July 30, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
Sinumy, a developer of Bluetooth-based hands-free authentication technology, announced that it has completed the closing of its Pre-Series A funding round (including an extension), which began in September 2025, raising a total of approximately 555 million yen from 10 Japanese venture capital firms—including mint and Theta Times Ventures—and two financial institutions.In conjunction with this funding round, Tomoya Yonaga has been appointed Director and COO, marking a transition to a new organizational structure aimed at accelerating business development and the widespread adoption of hands-free authentication. Additionally, design engineer Shunji Yamanaka will join the company as an advisor for UI/UX development to support future societal implementation.
Seamless mobility and payments for everyone through “zero-operation, zero-wait” authentication (Sinumy)
It is estimated that there are approximately 250 million people with visual impairments and 75 million wheelchair users worldwide. Existing authentication methods—which rely on presenting physical cards, entering PINs, or operating smartphones—reportedly pose daily barriers for these individuals.In fact, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has set new accessibility improvement targets starting in fiscal year 2026, and policies are actively promoting the accessibility of public transportation—including making ticket vending machines and ticket gates at train stations accessible.
Meanwhile, Sinumy believes that the so-called “curve-cut effect”—where technology developed for accessibility ultimately enhances convenience for everyone—could also occur in the world of authentication.Just as “curb cuts”—which eliminate steps on sidewalks—have helped not only wheelchair users but also people with strollers and travelers, Sinumy believes that hands-free authentication will transform the mobility and payment experiences for everyone.
Sinumy is developing a fully hands-free authentication technology using Bluetooth that completes authentication without the user having to perform any actions. Just as the ETC system for automobiles enables toll gate authentication without stopping or manual operation, Sinumy aims to achieve human authentication with “zero operation and zero waiting time.”
As its core technology, the company has improved positioning accuracy from the conventional level of approximately 1.5 meters to 10 centimeters, enabling precise identification of “who is where.” Additionally, its high-speed, highly reliable authentication foundation technology prevents impersonation and ensures robust security even in crowded environments.
Sinumy has received 13 patent grants in Japan for these core technologies (and is proceeding with the transfer of rights overseas as appropriate), thereby building a robust intellectual property portfolio.
Ten venture capital firms participated in this funding round, including mint, Theta Times Ventures, NOW, Seibu Shinkin Capital, UTEC, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, Kobe University Capital, Investment Lab, Hokuhoku Capital, and Mirai Door.Combined with loans from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and the Japan Finance Corporation, the total funds raised amount to approximately 555 million yen.
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