Driver Technologies
AI-powered matching platform for Japan's logistics industry.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
| investor investor investor investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
* | JPY550m | Series A | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Driver Technologies Inc. is an internet company operating in Japan's logistics and transportation sector, offering solutions to address the country's driver shortage and improve vehicle utilization rates. The company was established in October 2021 as Carnival Group Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Z Venture Capital (the corporate venture capital arm of LY Corporation, formerly Z Holdings) and East Ventures. It rebranded to Driver Technologies in September 2023. The company was founded by CEO Kohei Kawashima and Vice President Takeryu Yoshioka. Kawashima, who became CEO at the age of 20, previously worked at Headline Asia (formerly Infinity Ventures) after studying company law at Keio University.
The firm's core business revolves around an AI-driven matching platform that connects transportation and logistics companies with drivers. This service aims to increase the operational efficiency of trucks, which is estimated to be around 60%, and tackle challenges intensified by Japan's "2024 Problem"—new overtime regulations for drivers that risk creating supply chain disruptions. Initially focused on the trucking industry, the platform has expanded to serve other sectors requiring drivers, such as retail, infrastructure (propane and oil delivery), environmental services (industrial waste collection), and passenger transport like buses and taxis.
Driver Technologies operates multiple business lines, including a worker matching business, a driver recruitment website, and strategic management services for transportation companies. The company also engages in a private equity fund business, focusing on business succession for general freight motor carriers. By March 2025, the company had raised a total of approximately 700 million JPY through several funding rounds, with major investors including LY Corporation, East Ventures, Vector Inc., and funds associated with regional financial groups.
Keywords: logistics technology, driver matching, transportation HR, AI logistics, vehicle utilization, freight tech, recruitment platform, last-mile delivery, supply chain solutions, non-desk worker platform, Japan logistics, fleet management, HR technology, business succession, sharing economy, delivery network, freight brokerage, industrial waste transport, passenger transport logistics, strategic fleet consulting