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MODE

Category: AI in Supply Chain / Logistics

AI-driven IoT platform provider offering BizStack, a solution that integrates sensor, camera, and operational data with generative AI to automate and optimize construction, manufacturing, and logistics worksites. MODE was founded in 2014. The company is led by Gaku Ueda. Based in Tokyo, Japan (HQ: San Mateo, CA, USA). Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $35.96M. Latest round: Venture Round. Key investors include SoftBank Corp., True Ventures, SBI Investment Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, KDDI Open Innovation Fund, Canon Marketing Japan Inc., JR East Startup Co., Ltd., Daiichi Jitsugyo Co., Ltd., Safie Ventures Inc., Kirin-GB Fund, Basis Inc., Sankyu-SBI Innovation Fund.

Founded
2014
Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan (HQ: San Mateo, CA, USA)
Team size
11-50
Total funding
$35.96M

Value proposition

BizStack unifies fragmented worksite data (sensors, cameras, legacy systems) into a single real-time platform enhanced by generative AI (BizStack Assistant) for natural-language querying, anomaly detection, and automated reporting — enabling faster decisions without requiring on-site presence.

Products and solutions

BizStack (AI-driven IoT platform), BizStack Assistant (generative AI chat interface for worksite data), MODE IoT Platform (gateway, time-series DB, stream data store, OTA update), MODE Gateway (hardware), Consulting Services (MODE Labs)

Unique value

Only AI-driven IoT platform combining real-time sensor/camera data integration with generative AI chat interface (BizStack Assistant) purpose-built for Japanese construction, manufacturing, and logistics worksites; no-code setup; proven 60-min→3-min site inspection reduction.

Target customer

Construction, manufacturing, logistics, and facility management companies with worksite operations; sensor manufacturers; building/facility managers

Industries served

Construction & Civil Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics & Warehousing, Facility Management, Railway Infrastructure

Technology advantage

Proprietary IoT platform with integrated time-series database, stream data store, OTA update capability, and unified device management; generative AI assistant (BizStack Assistant) for natural-language data queries; no-code configuration; AWS cloud-native architecture; ISO/IEC 27001 certified.

How they differentiate

Only platform combining IoT data integration with generative AI chat interface (BizStack Assistant) for worksite operations; no-code configuration accessible to non-technical staff; strong Japan-specific partnerships with SoftBank, Canon, KDDI, and major construction firms; proven ROI with 60-min→3-min inspection time reduction.

Main competitors

SORACOM (IoT connectivity platform), obniz (IoT platform), Mapped (IoT analytics), Normal Software (building automation/IoT analytics)

Key partnerships

SoftBank Corp. (capital & business alliance for generative AI, communication infrastructure, and enterprise customer base), Basis Inc. (solution partner for IoT device installation/maintenance), Sankyu/SBI (manufacturing & logistics field implementation), Canon Marketing Japan (video + IoT solutions), KDDI (open innovation), JR East Startup (railway infrastructure), Panasonic (smart living solutions), AWS (cloud infrastructure)

Notable customers

Kajima Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, Toda Corporation, Maeda Construction, Nishimatsu Construction, Tokyu Construction, Tekken Construction, Panasonic Environmental Engineering, Nichirei Logistics Group, JR East (East Japan Railway Company)

Major milestones

2014: Founded in Silicon Valley, 2015: Launched IoT cloud platform, 2017: Opened Tokyo office, 2022: Launched BizStack platform, 2024: Launched BizStack Assistant (generative AI), 2024: Raised $8.75M Series B, 2025: Raised $5.3M from KDDI, Canon, Kirin, Safie, 2025: Earned ISO/IEC 27001 certification, 2026: Raised $6.2M led by SoftBank

Growth metrics

Cumulative funding: $35.96M; 300+ IoT projects delivered; deployed across 80+ cold storage warehouses (Nichirei); multiple major Japanese construction firms as customers

Market positioning

Leading AI-driven IoT platform for Japanese industrial worksites, differentiated by generative AI integration (BizStack Assistant) and deep partnerships with major Japanese construction, logistics, and telecom players. Competes against pure IoT connectivity providers (SORACOM) and general IoT platforms by offering a full-stack solution with AI-powered natural language interface.

Geographic focus

Japan (primary); United States (Silicon Valley HQ for R&D)

Patents and IP

Not publicly disclosed beyond standard IP; ISO/IEC 27001 certified (Sep 2025)

About Gaku Ueda

Ex-Google (one of the first two Japanese engineers on Google Maps); Ex-Twitter; Silicon Valley software engineer for 10+ years before founding MODE in 2014.

Official website: