Recruit Invests in ShoCard, Inc., Which Provides a Personal Authentication Platform Using Blockchain Technology
Aug. 23, 2017
Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.
Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masumi Minegishi; referenced below as "Recruit") has invested in ShoCard, Inc. (Headquarters: Cupertino, USA; CEO: Armin Ebrahimi), which provides a personal authentication platform using blockchain technology, through its investment subsidiary RSP Fund No. 6, LLC.
1. Purpose
Blockchain is a new technology which is expected to be applied in various fields. Through this investment, Recruit will work together with ShoCard, Inc. to expand its authentication solutions which use the blockchain technology. Through this funding, ShoCard, Inc. plans to make progress with expansion into new markets.
2. Overview of ShoCard, Inc.
ShoCard, Inc. provides an authentication platform in which when users register personal information one time, the platform can flexibly change access authorizations to information for parties who have been admitted. Because it allows cross-sectional mutual authentication between multiple companies, utilizing this platform, it is possible to omit the need to conduct authentication work for each service. Additionally, by using a public blockchain, this platform achieves high security with low infrastructure and operating costs. Currently, this platform is used by major airlines, government agencies, credit companies, banks, and other financial institutions and will soon expand to communications, health and automotive/mobility companies.
In conjunction with this funding procurement, a new product "ShoBadge" has been announced by the company, which offers single sign-on and reduces ID operation management within companies.
(Website：https://shocard.com/shobadge/)
| (1) | Company name | ShoCard, Inc. |
| (2) | Representative | Armin Ebrahimi |
| (3) | Address | 20863 Stevens Creek Blvd, #540, Cupertino CA 95014 |
| (4) | Established | February 2015 |
| (5) | Main business | Platform of personal authentication and mutual trust, using public blockchain |
| (6) | Website | https://shocard.com |
3. Overview of RSP Fund No. 6, LLC
The fund aims to discover new technologies and new business models, and to acquire business opportunities which are relevant to new business development for the Recruit Group.
| (1) | Company name | RSP Fund No. 6 LLC |
| (2) | Representative | Yusuke Saijo |
| (3) | Address | 8-4-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| (4) | Established | November 12, 2014 |
| (5) | Main business | Investment development and venture capital |
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