The Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC) announced on April 24 that it has invested in the soon-to-be-established startup OUGI. This is the first direct investment by MUIC in a startup.

OUGI is a Tokyo-based startup established in 2023 to provide luxury experience-based tours and concierge services for affluent visitors to Japan. The company plans to expand its business in more than 10 regions, including Osaka and Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

MUIC plans to support the company through to its future exit using a short-form share purchase agreement (SAFE) to acquire the stock acquisition rights issued by OUGI. The proceeds are planned to be reinvested to support other startups, aiming to build a sustainable startup ecosystem in Kansai.

When established in 2021 MUIC focused on tourism, but since 2023 has expanded its support to other fields such as health and food, with plans to invest in even more industries in the future.

‍