JPYC, a company developing regulated stablecoins denominated in Japanese yen, has successfully raised $38 million in an extended Series B round. These funds will be directed towards developing a network of regulated digital payment solutions across Japan.
The secured funding will enable JPYC to implement new product initiatives, strengthen its compliance expertise, and scale its payment infrastructure for both the consumer and B2B market segments.
This round was led by logistics giant AZ-COM Maruwa, with support from existing investors, including Metaplanet Ventures. This capital raise underscores growing confidence in secure and regulated digital currency infrastructure in the Japanese market, especially amid increasing technology adoption in the corporate sector.
Japanese businesses are increasingly turning to blockchain-based payment methods that ensure high speed, efficiency, and strict adherence to regulatory standards during commercial transactions. Japan's regulatory framework fosters innovation while protecting market participants and supporting the stability of the country's financial system.
The financing comes as more Japanese companies explore blockchain-based payment systems within the existing regulatory framework for stablecoins. The company generates revenue not through high transaction fees, but through reserve assets.
Founded in 2019, JPYC became the first registered stablecoin issuer in Japan under the amended Payment Services Act after launching its yen-backed stablecoin in October 2025. Each token is backed by bank deposits in yen and Japanese government bonds, allowing holders to exchange their digital assets for Japanese yen.
JPYC intends to strengthen its financial ecosystem and promote wider commercial use of regulated digital money throughout Japan. The company plans to enhance payment infrastructure to facilitate the integration of blockchain corporate settlements into everyday national financial operations.
One of the most significant outcomes of this round is AZ-COM Maruwa's commitment to use JPYC for routine business payments. Furthermore, the company has initiated pilot payment programs with convenience stores Lawson, expanding the use of stablecoins beyond financial services into daily commercial operations.
The logistics company plans to make payments to approximately 2,300 partners, contractors, and transport operators using the yen-backed stablecoin. This initiative aims to increase settlement speed, reduce transaction costs, and simplify administrative procedures.
JPYC also plans to integrate payment processing with delivery confirmation systems, which will allow for automatic payment issuance upon verification of delivery conditions. This approach can reduce the need for manual invoicing and improve overall logistical process efficiency.
Enterprises are increasingly seeking payment solutions that minimize settlement delays and optimize cash flow management. Stablecoins backed by regulated financial assets offer a practical alternative for conducting commercial deals.
Japan has established itself as one of the leading global markets for regulated stablecoins, supported by government policies that stimulate blockchain-based financial innovation. Corporate demand is shifting the focus of stablecoins from cryptocurrency trading to operational finance, including payroll, contractor payments, and vendor payments.
JPYC believes this transition will lead to sustainable network growth based on real business activity rather than speculative trading. The company stated that this latest investment will strengthen its financial and Web3 ecosystem, supporting broader commercial use of regulated digital money in Japan.
Despite growing competition from financial institutions entering the sector, JPYC believes its regulated structure, expansion of commercial partnerships, and focus on payment infrastructure provide it with potential for further growth as the Japanese digital payment ecosystem matures. Activity is observed in the sector: SBI recently launched its trust-backed stablecoin JPYSC, while MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho are jointly developing another regulated digital currency platform.
Ominimo has successfully completed its Series B funding round, raising $22.5 million. This round allowed the company to reach a valuation of $1.6 billion just two years after launch, making it one of the fastest-growing unicorns in the European insurtech sector.
Unlike several other fast-funded tech startups in Europe that focus on market size at the expense of profit margins, Ominimo has managed to achieve profitability while continuing to grow its customer base and expand across Europe.
Ominimo is based in Budapest and was founded in 2024 by Dusan Komar, Dennis Weinberger, Laslo Horvat, and Kristina Kozina. The company's main focus is modernizing vehicle insurance through the use of advanced data, process automation, and artificial intelligence technologies.
Ominimo is preparing to enter the US market while accelerating long-term international growth and regulatory compliance initiatives. Currently, the company provides insurance services in Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and plans further expansion. Operations will soon begin in Belgium and Romania, followed by plans to enter the Spanish, Italian, and French markets. Management aims for a successful launch of Ominimo's insurance services in the US market by 2027.
Obtaining its own insurance license is a key strategic goal. Currently, Ominimo operates as an managing general agent, handling pricing, customer acquisition, and claims management, while underwriting risk is borne by partner insurers. Transitioning to a licensed model will allow the company to retain a larger share of underwriting profit and gain greater control over product development, although this will also require significantly more regulatory capital.
Ominimo has distinguished itself by using hundreds of data points to assess insurance risk instead of relying on the limited variables traditionally used by insurance companies. This allows the company to price policies more accurately and increase operational efficiency. Its proprietary technology automates a significant part of the insurance process, including pricing and underwriting support, customer service, and claims management. The platform continuously learns from customer data, helping to improve pricing accuracy and reduce operating costs over time.
The company's financial results reflect this approach: Ominimo's annual gross premium revenue growth rate increased from 26.3 million euros in 2024 to approximately 307 million euros to date. The company serves nearly a million customers across various European markets while remaining profitable. Staff numbers have also grown rapidly: from about 40 people in the early stages to approximately 130 today, with plans to reach 150 employees by the end of the year.
Unlike many insurtech companies, Ominimo prioritized sustainable growth over aggressive expansion and weak financial operations. Its strategy involved partnering with existing insurers while simultaneously improving technology and operational capabilities for long-term success. This approach ensured steady growth, fostering strong partnerships with insurers such as Signal Iduna and DA Direkt. These partnerships have enhanced the customer experience, pricing models, and operational performance of the company across numerous global insurance markets. Investors remained confident as Ominimo consistently demonstrated strong business execution throughout its growth and expansion history. After being valued at $200 million during its Series A round in 2025, Ominimo successfully achieved unicorn status.
