AWL

About AWL

AWL, originating as a Hokkaido University-certified venture in June 2016, specializes in edge AI camera solutions designed to analyze and enhance physical spaces. The company was founded by Muneharu Kitade, a serial entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in technology and marketing, and Professor Hidenori Kawamura of Hokkaido University. Kitade's journey includes leadership roles at GMO Marketing Inc. and livedoor Co.,Ltd., and contributing to the IPO of Gaba Corporation, reflecting a deep background in leveraging digital strategies for business growth. This experience is foundational to AWL's mission of redefining the use of security cameras from passive recording devices to active data input tools that inform business operations.

AWL's business model is centered on providing AI-driven video analytics through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) framework. The company serves a diverse client base, initially targeting the retail sector and expanding into restaurants, financial institutions, logistics, and even mobility and agriculture. Its revenue is generated through subscriptions to its services, which are designed to be cost-effective. A key partnership with the drug store chain SATUDORA provided an essential real-world environment for developing and proving its technology. This collaboration has been instrumental in testing and refining AWL's solutions in live store settings.

AWL's core product suite includes "AWL BOX," an edge AI device that connects to existing IP security cameras to provide advanced analytics without sending sensitive video data to the cloud. This approach ensures personal information protection while analyzing customer behavior, employee operations, and store conditions in real-time. The system is compatible with thousands of camera models, making it a low-cost retrofit solution. Another key offering is "AWL Lite," an application that brings similar AI capabilities to Android smartphones, tablets, and digital signage, enabling features like customer analysis and real-time alerts for stores without traditional security camera systems. These products provide actionable data on customer demographics, dwell time, and traffic flow, helping businesses improve productivity, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen security.

Since its inception as AI TOKYO LAB & Co., the company rebranded to AWL, Inc. in February 2019 and has achieved significant milestones, including multiple funding rounds. AWL raised JPY 810 million in a Series A round in February 2020, followed by a JPY 2.0 billion Series B round in June 2021. By May 2024, the total funding raised reached JPY 4.5 billion. The company has established a global presence with R&D subsidiaries in Vietnam and India, fostering a diverse team from over 20 countries. A dual-headquarters structure in Tokyo and Sapporo was established in March 2021 to strengthen its R&D and business operations.