nat (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: 劉 栄駿; hereinafter nat ) has completed a third-party allotment of new shares totaling 500 million yen, with DEEPCORE serving as the lead investor and Toppan Holdings Co., Ltd., Dual Bridge Capital, and Hirotaka Matsuoka among the subscribers.
■Challenges Addressed by nat
Until now, when we wanted to document a space or a worksite with precise measurements, the only tools that came to mind were a camera and a tape measure. Furthermore, in a business context, this often involved sending multiple experienced staff members to the site to measure every single spot one by one with tape measures and record the results on paper, or to take hundreds of photographs. With such manual, labor-intensive methods, it was impossible to avoid missing measurements or photos, leading to repetitive, low-value tasks such as making multiple trips to the site.Furthermore, when sharing these spaces with internal and external stakeholders, each person in charge relies on traditional tools such as fax, phone, paper, and photos. However, accurately conveying three-dimensional spaces to various parties without discrepancies is difficult, and this has become a clear challenge.
To address this challenge, nat proposed a new spatial documentation method nat. To bring this vision to life, we officially released Scanat in January 2022—the world’s first 3D scanning app capable of millimeter-level measurement (*1) and curved surface measurement (*2). Since its release, Scanat has been adopted by numerous companies and local governments, and we have implemented repeated feature additions and improvements based on feedback from our users.It has been proven that "Scanat" allows for high-precision site documentation more easily than traditional cameras or measuring tapes, and since it can even generate drawings, it can be utilized for simulations in BIM software, making it widely used across various industries.
(※1) Based on our own research of all 3D scanning apps available on the App Store as of October 2019.
(※2) Based on our own research of all 3D scanning apps available on the App Store as of March 2024.
■Purpose of Fundraising
We will use the funds raised this time to accelerate the development of " Scanat." While launching new business initiatives, we aim to further expand the adoption of our service across various business operations and enhance our market recognition by improving the value we deliver.
■Comments from Investors
DEEPCORE Senior Director Toshiki Miyake
In industries such as construction and housing, precise and timely measurement and recording are essential for visualizing on-site progress. However, since the subjects of measurement—such as buildings and terrain—are large and complex physical spaces that change over time, carrying out these tasks is extremely inefficient in terms of both labor and cost. Furthermore, labor shortages are exacerbating the problem.
We are confident that our product, Scanat,” offers a solution that will dramatically improve this situation, which is why we have decided to invest in it.The product’s high measurement accuracy and user interface—which thoroughly reduces the burden and stress on users and stakeholders—are the culmination of nat sincere dedication nat, led by Bruce. We are deeply honored to support them. We will do our utmost to accompany them as they expand productivity improvements across various fields involving physical spaces.
Masaru Uchida, Strategic Investment Department, Toppan Holdings Co., Ltd.
Scanat is a product built on solid technical expertise and a deep understanding of customer challenges. At the same time, it offers the advantage of being easy to use on devices such as smartphones. We are delighted to be partnering nat to expand the possibilities of spatial communication.
By integrating with the TOPPAN Group’s services and products, we will contribute to nat business growth while driving the creation of new value.
Shun Ito, Managing Partner, Dual Bridge Capital
I am delighted to have the opportunity to join nat as an investor.
I believe the company’s business—which aims to expand from a foundation of measurement—will build a platform centered on various “spaces,” starting with residential homes, and become an infrastructure that transforms both business operations and daily life.
By leveraging the expertise and assets of Dual Bridge Capital and the Midas Group, I look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth. I look forward to working with you all!
Hirotaka Matsuoka (Angel Investor, Former Member of the House of Representatives)
During my time as a member of the Diet, I served on the Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry and as Secretary-General of the Police Administration Research Association, dedicating myself to national politics with a focus on fostering new industries and supporting startup ventures. Currently, while also serving as an advisor to companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, I am focusing my efforts on supporting startups as an angel investor.
Upon reviewing the details of this project, I was deeply impressed by President Liu’s exceptional problem-solving skills and vision. This service is a groundbreaking solution that accurately addresses on-site challenges and needs. I am confident that it will have a significant impact not only across a wide range of fields, including the construction industry, but also on government operations—such as the activities of the planned Ministry of Disaster Prevention and on-site disaster response. I believe this service will continue to expand in the future, and I look forward to supporting it moving forward.
