Seed Round Invested in YourTrade, which aims to be an optimization platform for international distribution
Genesia Ventures, Inc. announced its investment from Genesia Venture Fund No. 3 (GV-3) in the Seed round of YourTrade, a platform that aims to optimize international distribution.
About YourTrade
YourTrade offers an international distribution optimization platform that efficiently redistributes overstock and returned global sales inventory (including cross-border e-commerce) to local sales channels. Their aim is to support companies in their global sales operation while promoting an eco-friendly world with minimal waste.
The company plans to expand its service globally, starting with Japan and Taiwan, and aims to cater to businesses that sell to overseas markets and are keen on minimizing waste.
Background of Service Launch
The global cross-border e-commerce market is reportedly growing at an annual rate of around 30%. In Japan, a country which faces challenges such as a declining and aging population, and a shrinking work force, it is inevitable that more companies and business operators will find opportunities in overseas sales.
On the other hand, according to the National Retail Federation, approximately $760 billion worth of goods sold by US retailers in 2021 were returned by consumers, representing a return rate of about 20%, and consumers are demanding flexible return policies from retailers. In addition, about 2.6 million tons of returned goods are discarded annually in the US, creating a significant environmental problem.
In markets such as Japan, returning goods from overseas sales, including cross-border e-commerce, can be expensive. As a result, many products are often discarded locally in the buyers’ markets, which can have significant cost and environmental implications.
In August 2022, YourTrade launched a service in Taiwan called the Return and Resale Service (返品再販サービス). The service is designed to collect, store, and resell returned products from overseas sales (including cross-border e-commerce) in local markets, with the aim of supporting the overseas sales of Japanese companies. In addition to using leading local e-commerce sites, the company will also sell products through its online outlet store nomino to provide better opportunities for products that were destined to be discarded to meet their next buyer.
- Return and Resale Service details: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000104379.html
- In-house online store nomino: https://www.nomino.tw
Service Overview
YourTrade’s service is a one-stop solution that handles everything from the collection of returned merchandise to inspection and resale when returns occur in overseas sales.
When a business sells a product to an overseas consumer through its own website or an e-commerce platform and a return occurs, it will only need to share the return data with YourTrade, who will handle the collection, inspection, and resale of the product through local sales channels. After deducting the commission from the resale, YourTrade will disburse the remaining amount to the business.
Value proposition
(1) Reduce cost: By reselling the returned goods in the local market, businesses can reduce the cost of logistics and disposal of returned goods. (2) Acquire sales: By selling returned goods through the resale channel, businesses can increase sales from a channel that was not previously viable. (iii) Improve customer experience: By streamlining the cumbersome returns process and improving customer experience, businesses can increase customer loyalty. (ⅳ) Improve purchase rate: It is reported that the purchase rate of a customer varies greatly depending on whether or not returns are accepted. By lowering the customers’ emotional hurdle, businesses can improve the purchase rate. (v) Improve environmental friendliness: This applies to SDG 12 “Responsible Production and Consumption”. By reducing waste, businesses contribute to building a better global environment. YourTrade’s return and resale service has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 2 tons since its launch in August 2022.
To businesses that sell overseas
If you are a business owner seeking to expand your sales channels with minimal effort or facing difficulties in managing excess inventory or return products, YourTrade is dedicated to helping businesses expand their overseas sales channels and facilitate seamless international transactions through services such as the resale of return products. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in learning more, have any requests, or would like a consultation.
- Contact: info@yourtrade.jp
Purpose of Funding
With the funds raised, the company aims to expand its return and resale service globally. In addition, it aims to promote overseas e-commerce sales of Japanese companies by addressing the language, payment, and logistical barriers through its system.
About the Investment
Koki Mizutani, Investment Manager, Genesia Ventures Inc.
We are excited to support the team led by Mr. Yanagisawa in this seed round, as we see extraordinary potential in YourTrade’s business to transform the hidden negatives of overseas transactions into valuable assets. I have had numerous conversations with Mr. Yanagisawa since we first met before the company was founded, and each time I have been impressed by the constant evolution of his business concept. As a VC, we are committed to work together and support YourTrade in taking on this challenge and changing the game in overseas transactions!
Company Profile
Company Name : YourTrade, Inc.
WEB : https://www.yourtrade.jp/ja/
Date of Establishment ：December 28, 2021
Location ：15F Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Hiroto Yanagisawa, Representative Director
