Aucfan

Basic Information

Stock Code
3674
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Internet Site Operations
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
June 2007
Listing Year
April 2013
Official Website
https://aucfan.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Aucfan is an inventory liquidation solution company in the information and communications industry, established in 2007, that operates a product distribution platform business based on proprietary AI technology.

Current Situation

Aucfan recorded net sales of approximately 8.3 billion yen and net assets of approximately 5.4 billion yen for the fiscal year ending September 2021, focusing on inventory value visualization and optimization using AI. It mainly targets small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors in the retail and distribution sectors, offering two businesses: product distribution platforms and inventory value solutions. It provides a diverse range of services, including the BtoB wholesale platform 'NETSEA' and listing tool 'aucfan connect'. In recent years, it has strengthened efforts to address social issues such as waste reduction in the distribution industry. It has bolstered its organization through measures like its headquarters relocation in 2023 and is advancing a growth strategy focused on selection and concentration. While capturing domestic and international digital transformation demand, it is establishing competitive superiority through advanced AI analysis technology. Moving forward, it plans to support inventory liquidation and expand business efficiency tools, aiming to become a company contributing to sustainable product distribution toward 2030.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founder commercialized a service personally developed while at Tokyo graduate school.
  • Pioneered auction data analysis services in Japan.
  • BtoB wholesale platform 'NETSEA' developed from business acquired from DeNA.
  • Company name derives from auction data collection, specialized in price information analysis.
  • Industry-leading in visualizing product market values using proprietary AI technology.
  • Launched no-IT-expertise-required RPA tool in 2021 to promote business efficiency.
  • Corporate philosophy 'RE-INFRA COMPANY' symbolizes fusion of social issues and technology.
  • Actively tackling waste reduction issues, focusing on effective resource utilization.
  • Expanding business areas through numerous subsidiaries.
  • Track record operating platforms supporting many SMEs and sole proprietors.

Hidden Connections

  • Established foundation of BtoB trading platform through collaboration with DeNA.
  • Advancing food waste reduction business through collaboration with Norinchukin Bank.
  • Supporting disaster stockpile circulation through three-way collaboration with Sagawa Express and Midori Safety.
  • Strengthened multi-store management area through absorption merger of Smart Sourcing Co., Ltd.
  • Expanded specialized services in EC field with introduction of Amazon dedicated listing tool.
  • Possesses unique business concept linking IT technology and social issue resolution.
  • Headquarters relocation to Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, aimed at management efficiency and functional enhancement.
  • Pioneering presence in inventory value solutions specialized for reducing waste in retail and distribution.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding DX (digital transformation) demand in retail and distribution industries
  • Evolution of inventory value optimization services through advanced AI technology
  • Acceleration of online shift in BtoB wholesale market
  • Market expansion from increase in side businesses and sole proprietors
  • Rising social needs for waste reduction
  • Sustained growth and diversification of EC market
  • New market development through regional collaboration and government partnerships
  • Increasing demand for business automation and RPA
  • Expanding needs for multi-store management tools
  • Potential for global expansion

Strategic Goals

  • Double the transaction scale of product distribution platforms
  • Achieve 5 billion yen in sales for inventory value solution business
  • Expand social issue resolution services using AI technology
  • Build industry-standard infrastructure for waste reduction
  • Enhance functionality of multi-store management and business efficiency tools
  • Establish sustainable management structure and improve ESG evaluation
  • Promote dissemination of IT technology to regional industries
  • Consider and implement overseas expansion in addition to major domestic markets
  • Maintain competitiveness through organizational strengthening and talent development
  • Expand brand recognition nationally and within the industry

Business Segments

Product Distribution Platform Business

Overview
Realizes efficient product distribution for small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors through wholesale and procurement platforms.
Competitiveness
Optimization through extensive transaction data and distribution networks
Customers
  • Retailers
  • Small and Medium Enterprises
  • Sole Proprietors
  • Wholesalers
  • Distributors
  • Mail Order Businesses
  • Net Shop Operators
  • Side Business Operators
  • Retail Store Owners
  • EC Businesses
  • Small Businesses
  • Business Associations
Products
  • NETSEA BtoB Wholesale Platform
  • NETSEA Auction
  • Revalue Liquidity Service
  • NETSEA Bulk Mall
  • good sellers
  • Wholesale and Procurement Support

Inventory Value Solution Business

Overview
Uses AI technology to analyze product market values and optimize inventory, supporting distribution efficiency and business improvement.
Competitiveness
Provision of accurate market price information through AI utilization
Customers
  • Retailers
  • EC Businesses
  • Multi-Store Enterprises
  • Amazon Sellers
  • Inventory Management Businesses
  • Distributors
  • IT Companies
  • Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Products
  • aucfan Pro Plus
  • aucfan connect
  • Aucfan Robo (Business Automation)
  • TATEMPO GUIDE (Multi-Store Management Tool)
  • ARPAcart Amazon Listing Tool

