GOOPASS

About GOOPASS

GOOPASS Inc. operates a subscription-based rental platform for photography and videography equipment, positioning itself as a key service provider for hobbyists and creative professionals in Japan. The company was founded in April 2017 as Camelove Inc. by Ikuo Kosaka and officially launched its core service, GOOPASS, in November 2018. The firm rebranded to GOOPASS Inc. on March 1, 2023, to align its corporate identity with its well-known service name.

Founder and CEO Ikuo Kosaka's background includes experience in new business development, public listing preparations, and finance at a medical web company. His personal passion for photography and the realization that high equipment costs were a barrier for many aspiring photographers inspired the business idea. Kosaka developed the concept for a camera subscription service and won an award at the "Bic Camera Accelerator 2017," which became a catalyst for the company's establishment.

The company's business model is centered on a subscription service that allows users to rent from a wide selection of over 2,500 types of cameras, lenses, drones, and other related gear. This model provides recurring revenue and fosters a long-term relationship with customers by allowing them to exchange equipment as needed. In addition to its primary subscription service, GOOPASS has diversified its offerings. Through a partnership with major electronics retailer Bic Camera, it launched "TAKEOUT RENTAL" in December 2020, a service that lets customers try new equipment from stores before deciding to purchase. The company also operates "GOOPASS STORE," an e-commerce site for selling pre-owned equipment. The company has expanded beyond just equipment rental to offer photography tours and workshops, aiming to build a community and provide experiences, shifting from a "mono" (thing) provider to a "koto" (experience) and "toki" (moment) provider.

As of January 2025, GOOPASS had raised a total of over JPY 4.3 billion and serves a user base that has surpassed 200,000 members. The company's purpose is defined as "Color Your Life," aiming to provide a "Good Pass" to enriching life experiences.