SJ Mobile Labs raises $2.9 million

Habitto has closed a $2.85 million seed round for a mobile wealth and protection platform aimed at the Japanese market. The round was led by Saison Capital, the venture arm of Credit Saison, the financial services firm with over 30 million retail customers in Japan, Apis Insurtech Fund I, managed by Apis Partners LLP, and Anthemis Group.

SJ Mobile Labs has recently appointed Yasunori Kume as Chief Operating Officer, who was previously at BNP Paribas Cardif, and Compliance Officer Koshi Watanabe (previously from Lloyds Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland and Chiyoda Insurance). Additionally, the company has appointed several advisors including Masashi Yamashita previously at Lawson Bank & Shinsei Bank and Shigesuke Kashiwagi of EQT and previously at Schroders and Nomura Holdings.

“In addition to a great lineup of investors, we have convened a world class advisory board with hands-on expertise in banking, asset management, insurance and technology and made key appointments as we focus on building our bench strength in Japan.” – CEO Samantha Ghiotti.

“With over US$18 trillion of zero or low yielding assets and being ranked world’s second largest insurance market by premium, the Japanese consumer segment represents a huge opportunity for financial technology entrants. We plan to provide a positive financial experience and appeal to a segment looking for simple products, readily accessible and with radically transparent, genuine, financial advice.” – Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, Liam McCance.