IT Solution Provision

Overview
Deploys IT solutions beneficial for EC analysis and business efficiency, supporting problem-solving across diverse industries.
Competitiveness
Provision of advanced data analysis and automation solutions
Customers
  • Small and Medium Enterprises
  • EC Businesses
  • IT Resellers
  • Log Analysis Providers
  • Digital Marketing Companies
Products
  • Storoid EC Analysis Tool
  • Aucfan Premium Service
  • RPA Development and Operation Service

Logistics and Distribution Collaboration Business

Overview
Promotes collaboration between distribution and logistics to reduce food waste and support disaster stockpile circulation.
Competitiveness
Track record of solving social issues through inter-company collaboration
Customers
  • Logistics Companies
  • Transportation Companies
  • Food Manufacturers
  • Wholesale Companies
Products
  • Best-Before-Date Logistics Recirculation Support
  • Disaster Stockpile Recirculation Program

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced AI technology for inventory value visualization
  • Ownership of diverse product distribution platforms
  • Strong foundation among SMEs and sole proprietors
  • Abundant transaction data and analysis expertise
  • Quick response to market trends
  • Development capabilities for diverse IT tools and services
  • Expanding market share in BtoB wholesale
  • Enhancing corporate value through social issue solutions
  • Strengthened group structure including subsidiaries
  • Comprehensive multi-store management and business automation tools
  • Stability from long-term capital accumulation
  • Service deployment to a wide customer base
  • Credibility as a steady listed company
  • Track record in operating specialized information sites
  • Leadership from experienced management team

Competitive Advantages

  • Precise market value evaluation of products using proprietary AI prediction models
  • Extensive transaction network of BtoB wholesale platform 'NETSEA'
  • One-stop provision system integrating multiple related services
  • High-convenience service design specialized for SMEs and sole proprietors
  • Sustainable corporate philosophy aimed at social issue resolution contributes to brand strength
  • Rapid market response with Amazon seller dedicated tools
  • Promotion of business efficiency through AI analysis and automation
  • Product lineup flexible to diverse industry needs
  • Enhanced overall strength through collaboration with subsidiaries
  • Precise marketing based on advanced customer data analysis
  • Swift incorporation of new market trends in related industries
  • Fundraising capability as a Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market listing
  • Maintaining competitiveness through regular service enhancements and pricing reviews
  • Establishing dominant position in net shop unified management and RPA fields
  • Track record of collaboration with major EC companies and logistics firms

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in the information and communications industry
  • Risk of obsolescence due to rapid AI technology advancements
  • Impact of EC market fluctuations and regulatory strengthening
  • Market entry pressure from large IT companies
  • Impact on existing business from changes in distribution structures
  • Uncertainty in external environment (economic trends, legal systems)
  • Risks related to data security and privacy issues
  • Increasing difficulty in expanding and maintaining customer base
  • Risk of operational issues due to technology dependency
  • Fluctuations in evaluation due to dispersed social expectations for sustainability
  • Difficulty in differentiation as competitors imitate services
  • Rising costs for talent acquisition and retention competition

Innovations

2023: Acquisition of Amazon Seller Dedicated App Business

Overview
Acquired the 'Amacode' business from Trust Effort Co., Ltd., strengthening Amazon listing support.
Impact
Contributes to expanding user base in the Amazon market

2021: Launch of RPA Tool 'Aucfan Robo'

Overview
Developed no-IT-knowledge-required business automation solution to improve efficiency.
Impact
Contributes to customers' work efficiency and quality improvement

2020: Adoption of Unique 'RE-INFRA COMPANY' Concept

Overview
Raised corporate philosophy aiming to reconstruct existing distribution and inventory value to solve social issues.
Impact
Contributes to enhancing corporate brand and fundraising capability

2020: Launch of NETSEA Installment Payment Service

Overview
Improved payment convenience to enhance competitiveness of BtoB platform.
Impact
Achieved increase in transaction volume and customer satisfaction

2022: Business Expansion through Subsidiary Acquisition and Collaboration

Overview
Acquired shares in OSR Net and Osaka Senba Circulation Mart, and entered logistics-related business collaboration.
Impact
Strengthened seamless integration of logistics and sales

2021: Launch of NETSEA Offline Exhibitions

Overview
Expanded customer touchpoints through real events.
Impact
Contributes to expanding customer base and improving brand recognition

2020: Launch of Near Best-Before-Date Stockpile Recirculation Support

Overview
Collaborated with Midori Safety and Sagawa Express to tackle food waste reduction.
Impact
Achieves both social contribution and distribution efficiency

2023: Headquarters Relocation and Organizational Strengthening

Overview
Relocated to new base in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, to strengthen organizational foundation.
Impact
Contributes to improving management efficiency and employee environment

Sustainability

  • Strengthening initiatives to address waste reduction issues
  • Promoting effective resource utilization through inventory liquidation
  • Deployment of food waste reduction support programs
  • Promoting social issue resolution through inter-company collaboration
  • Strengthening logistics collaboration to reduce environmental impact
  • Promoting energy savings through business automation
  • Contribution to regional economic revitalization
  • Management focused on achieving sustainable product distribution
  • Efficient resource management through digital technology
  • Supporting sustainable growth of SMEs