Accelerating Investments in M&A and Emerging Technologies
Kakehashi Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & President: Yutaka Nakao; Representative Director & CEO: Takashi Nakagawa; hereinafter “Kakehashi”) is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts for a Series D round totaling approximately $97mm (JPY 14 Billion)※. The round, led by Goldman Sachs, includes a third-party allotment of shares, secondary share transfers by existing shareholders, Venture Debt and Loan
With this funding, Kakehashi aims to deepen collaboration with a wide range of industry players, increase investments in M&A and emerging technologies, and further strengthen its talent acquisition. By reinforcing the organizational foundation and enhancing the product suite, Kakehashi will accelerate the expansion of the platform and contribute to solving Japan’s healthcare challenges through the advancement of next-generation healthcare.
Under the mission “Transforming Japan’s Healthcare Experience with Agility,” Kakehashi has been working alongside healthcare professionals and partner companies to build an ecosystem that forms the foundation for the healthcare of tomorrow.
Since launching Musubi in 2017—a cloud-based medication record and patient guidance tool—the platform now serves over 20% of pharmacies in Japan, covering over 14,000 locations nationwide. In the wake of recent regulatory changes, including revisions to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and medical reimbursement systems, Musubi has emerged as a trusted platform for next-generation pharmacy operations. It has been credited with strengthening pharmacist-patient relationships, improving medication adherence, and enhancing pharmacy business performance.
Kakehashi has also achieved notable results in both research and practical implementation, such as being selected for a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) initiative on the utilization of Personal Health Records (PHR), and launching joint research projects with medical institutions and universities.
Looking ahead, Kakehashi remains committed to expanding its service offerings for pharmacies, while enhancing the value of pharmaceutical treatments through patient engagement and follow-up. The company also aims to promote public health and improve quality of life beyond prescription drugs by leveraging Personal Health Records (PHR). Through collaboration with key stakeholders—such as pharmacies, wholesalers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers—Kakehashi seeks to optimize drug distribution and ensure a stable supply across the industry. With this broader perspective, extending beyond individual pharmacies to the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors as a whole, the company is dedicated to driving next-generation healthcare solutions that address structural challenges in the medical system. To accelerate this vision, Kakehashi will actively pursue strategic investments, including M&A and emerging technologies, to deepen partnerships and enhance the speed of innovation.
The funds raised will be used to expand Kakehashi’s platform by strengthening its organizational foundation and enhancing its product offerings. The company will actively invest in M&A and new technologies, bolster its engineering teams, and recruit talent across sales, implementation support, and customer success. We also aim to bring in key personnel to lead both existing and new businesses.
By leveraging digital technology to facilitate collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders—including individuals, corporations, national and local governments, public institutions, and healthcare providers—Kakehashi aims to build a sustainable healthcare platform that delivers unprecedented value. Through the effective use of patient touchpoints and data, the platform will contribute to better health outcomes by preventing disease relapse and progression to more severe conditions. By accelerating the development of this next-generation platform, the company is committed to addressing critical healthcare challenges in Japan and creating long-term impact across the medical ecosystem.
Kakehashi is seeking passionate individuals who resonate with the vision of creating the foundation for the healthcare of tomorrow. Kakehashi welcomes inquiries from individuals who are interested in joining this mission-driven journey.
Recruitment Information: https://recruit.kakehashi.life/
The breakdown of the Series D round is as follows:
※ JPS Growth Investment Limited Partnership, jointly managed by a subsidiary of Japan Post Investment Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Investment Co., Ltd.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds and sustainability. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs. The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets. The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. Goldman Sachs has over $3.1 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of September 30, 2024. Since 2003, Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $13 billion in companies led by visionary founders and CEOs. The team focuses on investments in growth stage and technology-driven companies spanning multiple industries, including enterprise technology, financial technology, consumer and healthcare. In Japan, Goldman Sachs have invested about $60bn in corporate, credit and real estate since 1997
Goldman Sachs Global Co-head of Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives: Stephanie Hui
Japan’s pharmacy ecosystem is currently undergoing an unprecedented period of transformation leaning into accelerating digitalization and improving productivity. KAKEHASHI has demonstrated remarkable growth through and beyond its versatile software platform that meets the evolving needs of pharmacies and in the broader healthcare system. Under its strong leadership team and engineering capabilities, we look forward to KAKEHASHI’s continued impact and growth in Japan.
DNX Ventures Managing Partner / Head of Japan : Akira Kurabayashi
DNX has supported Kakehashi in every round since its seed stage in 2016. We are truly pleased to continue this partnership as the company tackles complex and high-impact areas, exemplified by the Musubi series, and steadily advances its mission to address Japan’s healthcare challenges. From the very beginning, Kakehashi has aimed to connect Japan’s healthcare to the future by transforming the system starting with pharmacies. With this latest round of funding, the company is entering a new stage of growth. We have high expectations for CEO Nakagawa and the team as they evolve into a healthcare platform provider that supports the entire supply chain—from upstream to downstream—and redefines the healthcare experience in Japan with agility and innovation..
Kakehashi Inc. is a healthtech startup committed to rebuilding Japan’s healthcare system. By leveraging technology, Kakehashi delivers better healthcare experiences for patients while supporting sustainable operations for healthcare providers. Its suite of products—including the pharmacy experience assistant Musubi—is used by over 14,000 pharmacies nationwide. Kakehashi contributes to improved treatment outcomes through patient follow-up and supports the stabilization of pharmaceutical supply by visualizing inventory across retail locations. Together with pharmacies, medical institutions, and other stakeholders, Kakehashi is building a platform that delivers better healthcare for all..
※USD equivalent calculated using an exchange rate of USD 1.00 = JPY 143.18
＜Company Overview＞
Company Name: Kakehashi Inc.
Established: March 30, 2016
Headquarters: Sumitomo Fudosan Hibiya Building 5F, 2-8-6 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://www.kakehashi.life/
＜Media Contact＞
Kakehashi Inc. – PR & Communications
Email: pr@kakehashi.life
Phone: +81-3-6825-2058
