FUNDBOOK

About FUNDBOOK

FUNDBOOK is a Japanese M&A advisory firm that integrates a proprietary technology platform with expert consultation to facilitate mergers and acquisitions for small to medium-sized enterprises. The company was founded in August 2017 by Koji Hatano, who also founded BuySell Technologies. FUNDBOOK originated as the M&A division of BuySell Technologies in March 2017 before spinning out as an independent entity.

The company employs a "hybrid model" that combines its M&A platform, "fundbook cloud," with personalized support from professional advisors. This approach is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional M&A brokerage, where success can heavily depend on an individual advisor's personal network and experience. The fundbook cloud platform allows acquiring companies to search for and review potential acquisition targets, access detailed documents like corporate profiles and valuation reports, and manage the entire deal process online, from non-disclosure agreements to data exchange. This is complemented by a specialized division of labor within the company, where different teams handle distinct phases of the M&A process, a strategy they term "specialized division of labor."

FUNDBOOK primarily serves the Japanese market, with offices in Tokyo and Osaka. The firm operates on a success-fee-only basis, meaning clients do not pay any upfront retainers or interim fees; compensation is only due upon the successful closing of a deal. In December 2024, it was announced that FUNDBOOK would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Change Holdings. As of April 2024, Koji Hatano stepped down as CEO, and the company transitioned to a co-representative director structure led by Tomoki Moriyama and Kazuhisa Watanabe.