- Latest round: Series F (Dec 14, 2022)
- Investors on record: 12

## About

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Leading Mark, Inc. specializes in innovative HR solutions designed to enhance employee satisfaction and reduce turnover, providing essential tools for businesses to optimize their workforce management.Founded in 2008, Leading Mark, Inc. operates from its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The company focuses on developing advanced HR solutions. Tom West is the founder, while Yoshihiro Nakashima serves as the CEO. Leading Mark has successfully completed 8 deals, with the most recent deal occurring on February 5, 2025, raising JPY 200 million in venture debt funding from Shoko Chukin Bank as part of a larger JPY 1.62 billion equity and debt round.Leading Mark, Inc. specializes in designing innovative HR solutions aimed at enhancing workplace satisfaction and reducing employee turnover. Their flagship offerings include the 'Mikuwame Well-being Survey,' which addresses potential employee burnout by visualizing psychological states and suggesting appropriate interventions. They also provide the 'Mikuwame Aptitude Test,' an assessment tool that helps businesses by analyzing candidates' personalities against company culture. Additionally, the company focuses on career support services for aspiring professionals, facilitating connections with top-tier firms. These products primarily serve the Japanese market, with potential impact on global enterprises.Leading Mark, Inc. generates revenue through a subscription-based model for its HR products and services. Clients, primarily businesses in various sectors, engage in long-term partnerships, leveraging services like the Mikuwame Well-being Survey and Mikuwame Aptitude Test, as well as tailored career support for students and new graduates. The company's pricing plans accommodate various business sizes, ensuring flexibility and scalability.In February 2025, Leading Mark, Inc. plans to utilize its recent funding of JPY 200 million to strengthen marketing efforts and develop new features for its products. The company is targeting expansion into additional markets, with specific plans to reach global enterprises seeking improvements in employee engagement. This strategic investment is part of a broader initiative that aims to enhance their service offerings and adapt to market needs.

## Funding rounds

- Series F, Dec 14, 2022, $5.6M — AG Capital, Femto Partners Inc., SBI Shinsei Corporate Investment, UTokyo Innovation Platform, Money Forward Venture Partners
- Series E, May 10, 2021, $4.2M — DG Ventures, Femto Partners Inc., SBI Shinsei Corporate Investment
- Series A, Feb 6, 2015, $1.4M — Nippon Venture Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, Mizuho Capital, East Ventures, Link and Motivation
- Series A, Nov 4, 2013, $0.5M — CyberAgent Capital

## Investors

- CyberAgent Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cyberagent-capital) — Series A
- Nippon Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/nippon-venture-capital) — Series A
- SMBC Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/smbc-venture-capital) — Series A
- Mizuho Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mizuho-capital) — Series A
- East Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/east-ventures) — Series A
- Link and Motivation — Series A
- DG Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dg-ventures) — Series E
- Femto Partners Inc. — Series E, Series F
- SBI Shinsei Corporate Investment (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sbi-shinsei-corporate-investment) — Series E, Series F
- AG Capital — Series F
- UTokyo Innovation Platform (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/utokyo-innovation-platform) — Series F
- Money Forward Venture Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/money-forward-venture-partners) — Series F