Retty

About Retty

Retty Inc. operates a gourmet platform in Japan, distinguishing itself through a social, real-name review system designed to foster trustworthy recommendations. The company was established in November 2010 by Kazuya Takeda, who, after a period of research in Silicon Valley, was inspired by the rise of smartphones and social networks like Facebook. He envisioned combining this technology with Japan's advanced food culture to create a new standard for discovering restaurants. The web version of the "Retty" service officially launched in June 2011.

The platform's core concept is centered on finding dining experiences based on the recommendations of trusted individuals, shifting the focus from anonymous scores to a person-centric search. This is facilitated by features like the "TOP USER制度" (Top User System), which highlights reviewers who are experts in specific genres or geographic areas, and curated content lists. By linking with Facebook, the platform promotes a real-name basis for reviews, aiming to reduce the likelihood of inauthentic posts. A significant milestone was achieved in October 2020, when Retty Inc. was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market (now Growth), securing its position in the public market.

Retty's business model generates revenue through two primary streams: a subscription-based service for restaurants and advertising for corporations. For a monthly fee, restaurants can enhance their profiles with more information and images, gain priority placement in feature sections, and directly message users who have shown interest in their establishment. The corporate advertising model, such as the "Retty Branding Ad," allows businesses to display targeted banner ads and special feature pages to users searching for specific dining categories, like "Shimbashi Izakaya". The company does not charge the reservation fees common on other booking sites, focusing instead on these monthly service fees and ad revenues.