CraftBank

CraftBank is a construction technology startup that spun out of an interior construction company's IT division through a management buyout (MBO) in April 2021. The company was founded by Youngji Han, who serves as CEO. Han, who holds a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Tokyo, previously worked at Recruit Holdings, where he was involved in the SUUMO business, global strategy, and led the M&A and international expansion of a German restaurant reservation platform. His experience in Germany, where craftsmen are highly respected and well-compensated, inspired him to address the disparity faced by highly skilled but undervalued craftsmen in Japan. He co-founded the company with individuals including Toshiki Maeshima.

CraftBank aims to create a system where skilled craftsmen and construction companies can be more profitable, tackling the industry's structural issues like labor shortages, an aging workforce, and low productivity. The company's core offering is 'CraftBank Office,' an all-in-one, customizable business management SaaS platform designed for small and medium-sized construction companies and local general contractors. Launched in September 2021, the system allows companies to manage administrative tasks such as attendance, expense reporting, project scheduling, and invoicing, many of which can be handled through the popular messaging app LINE to ensure ease of use for craftsmen. The platform digitizes and automates workflows, including converting estimates to invoices and calculating daily and monthly wages, thereby reducing administrative work by up to 90% and allowing workers to focus on their craft. By September 2023, the platform had been developed with input from over 3,000 construction professionals.

In addition to its SaaS product, CraftBank operates a B2B matching platform that connects a network of over 34,000 construction companies, helping them find suitable partners and projects. To complement its digital services, the company fosters a real-world community through initiatives like "Shokunin Sakaba®" (Craftsmen's Bar), a nationwide networking event for face-to-face business connections, and the "CraftBank Research Institute," which conducts industry research. This hybrid approach of technology and community engagement allows the company to maintain a strong connection to the field. The business model is centered on providing these digital tools and platforms to construction companies, with a focus on serving the SMB market.

The company has achieved significant growth, raising a total of ¥1.42 billion in its Series A round in July 2023 and an additional ¥3.8 billion in its Series B round announced in October 2025. These funds are earmarked for nationwide expansion across all 47 prefectures, investment in AI technology, and strengthening its regional support systems in collaboration with local financial institutions and industry groups. CraftBank has established a physical presence with offices in Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Osaka, and Sendai, in addition to its Tokyo headquarters.

Keywords: Construction tech, SaaS, business management system, CraftBank Office, construction industry, digital transformation, B2B matching platform, project management, administrative efficiency, construction labor shortage, skilled trades, subcontractor management, Youngji Han, ConTech, Japanese startup, financial management for construction, mobile construction tools, workflow automation, Shokunin Sakaba, construction networking, productivity improvement