This audio is generated by AI, so pronunciation and expressions may not be fully accurate. The narration is only in English.
Fivot, Inc. is a FinTech startup established in 2019. It provides financial services designed to promote smooth economic circulation across society through Flex Capital, a debt financing solution tailored specifically for startups, and IDARE, a mobile-based savings and payment service for individuals.
Before founding Fivot, Abe worked in the investment banking division of a major securities firm, where he was involved in M&A advisory and underwriting. "I was fascinated by how capital flows through society and contributes to corporate growth. At the same time, I felt rigid regulations and outdated technologies in the financial sector were holding the industry back, and thought that if banking could evolve with more flexibility, it could make society better."
A turning point came around 2016, when so-called "challenger banks" began to emerge overseas. These were startups that had acquired banking licenses and introduced innovative services that traditional financial institutions could not provide. Seeing this, he realized this business model was exactly matched to the challenges he wanted to solve. Inspired by this, he launched Fivot with a clear mission—to transform Japan's financial sector through innovation in banking.
One of Fivot's core services, Flex Capital, is a debt financing solution tailored for startups. Unlike the traditional process of credit analysis, which relies heavily on financial statements, Flex Capital leverages advanced, unique technology to analyze a wide range of alternative data sources. Even companies currently operating at a loss may qualify for financing if the results of the data analysis indicate potential for future growth and profitability.
"Early-stage startups often post losses, so traditional banks tend to reject them based solely on financial statements. We gather and analyze a wide range of data—including bank transaction records and accounting journals and even social media activity—to assess business potential, signs of corporate growth, business viability, and overall value."
What sets Flex Capital apart is its speed and simplicity. Startups can secure debt financing of up to 300 million yen within two weeks of submitting their applications.
"The entire process is completed online. With API integrations and other technologies, we realize an unmatched speed that enables applicants to submit applications within 10 minutes, and typically receive a decision within 10 business days," explains Abe, about the speed of the process.
As of June 2025, Flex Capital has provided over 10 billion yen in cumulative financing, and supported more than 270 companies. Its unique combination of flexibility and speed is unmatched by other financing services, and makes it a powerful partner for startups aiming for rapid growth.
In order to transform the flow of capital across society, Fivot is also working to provide personal financial services. IDARE is a mobile app based on a prepaid card system designed to help users saving money. Users can create customized "boxes" based on their goals and accumulate savings according to their own plans.
Abe explains how IDARE differs from typical cashless payment services: "Most cashless payment services, including credit cards, reward users with bonus points when they spend. IDARE, however, rewards users based on the average balance they keep in their account. Users earn bonus points equivalent to an annual rate of 2%, which makes saving more effective."
IDARE celebrated its fourth anniversary in April 2025. Since the launch of the service, users have created over 180,000 savings boxes, with an average balance of approximately 160,000 yen. Another advantage of IDARE is that the entire sign-up process can be completed through the app, allowing users to start saving immediately. Like Flex Capital, IDARE lowers the barriers to entry, making it accessible to more diverse users.
Flex Capital Invoice service, a service provided by Fivot, won 1st Place in the Financial Innovation Category of the Tokyo Financial Award 2024, hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG). Established in 2018, the Tokyo Financial Award honors services that contribute to creating financial innovation and building a more sustainable society, with the goal of revitalizing the financial industry and making the lives of Tokyo citizens more convenient. The award consists of two categories: Financial Innovation and Sustainability. In the Financial Innovation Category, financial companies are invited to propose solutions to financial challenges voiced by Tokyo citizens and businesses, thereby facilitating the matching of these challenges and innovative solutions.
Flex Capital Invoice pays a company's invoices upfront for the company, and offers deferred, installment-based repayment. Abe highlights the uniqueness and novelty of the service.
"Unlike traditional factoring and business loans which enable companies to monetize receivables earlier, Flex Capital Invoice allows them to delay outgoing payments. I believe it has been well-received since it supports cash flow not only for startups but also for a wider range of firms, including small- and medium-sized companies."
Winning the award has also brought them increased attention from banks and other financial institutions, significantly boosting the company's credibility. "It takes time for startups to build credibility. Winning an award like this gives us proof that we are providing valuable services and products, and enhances both our credibility and recognition."
Looking ahead, Fivot aims to develop new services through collaboration, combining its strengths as a FinTech company—technology and flexibility—with the credibility and strong resources traditional banks have. In fact, the company has also begun efforts to provide some of its in-house developed systems to support banking operations.
As of the end of 2022, there were 10,395 startups headquartered in Tokyo, which accounts for 66% of all startups in Japan. Furthermore, as of January 2024, employees at startups made up over 8% of Tokyo's total workforce, compared to less than 1% in all other prefectures except Osaka, illustrating clearly the high concentration of startups in Tokyo. Indeed, Abe notes that most of the companies using Flex Capital are based in Tokyo.
He discussed the role and potential of startups in Tokyo, and their rapid growth there.
"By supporting startups financially, we hope to accelerate their growth, create more jobs, and ultimately catalyze sustainable and strong economic growth in Tokyo."
Why do so many startups flock to Tokyo? Drawing on his own experience, Abe analyzes its appeal. "Tokyo brings together top talent, abundant capital, and up-to-date information. There are also many venture capital firms here. This creates an environment where it's easier to find a talent, create a strong team, and secure funding when starting a company."
Tokyo also offers more opportunities for networking and collaboration through frequent startup related events, creating environments where connections can naturally lead to business growth—something that is often harder to achieve in rural areas.
Another draw is the robust public support for startups. The TMG operates Tokyo Sogyo NET, which offers a variety of information on topics such as business planning, financing and general entrepreneurship support. Additionally, in November 2022, the city announced its "Global Innovation with STARTUPS" strategy, which aims to increase the number of unicorns, startups, and public-private collaborations originating in Tokyo tenfold within five years. Furthermore, in June 2024, Tokyo was also designated a Special Zone for Financial and Asset Management Businesses, in order to attract global asset managers and enhance investment environment for startups.
While working to support startups, Abe—himself a founder within the startup ecosystem in Tokyo—encourages others to take action: "If you have something you really want to do, don't hesitate—go for it, and keep going for it."
"If we have entrepreneurs saying, 'I was able to secure funding thanks to Fivot, and that allowed the business to grow,' and if we can increase such cases from one to ten, from ten to a hundred or even a thousand, I believe it will eventually have a significant impact on the entire economy."
Funding is just one tool, but as a partner that empowers bold challenges and growth, Fivot will be at the core of driving transformation. By creating new flows of capital, Fivot has the potential to revitalize the startup ecosystem and even shape the future of Japan's economy.
