NEWS
2022.02.06
Announcement of Fundraising Implementation by ARK Inc.

ARK Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Japan Representative: Koyo Takeshita) is pleased to announce the completion of its seed financing round. With the funds raised, we aim to strengthen our research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, as well as promote demonstration experiments and social implementation towards commercialising small-scale, decentralised land based aquaculture systems utilising our "ARK" technology in collaboration with various partners.
◆ Comments from Investors
Yujiro Akatsu President and Chief Executive Officer
Aqua Clara Lemon Gas Holdings Co. Ltd.
"In Shonan, where our company also operates, we deeply empathise with ARK's commitment to addressing significant societal challenges faced by the oceans. Water, energy, and food are universal issues for humanity, and we look forward to tackling various challenges together in the future."
Mr Yusuke Nakagawa
President and Chief Executive Officer Asobi Systems Co. Ltd.
"I am delighted to have encountered such an exciting startup. I believe ARK's proposal for small scale, decentralised, land-based aquaculture systems is crucial for the future of our planet. I think ARK will become essential in the future world, and I am excited about the synergies with entertainment moving forward.”
VERBAL
Representative DIrector of AMBUSH, Music Producer
“In today's fashion business, there is a growing demand for materials and products that are made with consideration for the natural environment and workers, highlighting the importance of
sustainability. I am truly impressed by ARK's proposal of a "system that allows aquaculture anywhere by anyone," which I see as a pioneering effort in decentralised food technology.”
Yusuke Funada
President and Chief Executive Officer, Yabu Suisan Co., Ltd.
Ebinoke Representative
“When I discovered ARK's impressive small-scale, decentralised land-based aquaculture system through shrimp farming, I became convinced of its potential to innovate the fisheries industry. I was deeply moved by our shared aspirations and the problems we aim to solve. By combining ARK's land-based aquaculture system with Yabu Suisan's two decades of expertise in the fisheries sector, I look forward to jointly establishing a new supply chain and contributing to the realisation of a sustainable society.”
Shujiro Kusumoto
President and Chief Executive Officer, Café Company Co., Ltd.
“I've been deeply moved by the unique qualities and earnest commitment of ARK's three founding members. Their proactive approach towards shaping the future of food continually inspires me. As we look towards a future where the world's population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, let's collaborate to realise and promote a sustainable and flavourful circular production system together!”
Yutaka Shibata
President and Chief Executive Officer, JR East Japan Startup Co. Ltd.
“When I saw lively shrimp swimming inside a small container, about the size of a single parking spot, placed on an empty lot in Shonan Hiratsuka, I couldn't help but be more amused than impressed.
There aren't many unique and valuable SDGS challenges like this, are there? I deeply resonate with ARK's vision for the future of aquatic resources through their innovative small-scale decentralised land-based aquaculture. Together with ARK, we are embarking on Japan's first aquaculture project at a train station, starting from Namie Station on the Joban Line. We're fully committed to supporting ARK every step of the way!”
Fumiharu Muroga
Growth Manager, Real Tech Holdings Co. Ltd.
“ARK, despite being founded just over a year ago, has already achieved a high level of product completion and launched verification experiments in collaboration with major domestic companies. What attracts me most is the management team's ability to combine a strong focus on manufacturing with rapid business expansion. While the land based aquaculture industry is competitive, ARK distinguishes itself as a startup dedicated to innovating the aquaculture sector through small scale, closed-loop systems. I am confident in supporting ARK and will continue to fully support their endeavours moving forward.”
Masato Noike
Unlimited Liability Partner, Ritsumeikan Social Impact Fund Investment Limited Partnership Representative Director, Plus Social Investment Co. Ltd.
“The Ritsumeikan Trust supports challengers who aim to solve social issues through business under the educational vision "Embracing Challenges More Freely." Recognizing that ARK Inc., led by Ritsumeikan alumni Takeshita, is challenging conventional norms in the aquaculture industry, we are convinced that ARK's practices represent an initiative that will contribute to solving future food crises in Japan and globally. We have decided to support ARK in achieving its mission, and together, we will strive to make it a reality.”
Yukihiro Maru
Group CEO and Representative Director, Leave a Nest Inc.
“When I first met ARK, I was struck by the engineers' ability to swiftly translate ideas into prototype development. At Leave a Nest Group, we back ventures that tackle global challenges, operating across Japan, Southeast Asia, and the UK. ARK, with its UK presence and dedication to addressing global issues, exemplifies the kind of venture we support. With this investment, let's accelerate our research and development efforts together to tackle global challenges head-on.”
Keita Iwasaki, Yamaguchi Capital Co. Ltd.
“I'm thrilled to be working with ARK, whose innovative approach to aquaculture is a complete departure from traditional land-based farming. As concerns about food security continue to mount, decentralising aquaculture could lead us to a future where delicious seafood is accessible everywhere, for generations to come. Let's strive together to make this vision a reality.”
ARK focuses on the mission of "decentralising aquaculture" by offering a system where aquaculture can be conducted anywhere by anyone. We develop and sell small-scale, decentralised Closed Recirculating Aquaculture System (CRAS) known as "ARK," which is a land based, closed-loop aquaculture system. Unlike existing large-scale aquaculture systems, this system allows starting decentralised aquaculture with minimum investment and operation costs within the space of a single parking spot. “ARK” is capable of operating off-grid by utilising renewable energy, significantly reducing energy costs and environmental impact. In addition to these hardware solutions, ARK Inc. also plans to provide the remote management application essential for aquaculture operations, along with supplies, fry, and aquaculture expertise.
Representative: CEO Koyo Takeshita
Established: December 23, 2020
Headquarters Location: 1-7-20, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shonan Plant: 4-15-13-1, Higashiyawata, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan
Overseas base (ARK WORLDWIDE LTD): London, UK
Company Website: https://ark.inc
Contact: hello@ark.inc