Business Expansion Support Through Overseas Fundraising
Sopra Ginza
Overview
In August 2024, Sopra Ginza Co., Ltd. (“Sopra”) entered a new phase of growth by securing funding and forming a strategic business alliance with a Singapore-listed company.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000019.000114676.html
In this transaction, NUJP provided comprehensive support, covering management strategy formulation, fundraising execution, and negotiations with overseas investors.
Clarifying Strategic Direction Through Mid-Term Planning
Sopra operates 15 pet salon locations across Japan and has earned strong customer support through high-level grooming expertise and service quality.
However, President and CEO Tetsutaka Suda had long envisioned expanding internationally as a Japanese-born pet brand.
NUJP supported the formulation of the “Sopra Mid-Term Management Plan 2024,” translating this vision into an actionable strategy. Through redefining the business domain, visualizing the profit structure, and clarifying competitive strengths, a strategic direction was established that positioned “operational excellence in physical store management” as the core growth driver.
The roadmap emphasized expansion in major domestic cities while preparing for future entry into Asian markets.
Fundraising Preparation, Pitching, and Negotiation
While the growth strategy became clear, capital remained a key constraint. Existing stores were operating profitably, but accelerating new store openings required external investment.
NUJP designed a fundraising structure tailored to both domestic and international investors. Working closely with the management team, pitch materials were developed to present the company’s strengths in a strategic and quantitative manner.
At that time, NUJP identified that Singapore-listed Polaris Ltd. was seeking investment opportunities in Japan and facilitated introductions and negotiations between the two parties.
International negotiations required rigorous financial logic. NUJP constructed a three-year business model based on the mid-term plan, including revenue forecasts for existing and new stores, ROI projections, capital recovery simulations, and comprehensive risk analysis.
The financial model addressed:
- Revenue impact from store expansion funded by investment
- Growth curves and profitability per store
- Investor return expectations and recovery periods
- External risk scenarios including currency and market fluctuations
All materials were prepared in both Japanese and English to meet international investor standards. Multiple revisions were made in response to investor feedback, with negotiations progressing alongside management toward final agreement.
Hands-On Support Through to Agreement
Negotiations were complex. Initially, there was a gap between investor growth expectations and the company’s projections.
NUJP traveled with President Suda to Jakarta, Indonesia, conducting multiple rounds of direct discussions. Through data-driven dialogue, terms and structures were adjusted to align expectations.
After intensive negotiations within a short timeframe, both parties reached a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
NUJP also coordinated with legal advisors across jurisdictions, supporting contract drafting and execution through to final signing.
Results and Ongoing Support
Following the agreement, Sopra opened its Roppongi store in November 2024 and its Ginza flagship in December 2024.
These openings strengthened the brand’s premium positioning and established a solid foundation for international expansion.
NUJP continues to support Sopra in store selection, schedule management, and business plan follow-up.
his project extended beyond fundraising support. NUJP provided integrated assistance across:
- Management strategy development
- Business planning and financial modeling
- Overseas investor negotiations
- Legal and contractual coordination
- Store expansion project management
Transforming vision into structured strategy, numbers, and narrative — and communicating that effectively to international investors — is central to NUJP’s role.
Equally important is remaining closely involved through execution, ensuring that strategy translates into tangible growth.
NUJP will continue to serve as a bridge for Japan-originated companies seeking global expansion, providing integrated support across strategy, finance, and execution.
