Individual investors including Tadahiro Nomura, Tomoya Ugajin, and Tomohiro Fukaya, along with two corporate investors, participate in the round
HALF TIME Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yusuke Isoda), a company engaged in talent, education, and PR businesses in the sports industry, is pleased to announce that it has raised approximately 100 million yen as of June 30 through a third-party allotment of shares to 17 individual investors—including Tadahiro Nomura, Tomoya Ugajin, and Tomohiro Fukaya—as well as two corporate investors, in addition to debt financing from financial institutions.
The company previously conducted its first fundraising last year. That round has now been redefined as the Pre-Series A, with this latest round positioned as the Series A. The funds raised this time are primarily intended to accelerate the growth of the company’s education business. Together with the previous round, HALF TIME has now raised a cumulative total of 200 million yen.
Founded in August 2017 in the talent recruitment field, HALF TIME launched its sports business platform service “HALF TIME” in July 2019. Since then, the company has operated the specialized media outlet HALF TIME Magazine, organized the industry-leading HALF TIME Conference—which has seen a total of 1,900 participants—and launched corporate PR and branding services.
Since 2020, HALF TIME has offered HALF TIME Global Academy, a professional program designed to cultivate global sports business talent. This year, the company also launched the Athlete Career Ownership Academy, an educational program addressing second-career challenges for current and former athletes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, HALF TIME has successfully expanded its education business through online delivery.
CEO Yusuke Isoda commented:
“We are truly grateful to have received investment from so many supporters despite the uncertain economic environment under COVID-19. The sports industry is expected to continue growing in the mid- to long-term. We believe there is strong demand for a platform that can provide a diverse range of services centered on sports, all in one place. Leveraging this funding, we will continue to deliver high-quality services, support the growth of organizations and individuals engaged in sports, and contribute to the advancement of the sports industry.”
Moving forward, the company will continue to provide diverse sports-related services globally under its mission of “realizing a society full of purpose and fulfillment through sports.”
Profiles and Comments from Investors (Excerpt, in no particular order)
Tadahiro Nomura
Achieved three consecutive Olympic gold medals in judo at the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Games. After retiring from competition, he has engaged in promoting judo both domestically and internationally, and has been active as a sports caster and commentator. He also served as an official Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Ambassador.
“I believe in the limitless potential of sports, and I expect HALF TIME to play a key role in revitalizing the sports world, including judo.”
Tomoya Ugajin
Joined Urawa Reds in 2010 as a designated special player and has remained with the club ever since, winning the Emperor’s Cup in 2018. While active as a professional soccer player and former Japan national team member, he also manages a futsal facility.
“As an active professional soccer player, I was deeply moved by Mr. Isoda’s words that ‘sports have limitless potential.’ I wanted to help expand that potential together. Having taken the Athlete Career Ownership Academy myself, I once again realized the incredible power of sports. I hope many more people will discover HALF TIME and its content.”
Daiki Niwa
Played for Gamba Osaka, Tokushima Vortis, Omiya Ardija, Avispa Fukuoka, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, and FC Tokyo, and since 2021 has been with Spain’s Sestao River. Also engages in reconstruction support activities through “NSP.” Former Japan national team player.
“Since May of this year, I have been playing soccer in Spain. Living globally through sports will be increasingly important. I resonated with Mr. Isoda’s values and philosophy, and I look forward to contributing to the development of the sports industry in our respective roles.”
Tomohiro Fukaya
Debuted as a professional keirin cyclist in 2009, earning promotion to A-class undefeated, and setting a record for the fastest promotion to S-class within 56 days. Also competes internationally as a member of Japan’s national cycling team.
“I strongly agree with HALF TIME’s mission of ‘realizing a society full of purpose and fulfillment through sports.’ I felt I wanted to be involved and contribute, which led me to invest. I hope to be a driving force in the future growth of the sports industry.”
Seiya Oura
After joining Intelligence, Ltd. (now Persol Career Co., Ltd.) in 2002, he worked in the recruitment business and later held positions including Sales Headquarters Director and Editor-in-Chief of “doda.” Since 2019, he has served as Executive Officer and Head of the doda Agent Business Division. He is also a board member of the Japan Association of Human Resource Services Industry and a director at the Sports Human Capital Foundation.
“I strongly resonate with HALF TIME’s vision of creating a society full of purpose through sports. I especially look forward to seeing HALF TIME become a one-of-a-kind platform that combines sports with business and career development on a global scale.”
Shinsuke Sakimoto, CEO of SF Property Management
A former professional soccer player with Gamba Osaka. After retiring, he founded SOU Inc. and later served as its CEO, leading the company to IPO on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market in 2018.
“I strongly support HALF TIME’s mission of creating a society full of purpose through sports, as well as Mr. Isoda’s aspirations. I hope HALF TIME will become a leading force in updating the world of sports and athletes, and I look forward to the realization of the vision you have painted.”
Other individual investors, corporate investors, and financial institutions remain undisclosed due to contractual obligations.
For the full press release, please see here:
HALF TIME Raises 100 Million Yen in Funding [PR TIMES]
The announcement of the previous fundraising round can be found [here].