KDDI, one of Japan's largest telecoms operators with over 70 million subscribers, has partnered with Bango to bring subscription bundles to its povo2.0 pre-paid customers. The collaboration uses Bango's Digital Vending Machine to integrate leading streaming services with mobile plans. Povo2.0 operates on a flexible model, allowing customers to enhance their plans with optional add-ons rather than traditional monthly contracts. The Bango platform enables KDDI to rapidly deploy new subscription services whilst consolidating multiple streaming options into one destination, removing technical complexity behind subscription bundling. The partnership aims to strengthen customer loyalty and retention by expanding content offerings. KDDI can now access a growing catalogue of subscription services with deployment capabilities and insights to personalise bundles. Cambridge-based Bango works with major content providers including Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

NEWLOCAL, a city development startup based in Tokyo, has raised ¥400 million in a Series A funding round. The lead investor was Samurai Incubate, with participation from West Japan Railway Company, JR East Startup, KDDI's Regional Initiatives Fund 1, and Agribusiness Investment & Consultation. This brings NEWLOCAL's total funding to ¥1 billion, including loans. Zebras and Company, an investor in NEWLOCAL, will continue to support its portfolio companies and promote the implementation of zebra companies in society.

Global Brain Corporation, as the lead investor, has invested in Otetsutabi, a short-term job matching platform combining travel and work, through the SHGB fund, co-managed with Shinhan Venture Investment. Additional investments came from KRIF1 and ANA Future Creation Fund. Otetsutabi, launched in January 2019, connects regional businesses with travelers seeking work, boasting over 1,900 locations and 70,000 users by April 2025. The funding will enhance regional expansion, product improvement, and hiring.