Bé-A Japan
Highly absorbent, reusable femtech sanitary shorts.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| N/A | JPY180m | Late VC | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Bé-A Japan is a femtech company that designs, develops, and sells ultra-absorbent sanitary shorts. The company was co-founded in March 2020 by CEO Kumi Takahashi and Executive Director Minako Yamamoto. The brand's conception originated from Takahashi's experience watching the 2011 Women's World Cup and questioning the comfort of athletes wearing white uniforms during their periods. After finding existing absorbent shorts in the US lacking in quality and durability, she was motivated to develop a superior product in Japan.
The launch was initiated through a crowdfunding campaign in June 2020, which raised over 100 million yen, significantly surpassing its initial goal. The company operates under the parent holding company, V Holdings Inc., which was established in May 2022 to create synergy with its sister brand, SIMPLISSE, a wellness brand also managed by Yamamoto and Takahashi. The business primarily follows a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model through its official e-commerce website, but its products are also available at major retailers in Japan and through the in-flight shopping service of ZIPAIR.
Bé-A's signature product is its reusable, multi-layered sanitary shorts, engineered to absorb up to 150ml of liquid, which is more than the average amount of blood lost during a typical menstrual cycle. The shorts feature a patented five or six-layer structure that includes antibacterial, odor-resistant, and leak-proof technologies. Additionally, the fabric over the stomach is fused with terahertz ore, intended to provide warmth and promote blood circulation. The company continuously improves its products based on customer feedback and has also expanded its product line to include supplements, fabric softeners, and aroma sprays. Bé-A Japan is also developing a prototype for a smart short capable of measuring menstrual blood volume.
Keywords: femtech, absorbent underwear, sanitary shorts, menstrual care, reusable period products, women's health, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, Kumi Takahashi, Minako Yamamoto, V Holdings, Japanese technology, sustainable hygiene, period poverty, wellness products