Introduction
Brace Inc., a startup led by practicing orthodontists, has successfully completed its seed round of funding, making it the first in Japan to achieve this milestone. The funding round was led by ANOBAKA Inc. and included contributions from six angel investors and GoList Inc. This investment aims to support Brace's mission to leverage technology in delivering optimal orthodontic care to a broader population.
Funding Round and Key Investors
The seed round was spearheaded by ANOBAKA Inc., a Tokyo-based venture capital firm specializing in seed investments. Other contributors included six prominent angel investors, notably Hirohide Arimoto from eSmile International Orthodontics and Hiroo Gaku from Super Smile International Orthodontics. These investors bring a wealth of experience and recognition in the field of orthodontics, both domestically and internationally, which underscores the potential impact of Brace’s technological advancements on the industry.
Brace’s Mission and Vision
Brace Inc. was established with the mission of "Delivering Correct Orthodontic Care to More People through Technology." The company recognizes the disparity in access to specialized orthodontic care, particularly in underserved regions, and aims to bridge this gap through innovative solutions. The company’s flagship services, "b-ortho" and "b-align," cater to both general practitioners (GPs) and specialized orthodontists, respectively.
Innovative Platforms for Orthodontic Care
Brace's "b-ortho" platform enables GPs, who typically lack specialized orthodontic training, to offer high-quality orthodontic treatments. By providing online support from certified orthodontists for diagnosis and treatment planning, GPs can confidently incorporate orthodontics into their practices.
For orthodontic specialists, Brace offers "b-align," Japan's first practice management software designed specifically for orthodontics. This cloud-based system consolidates all aspects of clinical practice management, from electronic health records to appointment scheduling and billing, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and allowing specialists to focus more on patient care.
Future Development and Growth
With the newly secured funding, Brace plans to accelerate the development of its "b-align" software and expand its sales and marketing teams. The goal is to drive further business growth and establish Brace as an indispensable service provider in Japan's dental industry. The company is committed to enhancing the quality of orthodontic care by making it more accessible and efficient, ultimately benefiting both practitioners and patients.
Investor and Expert Testimonials
Tatsuhiro Nagano, CEO of ANOBAKA Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for Brace's potential to disrupt the orthodontic industry in Japan. He highlighted CEO Atsushi Yoshizumi's passion for transforming the industry and stated his confidence in Brace's ability to become a key player in the field.
Hirohide Arimoto and Hiroo Gaku, both esteemed orthodontists, praised Brace's vision for utilizing digital platforms to extend high-quality orthodontic care beyond the confines of traditional clinical settings. They emphasized the importance of innovation in the rapidly growing orthodontic market and affirmed their support for Brace’s continued development and expansion.
Conclusion
As Brace Inc. embarks on the next phase of its journey with the backing of prominent investors and industry experts, it is poised to make a significant impact on the orthodontic landscape in Japan. By leveraging technology to improve access to specialized care and streamline clinical operations, Brace is set to redefine the standard of orthodontic treatment for patients and practitioners alike.
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