〜 Based on “ChargeSPOT”, the company has launched “NaviSPOT”, which supports inbound tourism issues, and “CheerSPOT”, a support project that utilizes digital signage. New types of battery stands, including a credit card touch payment model and a solar power storage model, were also announced 〜
INFORICH INC. (HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo, President & CEO: Hironobu Akiyama), operator of the Mobile Battery Sharing Service “ChargeSPOT™” has held the “INFORICH CONFERENCE ExSPOT 2024” with related media associates and partners
At the conference there were new announcements clarifying more details about the companies’ business strategy “VISION 2030” and its expectations for FY2030.
Our “ChargeSPOT” service, launched in April 2018, has expanded to 44000 units in stations, airports, commercial spaces and more. Our current monthly active users has reached 940,000* people. We have been progressively expanding our service in new territories, and recently created new subsidiaries in Australia and Taiwan via M&A. In Japan, we are building a system that utilizes battery stations installed around the country to address the issue of insufficient charging when people are out and about, as well as to supply emergency power in the event of a disaster.
*Average from April to June 2024. Number of users who used the service at least once in a month.
Meanwhile, in today’s mobile society, lack of charging while out and about is a major issue in everyday life. Not only is there the problem of smartphones and digital devices running out of battery when out and about, but securing power sources is becoming increasingly important in tourist destinations and during disasters. In particular, with the increase in tourists, there is an urgent need to develop infrastructure to accommodate inbound demand.
Our company provides solutions based on “ChargeSPOT” to address these social issues, aiming to create next-generation social infrastructure that is integrated into everyday life.
The summary of the conference is as follows:
■ INFORICH VISION 2030
~Creating a borderless world where playful ideas and useful services fill your everyday life.
Since its founding, INFORICH has expanded its network both domestically and internationally, building its own ecosystem and resources while supporting the daily lives of its users.
The recently announced “INFORICH VISION 2030” states our desire to “Create a borderless world where playful ideas and useful services fill your everyday life.” The aim is to seamlessly provide exciting experiences that go beyond convenience and value that bring about new discoveries in people’s lives, building a cycle that gives back to society across regions and generations.
At today’s conference, we announced a new battery stand and new services that will be the first step towards realizing our “INFORICH VISION 2030” vision.
■ New battery stands and new services announced to realize VISION 2030
- Development of two new types of battery stands to address social issues
- Launch of “NaviSPOT,” an AI-equipped service that addresses inbound tourism challenges
- Launch of “CheerSPOT,” a circular platform that connects fans and artists
1. Development of two new types of battery stands to address social issues
Developing new models to further expand the range of applications
Our company has previously developed and installed battery stands that maximize space performance, such as a ticket machine model that utilizes the dead space in station ticket machines, and a vending machine-integrated model installed in vending machines.
The following two models were newly announced at this conference:
1）Credit Card “Tap” Pay Model
2）Renewable Energy (Solar Panel) with energy storage mod
1）Credit Card “Tap” Pay Model
Unlike the conventional model that required scanning a QR code with the app, the credit card touch payment model allows users to rent a ChargeSPOT even if their smartphone is already out of battery and the app cannot be started. This will make it possible to rent batteries in more urgent situations. Currently, overseas proof-of-concept tests have been completed, and we are planning our first placements overseas.
【Expected Installation Schedule】
・Installation Start: March 2025 onwards
・Installation Areas: Australia, Europe
【Detailed Specifications】
・Number of Slots: 10-slot type
2）Renewable Energy (Solar Panel) with energy storage model
The solar power model can be installed anywhere where sunlight can be obtained, regardless of whether there is an outdoor outlet or not. Conventional outdoor models required storage of electricity from an outlet even outdoors. By installing a solar power model, it becomes possible to rent batteries even during power outages by using the electricity stored during normal times. This model is anticipated to meet the demand for emergency infrastructure during disasters.
