# ZEALS Co.

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/zeals-co

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Website: www.zeals.ai
- Total disclosed funding: $46M
- Latest round: Series A (Oct 1, 2025)
- Investors on record: 12

## About

ZEALS Co., Ltd., based in Japan, specializes in advanced AI-driven communication technologies, focusing on enhancing customer interactions through its flagship product, Chat Commerce.Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, ZEALS Co., Ltd. develops innovative customer engagement solutions. The company is led by Masa Shimizu and Masahiro Shimizu, who have prior entrepreneurial experience. In August 2024, ZEALS raised JPY 70 million in Seed funding from W ventures, marking the total amount raised at JPY 70 million across 9 deals.ZEALS Co., Ltd. specializes in AI-driven communication technology, primarily through its flagship product, Chat Commerce "ZEALS." This service combines artificial intelligence chatbots with innovative communication design to enhance customer service and purchasing experiences across various sectors. The chatbots are designed to emulate human conversation, providing personalized, high-quality customer interactions that reflect the Japanese principle of Omotenashi, or hospitality. Since the company's inception in 2014 and the launch of its chatbot service in 2016, ZEALS has targeted diverse markets, including retail, insurance, and more, serving clients such as Ailick Corporation and Meiko Network Japan. The company operates primarily in Japan and has expanded its reach into international markets, including the United States, as it seeks to revolutionize customer engagement through its technology.ZEALS generates revenue primarily through its partnerships with businesses that implement its Chat Commerce solutions. The revenue structure typically revolves around B2B transactions, where clients subscribe to the service or purchase access as part of a broader customer engagement strategy. Clients benefit from tailored chatbot solutions designed to improve operational efficiency and customer interaction, with service offerings that may include ongoing support and customization. While specific pricing details for individual products or services have not been disclosed, the company's focus on delivering high-value, AI-driven customer experiences suggests that partnerships are structured to provide scalable solutions that align with client requirements and market dynamics.Following the recent Seed funding of JPY 70 million acquired in August 2024, ZEALS Co., Ltd. plans to utilize the funds to expand its services across various stores. The company is focusing on developing new product offerings within its Chat Commerce platform and is actively targeting further international expansion, particularly in the United States, to enhance its presence in the global market.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Oct 1, 2025, $1.9M — Nissay Capital, XTech Ventures, W
- Seed, Aug 10, 2024, $0.5M — W
- Series E, May 12, 2022, $27M — Z Venture Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Japan Post Capital, JIC Venture Growth Investments
- Series D, Apr 1, 2021, $9.1M — JAFCO Group, Hakuhodo DY Ventures, DENTSU GROUP INC., Z Venture Capital
- Series C, Apr 1, 2019, $3.1M — CyberAgent Capital
- Series B, Jan 29, 2018, $4.4M — JAFCO Group, FreakOut, Inc.

## Investors

- JAFCO Group (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/jafco-group) — Series B, Series D
- FreakOut, Inc. — Series B
- CyberAgent Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cyberagent-capital) — Series C
- Hakuhodo DY Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/hakuhodo-dy-ventures) — Series D
- DENTSU GROUP INC. — Series D
- Z Venture Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/z-venture-capital) — Series D, Series E
- Salesforce Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/salesforce-ventures) — Series E
- Japan Post Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/japan-post-capital) — Series E
- JIC Venture Growth Investments (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/jic-venture-growth-investments) — Series E
- W (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/w) — Seed, Series A
- Nissay Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/nissay-capital) — Series A
- XTech Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/xtech-ventures) — Series A