Optimind
Category: AI in Supply Chain / Logistics
A cloud-based AI route optimization platform specializing in 'last-mile' delivery that automates complex vehicle routing and scheduling to improve logistics efficiency. Optimind was founded in 2015. The company is led by Ken Matsushita. Based in Nagoya, Japan. Team size: 70. Total funding raised: $22.0M. Latest round: Strategic investment (Undisclosed, Mar 2025). Key investors include Toyota Motor Corporation, SPARX Group (Mirai Creation Fund), KDDI Open Innovation Fund, Mitsubishi Corporation.
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Nagoya, Japan
- Team size
- 70
- Total funding
- $22.0M
Value proposition
Solves the '2024 Logistics Problem' by reducing driving distance and vehicle requirements through AI-driven route optimization that improves over time by learning from real-world driver behavior.
Products and solutions
Loogia (Flagship AI Route Optimization Cloud), Loogia Connect (Integration API for WMS/ERP systems), Loogia Driver App (Real-time dynamic management and navigation), ScaLe (AI system for optimized staff assignment and visit scheduling), Loogia Consulting (Simulation-based logistics strategy and BPaaS)
Unique value
Utilizes a 'Data Circulation' model where the AI continuously learns from billions of real-world GPS and dashcam data points to provide hyper-accurate travel time estimates.
Target customer
Logistics providers, food and pharmaceutical wholesalers, home healthcare services, and retail delivery operators managing last-mile fleets.
Industries served
Last-mile Logistics & Courier Services, Food and Beverage Wholesale (e.g., Bourbon Corp), Pharmaceutical Distribution, Home Medical Care & Nursing, Automotive & Manufacturing
Technology advantage
Employs advanced meta-heuristic and combinatorial optimization algorithms combined with machine learning to complete data for unknown routes and accommodate complex real-world delivery constraints.
How they differentiate
Utilizes a 'Data Circulation' model where the AI learns from billions of real-world GPS and dashcam data points to estimate hyper-accurate travel times and parking constraints that standard map data cannot capture.
Main competitors
Hacobu (MOVO Fleet), Zenrin (Route Optimizer), Locus, Fujitsu (Logifit)
Key partnerships
Toyota Motor Corporation (Mobility service collaboration), Mitsubishi Corporation (Logistics innovation partner), Seino Transportation (Joint API verification 2024-2025), KDDI (Strategic investment and growth support), Japan Post (POST LOGITECH INNOVATION PROGRAM winner)
Notable customers
Japan Post, Toyota Motor Corporation, Seino Transportation, Bourbon Corporation, Kakuyasu
Major milestones
Winner of the Japan Post POST LOGITECH INNOVATION PROGRAM (2018), Launched flagship AI routing service 'Loogia' in Sep 2018, CEO Ken Matsushita recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2020), Series B funding of 2 billion JPY secured in Dec 2022, Strategic investment from NOBUNAGA Capital Village for regional expansion in Mar 2025
Growth metrics
Cumulative funding reached over 3.1 billion JPY (~$21M+ USD) prior to its 2025 round; designated as a 'J-Startup' by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Market positioning
Leading specialized AI route optimization provider in the Japanese last-mile logistics market.
Geographic focus
Primarily Japan, with strategic expansion focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
Patents and IP
Holds proprietary patents related to its core route optimization algorithms and AI-based speed estimation models for logistics.
About Ken Matsushita
Ken Matsushita founded Optimind in 2015 while a student at Nagoya University. He is an expert in combinatorial optimization algorithms and meta-heuristics. He completed his Master's and reached the doctoral candidate stage (unit-acquired withdrawal) at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Informatics. He currently serves as a Specially Appointed Faculty member at Nagoya University and was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2020.
Official website: https://www.optimind.tech/