Kudan

Basic Information

Stock Code
4425
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Systems & Software
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
November 2014
Listing Year
December 2018
Official Website
https://www.kudan.io/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Kudan is an artificial perception technology development company established in 2014, primarily providing software licenses based on advanced algorithm research, and is a cutting-edge growth company in the information and communications industry.

Current Situation

Since its founding in 2014, Kudan has leveraged its UK-originated R&D base to develop proprietary technologies in the artificial perception field. For the fiscal year ended March 2021, net sales were approximately 127 million yen, remaining small-scale but with active investment in R&D, resulting in operating and ordinary losses. It focuses mainly on developing precise spatial recognition algorithms for cameras and providing software licenses, while also acquiring related companies. The company operates with a small elite team under the leadership of President Tomohiro Ono, aiming for business expansion. Listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market has strengthened its fundraising capabilities, targeting expansion of artificial perception applications and entry into the US and European markets. It is also advancing development of technologies to reduce environmental impact for sustainability, with the goal of establishing itself as a global AI platform company by 2030. Despite intense market competition, it promotes differentiation through advanced technological capabilities and patent holdings. Moving forward, with the expansion of AI utilization in manufacturing, logistics, and robotics sectors, dramatic sales growth is expected.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Kudan is highly regarded domestically and internationally as a UK-originated AI spatial recognition company.
  • Founder Tomohiro Ono is an AI vision science expert leading the technology side.
  • Challenging global markets with a lean team of just 8 members.
  • Actively pursuing overseas company acquisitions since its 2018 Mothers listing.
  • Advanced SLAM technology adopted by universities and research institutions worldwide.
  • Paid-in capital exceeds 1.6 billion yen, supporting ongoing R&D investment.
  • Holds numerous patents in the highly competitive artificial perception field.
  • Actively rolling out new products integrating AR technology.
  • Technology collaboration between the UK and Japan is a key strength.
  • Engages in technology partnerships with numerous AI-related startups.

Hidden Connections

  • Centers its R&D base in Bristol, UK, collaborating with major European institutions.
  • Providing technology to Japanese robotics companies to strengthen industrial deployment.
  • Deeply involved in joint development projects with major camera manufacturers.
  • Gaining attention from overseas investors following TSE Growth listing.
  • Artificial perception technology beginning to contribute to smart city development.
  • Subsidiary Artisense GmbH focuses on autonomous driving-related technologies.
  • Incorporates diverse perspectives through multinational R&D team.
  • President Ono is actively promoting AI technology dissemination domestically and internationally.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing demand for AI spatial recognition across multiple industries
  • Growth in robotics and autonomous driving markets
  • SDK demand expansion from AR/VR technology proliferation
  • Technology license expansion in global markets
  • Enhanced development of low-power consumption technologies for IoT devices
  • Rapid technological innovation response by small elite team
  • Increased real-time processing demand from 5G rollout
  • Growth in industrial smart sensor market
  • New business model creation through technology fusion
  • Expanded adoption of energy-saving technologies amid stricter environmental regulations
  • Strengthened response to AI ethics and safety
  • Accelerated continuous R&D investment and international collaboration

Strategic Goals

  • Become one of the top 5 artificial perception technology companies globally
  • Achieve annual sales exceeding 10 billion yen
  • Expand technology licenses in Europe, America, and Asia
  • Complete rollout of sustainable energy-saving technologies
  • Promote AI spatial recognition adoption across diverse industries
  • Lead next-generation AI research through industry-academia-government collaboration
  • Accelerate technology development contributing to social challenges
  • Strengthen flexible work environment and diversity initiatives
  • Further expand and defend patent portfolio
  • Release 10 new AI-utilizing products and services annually

Business Segments

Software License Provision

Overview
Provides precise spatial recognition technology licenses to various industries.
Competitiveness
Advanced visual recognition technology and real-time processing capabilities
Customers
  • AR Development Companies
  • Robotics Companies
  • Automotive Manufacturers
  • Smart Device Manufacturers
  • Industrial Equipment Manufacturers
Products
  • SLAM Engine License
  • AR Development SDK
  • Artificial Perception Algorithm Provision

