Tokyo-Based Digital Bank Habitto Secures US$11.7 Million in Series A to Expand Services

Habitto, a digital banking startup based in Tokyo, has secured US$11.7 million (JPY1.8 billion) in its Series A funding round. The investment was spearheaded by QED Investors and DG Daiwa Ventures (DGDV), marking QED Investors’ inaugural investment in Japan.

Scrum Ventures, Anthemis Group, and other existing investors, including Saison Capital, GMO VenturePartners, Cherubic Ventures, and Epic Angels, participated in the round.

The fintech startup offers a connected financial experience and free financial advice through its mobile app. With this funding, Habitto aims to expand its services and reach. QED Investors has previously backed notable fintech companies like Nubank in Brazil, Klarna in Sweden, and Jupiter in India, further highlighting the significance of this investment.

The Series A funding will enable Habitto to accelerate its mission of alleviating financial anxiety for younger Japanese consumers, a group often facing economic uncertainty and lacking access to tailored financial advice. 

With a user base exceeding 42,000 installs, the Habitto mobile app provides comprehensive financial planning services featuring personalized guidance from digital advisors. The platform is designed to help users create effective financial strategies to navigate Japan’s complex economic landscape.

The US$11.7 million raised in this round will be used to expand Habitto’s user base, improve its digital banking platform, and enhance its suite of financial tools and services. These funds will also support the development of products specifically targeted at the needs of young Japanese consumers, helping the company to remain competitive. Habitto’s goal is to drive user growth under attractive unit economics while continuing to innovate in the fintech space.

Samantha Ghiotti, Co-founder and CEO of Habitto, expressed excitement about the backing from QED Investors and DG Daiwa Ventures. She noted that despite a challenging funding environment, the strong support from these investors—one with global fintech expertise and the other with local knowledge—will help the company expand its impact. 

With this funding, Habitto’s total capital raised now stands at US$19 million, following previous rounds of investment, including a US$3.4 million seed round in 2021 and a US$3.9 million pre-A round in early 2023. 

As part of the funding round, Sean Park, Co-founder of Anthemis Group, will join Habitto’s board as an observer. 

Liam McCance, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Habitto emphasized that the company is committed to addressing financial anxiety among Japan’s younger generation. “With this financing and backing from these investors, we will continue to help Japan’s youth develop effective money strategies,” he said. 

Since its launch, Habitto has gained customers’ trust, securing over JPY4.7 billion in deposits, as strong demand for personalized financial planning and better money habits among young consumers.