DigitalBlast, supporting the revitalization of the space industry, raises 400 million yen in funding for the expansion of business through the construction of a lunar surface ecological circulation system and the development of a data distribution infrastructure.

July 11, 2022

DigitalBlast Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Shingo Horiguchi, hereinafter referred to as DigitalBlast), which supports the revitalization of the space industry and the creation of new businesses in the space sector, has announced that it has raised 400 million yen in funding through a third-party allotment increase from Japan Post Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) and DBJ Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo).

 

Background and Purpose of Fundraising

DigitalBlast is a company that provides platforms for business strategies, data, and marketing necessary for participation and expansion in the space industry. Since its establishment in December 2018, we have been working to expand the base of Japan’s space industry by supporting connections between the space industry as a whole and other industries and striving to establish the value of the space industry. We have also been developing ecosystems related to space and contributing to the expansion of the private space business market.

With this fundraising, we will invest in the development of experimental equipment for Project NOAH, which aims to construct a lunar surface ecological circulation system starting with the gravity generation device AMAZ targeting experiments at the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, the development of a data distribution platform, and the strengthening of recruitment in various job categories including consultants, and organizational expansion.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Japan Post Group and the DBJ Group, we will work towards creating new space businesses.

 

About Project NOAH and the Gravity Generation Device AMAZ

In recent years, manned space exploration, such as NASA’s Artemis program, has been gaining momentum, and there is a growing awareness of the challenges of securing food and cultivating plants in space environments. Project ‘NOAH’ aims to create an environment on the lunar surface where humanity can be self-sufficient, to support human lunar exploration. The project will take steps to verify the long-term effects of plant cultivation in low-gravity environments. The devices developed will be provided as experimental environments for private companies and research institutions.

The gravity generation device AMAZ, which is positioned as the first step of this project, is currently undergoing ground experiments and aims to be installed and operated on the ISS in 2024. This device uses the centrifugal force generated by rotating part of the device to replicate one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, the same as the lunar surface, and is primarily intended for research on plant physiology in space environments and lunar gravity. It will be possible to obtain basic data on plant gravity responses through cultivation under various gravity conditions.

Project NOAH will progressively advance the research and development necessary for the construction of an ecological circulation maintenance system, aiming for a future where humanity can reside in space, including the moon and Mars.

 

Talent Recruitment & Organizational Strengthening

With the expansion of our business, we are intensifying our recruitment activities, starting with consultants. To drive the realization of our business, we are broadly seeking members to join us.

DigitalBlast Recruitment Information: https://digitalblast.co.jp/careers/

 

Third-Party Allotment Underwriters (in no particular order)

 

Comments

Yoshioka Daiki, Manager at Japan Post Capital Co., Ltd.

In recent times, businesses related to space have been expanding, but to make space a full-fledged field of human activity, the participation of many more players is necessary. DigitalBlast plays an important role as a platformer connecting the space industry with other industries, and through this investment, we will jointly consider the collaboration between the Japan Post Group and the space industry. We look forward to growing with our clients who aim to utilize space by expanding the base of the space business through ecosystem development related to space projects such as ‘NOAH’.

Mr. Ishimoto Yoshitake, Senior Investment Manager at DBJ Capital Co., Ltd.

We believe that the space industry is the last frontier for humanity and is the market expected to grow the most in the next 20 years. DigitalBlast is a company that will lead Japan’s space industry through device development aimed at self-sufficiency in food for human expansion into space, and product development that supports the use of space data by private companies. As a venture capital of a government financial institution, DBJ Capital would like to support the business expansion through this investment and, together with the Japan Policy Investment Bank, will support initiatives aimed at creating space businesses in the future.”

 

Comment from Shingo Horiguchi, CEO of DigitalBlast

I am very pleased to receive the expectations and support from our investors in this fundraising. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Our company has been supporting the expansion of the space industry in Japan by considering the potential for many companies to join the space industry. With this fundraising as a starting point, we will further accelerate the ecosystem development related to the space sector, such as the development of experimental devices and data distribution infrastructure for Project ‘NOAH’, which we have been advancing for the construction of an ecological circulation maintenance system on the lunar surface. We will continue to expand the private space business market and provide “value in space”. We look forward to your continued support.

 

About DigitalBlast, Inc.

DigitalBlast is on a mission to redefine the value of space with its motto, “Make Space Valuable.” To enhance the worth of Japan’s space sector, it’s crucial to develop a variety of revenue streams that extend beyond BtoG (business-to-government) transactions. Boasting a diverse team skilled in business strategy, digital technology, and promotion, we take pride in our comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to expand our clients’ revenue options and forge new value within the space industry.

Company Name: DigitalBlast Inc.
Office: Jinbocho mitsui building 19F,1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0051, Japan
Representative: Shingo Horiguchi (CEO)
Established: December 2018
Website: https://digitalblast.co.jp/

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