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JAFCO invests $3m in Japan online laundry service

  • Andrew Woodman
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JAFCO Ventures has invested JPY300 million ($3 million) in White Plus, the Japanese start-up behind Lenet, an online laundry delivery service.

Established in 2009, the service allows users to request laundry services via the Lenet website, at which point their laundry is collected from their home, cleaned and returned. The company covers the whole country, offering free pickup and delivery for orders over JPY3,000.

By outsourcing its delivery to national logisitics firm Yamato Transport, and by centralizing its cleaning operations, the company has been able to price its services slightly above traditional mid-market laundry services - with one white shirt costing JPY240.  

According to a release, White Plus plans to use the funds to improve its service and strengthen its management team.

The company will also use the capital to launch a beta version of its online crowd storage service Hiroe. The website allows users to order storage space online for oversized household items, which are picked up and stored for a monthly fee and returned upon request. Costs are kept low as different users share warehouse space as opposed to hiring individual lock-ups. 

Earlier this month JAFCO invested $10 million in Gochikuru.com, another online delivery site which provides lunchbox and catering services across Japan.  

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