Photosynth

Basic Information

Stock Code
4379
Industry
Information and Communications Industry
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
September 2014
Listing Year
November 2021
Official Website
https://photosynth.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Photosynth is a venture company in the information and communications industry established in 2014, providing entry/exit management systems utilizing IoT technology with the retrofit smart lock "Akerun" as its main product.

Current Situation

Photosynth recorded net sales of approximately ¥1.1075 billion and net assets of approximately ¥467 million for the fiscal year ended December 2020, with its head office in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Its flagship product "Akerun" is advancing adoption mainly among companies and real estate firms as a retrofit smart lock, earning high acclaim as an electronic key management system. Through collaborations with NTT Docomo, Mitsui Fudosan, and others, it promotes unmanned reception and efficient entry/exit management in hotels and co-working spaces. It conducts active technology development and proof-of-concept experiments, while also deploying Bluetooth and SIM-equipped IoT gateway technology. With an eye toward environmental considerations, it aims to achieve energy-efficient and secure key management systems. In the medium to long term, it seeks to expand applications to smart cities and strengthen B2B services, outlining growth strategies. It has secured funding from diverse investors and continues investments in technological innovation and market expansion.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Provides the world's first retrofit smart lock service
  • Company name derives from photosynthesis, expressing environmental awareness
  • Proprietary system allows instant key permission sharing via smartphone app
  • Pioneer in corporate IoT key management through NTT Docomo collaboration
  • Realized smart management of vacant offices via Mitsui Fudosan partnership
  • Sponsored Green Hackathon Tokyo, contributing to sustainable tech development
  • Awarded Global Brain Prize at TechCrunch Japan
  • Achieved early stock listing as a startup
  • Began trials of smart key services for real estate viewings
  • Equipped IoT gateway with SIMs from major domestic carriers
  • Designed for easy installation even in rental properties
  • Contributes to labor management and business improvements via entry/exit history management
  • Promoting multi-use expansion through collaborations across industries
  • Holds numerous patents in digital key management
  • Self-developed smartphone-linked app with excellent operability

Hidden Connections

  • Vacant office business with Mitsui Fudosan creates new trends in real estate reutilization
  • NTT Docomo collaboration serves as model case for integrating communication tech and security
  • Investors include prominent IT venture firms like JAFCO and YJ Capital
  • Smart viewing service significantly contributes to efficiency in real estate brokerage
  • Participation in Green Hackathon Tokyo symbolizes corporate stance on sustainable technology
  • TechCrunch Japan award facilitated attraction of international venture funding
  • Company's smart key technology applied to security systems of other IT firms
  • Derivation from natural science leads to emphasis on environment and sustainability in corporate philosophy

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of corporate IoT security market
  • Increasing demand for digital keys in smart city development
  • Need for remote security management amid rising telework
  • Advanced entry/exit management through AI and cloud integration
  • Social demand and technological innovation for eco-friendly products
  • Digital transformation in real estate industry
  • Diversification of security needs across industries
  • Improved product compatibility via IoT standardization
  • Building foundation for business expansion into overseas markets
  • Widespread adoption of essential smart locks for business efficiency
  • Growing demand for integration of smart locks and video surveillance
  • Strengthened customer base through improved user experience

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve top domestic market share in corporate smart locks
  • Expand and deploy smart city-related product lines
  • Full-scale overseas market entry with 30%+ revenue ratio
  • Establish product development and supply system aiming for zero environmental impact
  • Develop next-generation entry/exit management services combining IoT and AI
  • Achieve and maintain 90%+ customer satisfaction
  • Create new businesses through strengthened multi-industry collaborations
  • Build management system considerate of sustainability
  • Enhance employee diversity, inclusivity, and well-being
  • Establish robust cybersecurity framework

Business Segments

Corporate Entry/Exit Management Services

Overview
Provides safe and flexible entry/exit management systems for multiple people and facilities.
Competitiveness
Ease and scalability of retrofit installation and cloud compatibility
Customers
  • Office Companies
  • Real Estate Management Companies
  • Co-Working Spaces
  • Hotels
  • Commercial Facilities
  • Restaurants
  • Store Operators
  • Municipal Facilities
Products
  • Akerun Smart Lock
  • Akerun Online Key Management System
  • Akerun Remote IoT Gateway
  • Cloud Management Platform

