Counterworks

About Counterworks

COUNTERWORKS Inc. is a Japanese technology company that operates an online platform for discovering and leasing temporary commercial spaces. Founded in October 2014 by CEO Naoki Miyashita, the company aims to digitize the commercial real estate sector and create a new infrastructure for commerce. Miyashita was inspired to create the platform, known as SHOPCOUNTER, due to his family's background in real estate and the increasing prevalence of vacant storefronts. The executive team also includes COO/CFO Yusuke Yabumoto, who joined in 2016 from a financial analyst background at Mizuho Securities, and CTO Takeshi Tokunaga, who joined in 2021 with extensive experience from companies like OYO Japan and LIXIL.

The company's primary service, SHOPCOUNTER, is an online marketplace that allows businesses to find, reserve, and pay for short-term rental spaces for pop-up stores, events, and promotions. It serves a wide range of clients, from individuals to large corporations, across various industries such as apparel, food, and services. The platform features a diverse inventory of spaces including locations in shopping malls, train stations, office buildings, and exhibition halls. For property owners, COUNTERWORKS provides a way to monetize vacant or underutilized spaces.

In addition to the marketplace, COUNTERWORKS offers "SHOPCOUNTER Enterprise," a SaaS solution launched in 2022 designed for commercial facility operators. This digital transformation (DX) system provides tools for tenant leasing, customer relationship management, and operational efficiency. Features include a dashboard to track occupancy rates, billing and payment functions, and tools to streamline the entire leasing workflow from inquiry to contract management. This service has been adopted by major real estate and retail companies like Mitsui Fudosan Group, Seiyu, and Yurindo. The company generates revenue through its platform services and the subscription-based SaaS model. The business has seen significant growth, particularly in regional areas outside of Tokyo, and has secured funding from numerous investors, including JAFCO Group, Marui Group, Global Brain, and Z Venture Capital.