【Expected Installation Schedule】
・Installation Start: TBC ※Targeting 2025
・Installation Area: TBC ※Expecting to install in public areas and tourist spots
【Detailed Specifications】
・Number of Slots: 5-slot type
2. Launch of “NaviSPOT,” an AI-equipped service that addresses inbound tourism challenges
A new service that addresses the challenges of inbound tourism and maximizes the value of places
While the increase in inbound tourists has brought great benefits to the Japanese economy, it has also highlighted several issues, such as a lack of tourism infrastructure, language and cultural barriers, and labor shortages in the service industry. In response to these issues, we have equipped our ChargeSPOT battery stand with AI functionality, providing multilingual transfer guidance and virtual support in stores.
This will eliminate the difficulties inbound tourists face when reading maps and traffic directions while sightseeing and communicating in stores, and we aim to improve the customer experience at tourist spots and stores.
【Expected Installation Schedule】
・Installation Start: TBC
※Targeting December 2024 Launch in Singapore
・Installation Area: Singapore Metro Stations, Bus Stops etc.
※ With the goal of starting operations in 2025, the company will gradually install these units in areas around Japan where people gather, such as urban areas and tourist destinations.
For more information, please refer to the below link.
・ “NaviSPOT” Press Release
https://inforich.net/5561
3. Launch of “CheerSPOT,” a circular platform that connects fans and artists
“Cheering” through individual digital signage advertising
Our company’s mission is “Bridging Beyond Borders” and we have been aiming to create a borderless society that transcends countries and cultures through “ChargeSPOT.”
Now, we will further strengthen our commitment to this mission by leveraging the power of entertainment to bring happiness and inspiration to people across borders and generations.
With “CheerSPOT,” individuals can purchase advertising space on “ChargeSPOT” digital signage for amounts starting from a few hundred yen. They can “Cheer” their favorite artists and talents. Traditionally, individuals would post messages of support on social media, but with “CheerSPOT” digital signage installed around town, this is a new way to express your message.
The newly launched “CheerSPOT” is an initiative that proposes a new way to utilize digital signage by utilizing digital signage with these characteristics and providing advertising space to individuals at a low cost. It will expand the possibilities of signage media by making it easier for individuals to broadcast in public spaces, which was previously difficult for individuals to enter.
【Expected Service Launch Schedule】
・Expected Launch Date: November 2024 (Target)
・Expected Partners: Ongoing negotiations with multiple companies
・Usage Fees: Variable depending on unit. 1x S10 unit from 420 JPY/unit
For more information, please refer to the below link:
・CheerSPOT Press Release
https://inforich.net/5557
■ Future Business Vision
In our medium-term management plan “VISION 2030,” we have set a consolidated EBITDA of 15 billion yen. To achieve this goal, we will implement the following four policies both domestically and overseas.（※1）
① Marketing Solutions
② ShareSPOT
③ Gamification
④ Cross-Border Business
“HELLO CYCLING” will join the sharing service platform “② ShareSPOT” in October 2024. We will continue to create an environment where various sharing services can be used with one app. “③ Gamification” has been working to provide “fun” and “excitement” through collaborations with game characters and campaigns around the world.
At this conference, we announced new businesses, particularly those related to “① Marketing Solutions” and “④ Cross-Border Business”
We completed SSP development for ChargeSPOT’s digital signage advertising space in August 2024 (※2), and plan to complete the connection of the DSP in the future to prepare the means to make the most of digital signage.
We are also accelerating our overseas expansion, acquiring shares in Australia’s Ezycharge in April 2024, making it a subsidiary. In September, we also made ChargeSpot Digital Service, a franchise in Taiwan, a wholly owned subsidiary, laying the groundwork for expanding the various services currently being offered domestically on a global scale.
Based on the users and installation locations cultivated through “ChargeSPOT,” we will develop platform services on a global scale in various fields as next-gen infrastructure that will solve the problem of insufficient charging while on the go. In this way, we will draw a path to achieving VISION2030 and aim to realize “a world filled with excitement and “nice to have” that is integrated into everyday life” as stated in “INFORICH VISION 2030.”
※1 INFORICH Mid Term Plan（VISION2030）：https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9338/ir_material_for_fiscal_ym1/153473/00.pdf
※2 INFORICH completes development of “ChargeSPOT” Digital Signage SSP：https://x.gd/tTcS8
※ChargeSPOT™ is a registered trademark of INFORICH INC.