Smart Building Integration

Overview
Achieves labor savings and efficiency through integration of building management and entry/exit control.
Competitiveness
API integration capabilities with various systems
Customers
  • Building Management Companies
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Facility Management Companies
  • IT Service Providers
Products
  • IoT-Compatible Smart Locks
  • Building Automation Integration Solutions

Smart Viewing System

Overview
Service that enables key locking/unlocking via app to streamline viewing operations.
Competitiveness
Real-time approval and flexible permission assignment features
Customers
  • Real Estate Agencies
  • Real Estate Management Companies
  • Rental Property Owners
Products
  • Akerun Smart Key System
  • Viewing Permission Management App

Smart Check-In for Hotels

Overview
Non-contact key management system that simplifies front desk operations.
Competitiveness
Integrated support for entry/exit management and reservations
Customers
  • Hotel Operators
  • Ryokans
  • Resort Facilities
Products
  • Smartphone-Linked Key System
  • Pre-Check-In Service

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Retrofit-compatible easy installation technology
  • Flexible management via cloud integration
  • Proven track record of collaborations with various businesses
  • High operability through mobile apps
  • Broad applicability across use cases
  • Advanced security certification technology
  • Real-time entry/exit monitoring system
  • Nationwide partner network
  • Continuous R&D capabilities
  • Stable funding procurement
  • Management enhancement through operation log analysis
  • Proprietary IoT gateway development
  • Compatibility with various smart devices
  • Skilled engineering team
  • High customer satisfaction

Competitive Advantages

  • Claims world-first tool-free retrofit smart lock technology
  • Realizes diverse remote management through cloud and Bluetooth integration
  • Reliability backed by partnerships with NTT Docomo and Mitsui Fudosan
  • Rapid customization capabilities for multiple uses
  • Innovative services for smart viewings and hotel check-ins
  • Continuous expansion of product lineup incorporating latest technologies
  • High market share in corporate online key management services
  • Advanced flexible permission and management functions
  • Multi-system integration via open APIs
  • User-friendly smartphone app operability
  • Sustained funding supports stable R&D
  • Trusted and reputed across numerous industries
  • Stable communication via adoption of latest IoT infrastructure
  • High social evaluation from environmentally considerate product design
  • Rapid decision-making as a domestic venture

Threats

  • Intense price competition from domestic and international rivals
  • Increasing sophistication of IoT device security risks
  • Risk of failing to keep pace with technological innovation speed
  • Business constraints from legal or regulatory changes
  • Global semiconductor and parts supply shortages
  • Market share erosion by new entrants
  • Growing societal demands for customer privacy protection
  • Corporate investment reduction due to deteriorating economic environment
  • Declining trust from rising cyber attacks
  • Need for rapid adaptation to changing market needs
  • Barriers to overseas market entry
  • Supply chain disruptions from natural disasters

Innovations

2021: Launch of Akerun Remote for Corporate Sales

Overview
Began corporate provision of new device enabling remote key operation via SIM-equipped IoT gateway.
Impact
Successfully expanded remote management services business

2020: Trial Operation of Smart Viewing System

Overview
Began proof-of-concept for new service through industry collaboration using smart keys for real estate viewings.
Impact
Contributed to operational efficiency and customer convenience

2022: Expansion of Adoption in Multi-Location Co-Working Spaces

Overview
Conducted proof-of-concept with Mitsui Fudosan for unmanned reception and billing-enabled entry/exit management.
Impact
Acquired new customers and raised market awareness

2023: Cloud Platform Enhancement

Overview
Improved corporate user convenience through API expansion and security enhancements in management functions.
Impact
Increased customer retention and number of adopting companies

2024: Introduction of Next-Generation Security Technology

Overview
Further strengthened smart lock security by incorporating advanced authentication technology.
Impact
Significantly enhanced market competitiveness

Sustainability

  • Promotion of energy-saving device development
  • Introduction of recyclable materials in products
  • 推進 of paperless operations and plastic reduction within the company
  • Participation in environmental protection programs with local communities
  • Efforts to reduce environmental impact in supply chain
  • Promotion of sustainable work styles for employee well-being
  • Energy-efficient office operations
  • Smart city contributions through IoT products
  • Use of green energy in data centers
  • Strengthened environmental communication with stakeholders
  • Workplace environment improvements for disability employment and diversity promotion
  • Support for environmental education at local events