Nstock

About Nstock

Nstock is a Tokyo-based fintech company founded in 2022 that provides a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for managing stock compensation plans. The company was established by Shoji Miyata, the founder of the unicorn company SmartHR, and Masaomi Takahashi, who also comes from SmartHR. Miyata started Nstock to address challenges within Japan's startup ecosystem that he experienced firsthand, particularly concerning stock options for employees.

Nstock's primary offering is a SaaS platform designed to streamline the administration of stock options (SOs) and other equity-based compensation for startups. The platform allows companies to manage contracts and visualize the economic value of stock options for rights holders, aiming to increase employee motivation. Key features include management of stock option contracts, visualization of their value for rights holders, and an application and approval function for exercising options. The company also plans to support restricted stock units (RSUs).

The firm's business model is centered on three pillars: the Stock Compensation SaaS Business, a Secondary Business, and a Startup Reinvestment Business. The Secondary Business, planned for a 2025 launch, involves creating a marketplace for unlisted stocks, conceived as an "in-house exchange" where the startup that issued the stock can control trading conditions and participants. This initiative aims to provide liquidity for stock options and shares even before a company goes public. Additionally, Nstock is exploring a reinvestment business to create a cycle where capital and experience from successful startups are reinvested into new ventures.

In September 2024, Nstock raised JPY 3 billion from investors including WiL, Coral Capital, Chiba Dojo Fund, ALL STAR SAAS FUND, and East Ventures. These funds are allocated towards product development, obtaining necessary business registrations under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, and preparing for the launch of its new business ventures.