Universe
A membership platform for bands and their fans.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
N/A | Early VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Universe Club operates as a members-only dating platform in Japan, specializing in arranging what it terms "sugar dating." The company was established in November 2011 and has since expanded its presence across 14 cities in the country. The current president, Satoshi Kida, took on the role in 2018 and has even authored a book detailing the history of dating clubs and the Universe Club itself.
The service caters to financially stable and "mentally comfortable" male members, who undergo a screening process that includes in-person interviews and identification checks. These gentlemen pay annual membership fees, which place them into different tiers such as Standard, Gold, Platinum, and Black, determining the level of access to female members' profiles. The female members also go through a vetting process conducted by the club's staff. The business model is centered on these membership fees and additional "setting fees" or "concierge fees" charged to male members for arranging the first date. This initial meeting is arranged entirely by the club, eliminating direct messaging between the parties beforehand.
Universe Club positions itself as a premium service that blends IT with a human touch to facilitate matches. The platform provides detailed profiles, including photos and videos, and staff impressions from the interviews. This approach aims to provide a secure and reliable environment for its members, with staff managing all initial arrangements to ensure both parties are committed to the meeting. The company emphasizes the legality and safety of its operations within a membership-based framework. With a staff of over 90, the club registers approximately 800 female and 100 male members each month, making it a significant player in Japan's dating scene.
Keywords: sugar dating, dating club, Japan, members-only club, matchmaking, premium dating service, Satoshi Kida, Japanese dating, high-end dating, elite dating, relationship service, date arrangement, personal introductions, vetted members, concierge service, membership tiers, Tokyo dating, dating platform, exclusive dating, luxury dating