Japan: Driving behaviour analytics startup Smart Drive closes $9m Series B

Automotive smart navigation.

By Shiwen Yap

April 11, 2017

Japan’s Smart Drive – which offers the DriveOps vehicle management platform – has closed a JPY 1 billion ($9 million) Series B round of funding.

Details such as its partners and the pay-in date were undisclosed.

The development was first reported by The Bridge.

The startup is currently developing a drive recorder app for smartphones that can detect crucial moments related to hazardous driving or traffic accidents, based on vast amounts of video data inside and outside of commercial vehicles.

Its CEO, Retsu Kitagawa, has a background in traffic-related big data analysis. 

According to Kitagawa, proceeds from the latest investment will be used to expand its team of 30, with the aim of hiring more engineers with a background in data analysis and big data processing. The funds will also be deployed to develop and enhance its video image analysis service, which targets a summer launch. 

Since inception, the firm has been acquiring vehicle data and conducting detailed analysis of vehicle data. Using a database of about 10,000 vehicles, the firm claimed that it can estimate fuel efficiency for specific driving styles by using the analysed data.

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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

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Singapore Reporter/s

In Singapore, we are looking to double our reporting team by this year-end to comprehensively cover the fast-moving world of funded startups and VC, PE & M&A deals. We want reporters who can tell our readers what is really happening in these sectors and why it matters to markets, companies and consumers. The ability to write precisely and urgently is crucial for these roles. Ideal candidates must have to ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and fast-changing environment. We want our new hires to be digitally savvy and ready to experiment with new forms of storytelling. Most importantly, we are looking for hard-hitting reporters who work well in a team. Collaboration and collegiality are a must.

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).

Following vacancies can be applied for (only in Singapore).   

  • A reporter to track companies/startups that have raised private capital, and have the potential to become unicorns. SEA currently has over 40 companies with a valuation of over $100 million and under $1 billion.
  • A reporter who can get behind the scenes and reveal how funding rounds are put together, or why they’ve failed to materialise. She/he in this role will largely focus on long-format stories. 
  • A journalist to track special situations funds, distressed debt and private credit (from the PE angle) across Asia.
APPLY NOW