Secai Marche Raises JPY 510 Million to Strengthen Fresh Food Supply Chain in Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, August 5, 2024 – Secai Marche Inc., a Tokyo-based company revolutionizing the fresh food supply chain in Southeast Asia, has raised JPY 510 million in its Series A funding round. This significant financial boost includes JPY 300 million from a new third-party allotment of shares, supported by notable investors such as Beyond Next Ventures Inc., Spiral Ventures Asia Fund I, L.P., Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd., Future Food Fund, and several other companies and venture capitalists.

Since its inception in 2019, Secai Marche has established a strong presence in the Southeast Asian market, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, by directly connecting farmers with restaurant consumers through its B2B Farm-Direct E-commerce platform. The platform offers over 4,000 high-quality ingredients from global producers, including Japan and Malaysia, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh foods such as eggs, vegetables, fruits, and seafood.

The newly acquired funds will be used to expand Secai Marche’s fulfillment centers and enhance the accuracy of demand forecasts using artificial intelligence. Additionally, the company aims to automate and optimize last-mile deliveries, further improving its comprehensive fulfillment service. This expansion is in response to the rapid growth of the restaurant industry in Southeast Asia and the increasing demand for high-quality, cost-competitive services in Malaysia and Singapore.

Investors have expressed strong confidence in Secai Marche’s leadership and business model. Akito Arima, Partner at Beyond Next Ventures Inc., praised the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable society where farmers can thrive. Yuji Horiguchi, Director at Spiral Ventures Asia Limited, highlighted the resilience and passion of the co-founders in overcoming challenges and driving growth. Other investors, including Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd, Future Food Fund Inc., TSUNEISHI CORPORATION CO., LTD, and Fukuoka Sonoriku Co., Ltd., echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the company’s potential to transform the food supply chain in Southeast Asia.

With this new round of funding, Secai Marche is poised to significantly increase its market share in Southeast Asia. The company plans to allocate funds for system development and marketing activities, aiming to build a robust food infrastructure that supports small and medium-sized producers lacking refrigerated logistics capabilities. The ultimate goal is to advance the e-commerce of fresh food in the region, making high-quality, reasonably priced products accessible to more consumers.