POD Capital’s signature investment strategy, known as “Build-Up Investment,” focuses on high-potential but underdeveloped industries, providing entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises with substantial capital and expertise to accelerate business growth and cultivate future industry leaders.

The firm’s management team includes former members of the Corporate Investment Division of Goldman Sachs Japan, where they led numerous build-up investments. In the renewable energy sector, their portfolio includes end-to-end investment across the value chain, with over ¥50 billion invested in rising companies such as Japan Renewable Energy Inc. (power generation), Smart Energy Inc. (maintenance services), and Eco Green Holdings Inc. (logistics).

Now turning their attention to regional revitalization—a pressing national issue in Japan—POD Capital has made its first investment in this space through a third-party allotment of approximately ¥1.5 billion in BLANC Inc., a developer of nature-integrated luxury hotels, led by CEO Takuya Yamanaka, in December 2023.

This strategic investment aims to revitalize domestic and inbound tourism that slowed during the pandemic by leveraging Japan’s rich tourism potential. Strengthening the tourism industry as a key local economic driver is vital for fostering sustainable regional development.

About BLANC Inc.
BLANC is known for its unique design philosophy and rapid development capabilities in small-scale, high-value-added hotels. Despite currently being in the early stages of business with under ¥300 million in annual revenue, the company has the potential to become a leading player in the industry. By leveraging POD Capital’s investment and hands-on support in areas such as corporate governance, organizational development, and marketing strategy, BLANC aims to scale nationally and become a top-tier player in Japan’s tourism sector.

POD Capital has also established a new fund specifically for this project, bringing together investors from Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and other regions to infuse a global perspective into its investment activities.

BLANC has already successfully launched projects such as the RuGu Glamping Resort, a villa-style glamping facility on the southernmost point of Miyako Island, Okinawa, and BLANC FUJI, a nature-integrated hotel in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. The company plans to open three new hotel locations annually. As Japan’s regional revitalization market continues to evolve, BLANC aims to build a new value chain and contribute to industrial stability under a fresh, scalable model.

BLANC Inc. – Company Mission
BLANC is committed to building a sustainable society through MX (Mobile Transformation). By rethinking traditional hotel construction, the company utilizes self-developed trailer house units as mobile guest rooms to offer a completely new type of lodging experience.

Executive Comments
・Yuji Matsumoto, Managing Partner, POD Capital
“Regional revitalization is a key mission for us at POD Capital, and tourism infrastructure holds tremendous growth potential and societal significance. We deeply resonate with the mission of Mr. Yamanaka and BLANC. It’s an honor to support their bold vision and help accelerate their journey.”

・Jun Kyogoku, Managing Partner, POD Capital
“We are excited to support BLANC’s continued expansion as they create new tourism experiences rooted in harmony with nature. With our capital, build-up investment expertise, and business resources, we hope to co-create new growth sectors together.”

・Takuya Yamanaka, CEO, BLANC Inc.
“I still remember when I was first asked, ‘What would it take to grow ten times faster?’ That question stuck with me. With POD Capital’s strong support, we are now taking on this great challenge. While Japan is blessed with beautiful nature, much of it remains underutilized due to regulatory restrictions. We want to revitalize these areas and create spaces where people can experience what we call ‘blank space’ in harmony with nature.”

・Takayuki Abe, Vice President and COO, BLANC Inc.
“We are deeply grateful to receive such strong backing for our mission to create places where people can experience ‘blank space’ through nature. With the expertise and guidance of the professionals at POD Capital, we are committed to accelerating our expansion and creating spaces that allow guests to simply ‘be’—immersed in nature.”