Fun

Fun Group Inc., initially established as Tabinaka in January 2014, operates as a key player in the travel and leisure sector, focusing on providing unique local tours and experiences. The company was founded by Kenji Miki, who serves as the CEO and President. Miki's journey into tourism was sparked by a personal mishap during his travels in Thailand where, after losing all his possessions, he began guiding tours to earn money. This formative experience directly led to the creation of the company, with a mission to offer "Life Changing Experiences." Before this venture, Miki started his first business at 19, which he later sold, and was recognized by Forbes Asia in their "30 under 30" list for retail and e-commerce.

The company functions as an online platform where travelers can book a variety of overseas local tours and activities. Fun Group's business model targets the shift in consumer demand from material purchases to experiential moments, serving a global clientele from over 70 countries. The firm ensures a high standard of quality, comparable to Japanese service levels, in its tour operations which span across several global locations including Bangkok, Bali, Cebu, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Taipei. Revenue is generated directly from the booking of these tours and experiences. The company has demonstrated considerable growth, reporting a 200% increase in operations in the year prior to April 2020.

Fun Group's services are centered around curated local experiences, such as a multi-attraction day trip in Las Vegas that covers the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend in a single day. These offerings are designed to provide genuine local flavor and are often executed in collaboration with local communities, aiming for sustainable tourism that benefits indigenous populations. The company has pursued a growth strategy that includes acquisitions and alliances, aiming to form a “global sightseeing business association.” Fun Group has successfully raised significant capital to fuel its expansion, with cumulative funding reaching approximately 2.4 billion yen through multiple financing rounds, including a Series B. This capital has been earmarked for global expansion, forming alliances, and developing new hardware to enhance the quality of its travel experiences.

Keywords: travel experiences, local tours, online travel platform, tourism, Japan travel startup, Kenji Miki, Tabinaka, guided tours, experiential travel, activity booking, Southeast Asia tours, North America tours, travel and leisure, venture capital, Series B, global expansion, sustainable tourism, travel technology, tour operator, cultural tours, adventure travel