R&D and Consulting

Overview
Conducts advanced R&D and technical support tailored to customer needs.
Competitiveness
Cutting-edge research expertise and global network
Customers
  • Universities and Research Institutions
  • Technology Development Departments
  • Startup Companies
Products
  • Artificial Perception Technology Consulting
  • Custom Algorithm R&D

International Expansion Support

Overview
Promotes international technology dissemination, centered on Europe and the US.
Competitiveness
Global expansion through collaboration with UK base
Customers
  • Overseas Technology Partners
  • License Acquiring Companies
Products
  • Licenses for Overseas Markets
  • Overseas Technology Partnership Support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced artificial perception algorithm development capabilities
  • R&D structure spanning the UK and Japan
  • Fundraising strength from TSE Growth listing
  • Small elite team of specialists
  • Overseas market expansion base through subsidiaries
  • Abundant intellectual property rights
  • Proven real-time processing technology
  • Adaptability to diverse industry needs
  • Rapid productization of cutting-edge technologies
  • Management's technical understanding and leadership
  • High-precision spatial recognition performance
  • Profitability of software license model
  • Global technology partnership track record
  • Continuous investment in R&D
  • Responsive customer support system

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior technology through collaboration with UK R&D division
  • Real-time implementation of complex artificial perception processing
  • Applicability across diverse industries
  • Efficient development with small elite team
  • Strength in overseas market expansion via subsidiaries
  • Technological moat through patents
  • Deep expertise in specialized areas
  • High optimization capabilities for AI algorithms
  • Strength and track record in camera-related technologies
  • Advancement of integration with advanced AR technologies
  • Rapid decision-making led by engineers
  • High visibility on TSE Growth Market
  • Uniqueness in technology development and flexible planning
  • Agile development promotion due to small elite structure
  • Market recognition of high-performance SLAM solutions

Threats

  • Competition from major IT companies' technology development
  • Fast-paced technological evolution in the market
  • Risks from fluctuations in fundraising environment
  • Risks from customer concentration
  • Regulatory and legal challenges in overseas markets
  • Legal risks such as patent infringement lawsuits
  • Potential increase in new competitors
  • Strengthened government regulations on artificial perception technologies
  • Challenges in securing talent
  • Uncertainty in global economic conditions
  • Revenue impact from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Risk of technology obsolescence

Innovations

2020: AI Spatial Recognition Algorithm Overhaul

Overview
Significantly improved the accuracy and processing speed of image recognition algorithms.
Impact
Led to expanded applications and increased market share.

2021: Acquisition of US Startup

Overview
Acquired a US startup involved in spatial recognition technology to strengthen capabilities.
Impact
Enhanced competitiveness in the North American market.

2022: Mobile-Compatible SLAM SDK Launch

Overview
Developed lightweight SLAM software specialized for mobile devices.
Impact
Expanded adoption within the developer community.

2023: AR Development Tools Update

Overview
Launched a more multifunctional and high-precision AR platform.
Impact
Contributed to improved customer satisfaction and new contracts.

2024: Low-Power Consumption SLAM Technology Development

Overview
Completed low-power real-time spatial recognition technology for IoT.
Impact
Strengthened competitive edge through improved energy efficiency.

Sustainability

  • Adoption of energy-saving technologies in R&D
  • Reduction of environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle
  • CO2 reduction activities through green IT promotion
  • Enhancing employee diversity and work-life balance
  • Improving overall industry efficiency through technology dissemination
  • Reducing transportation environmental load through remote work promotion
  • Eco-friendly office operations
  • Technology development contributing to SDGs goals
  • Promotion of in-house resource recycling
  • Implementation of sustainable R&D funding allocation
  • Collaboration with local communities on environmental protection
  • Environmental education and awareness activities