trifa Inc.
Category: AI in Travel / Tourism
Japan's leading overseas travel eSIM app provider, developing a travel-specific AI agent to transform trip infrastructure. trifa Inc. was founded in 2020. The company is led by Masatoshi Kana. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Total funding raised: $42.0M. Latest round: Series C. Key investors include Global Brain, ANA Holdings (ANA Future Creation Fund), SMBC-GB Growth Fund, THE SEED, Freeout Holdings, Gifty, Medical Note, Safie.
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Tokyo, Japan
- Total funding
- $42.0M
Value proposition
All-in-one travel eSIM app that eliminates the need for rental WiFi or physical SIM cards, providing instant connectivity in 200+ countries with 3-minute setup, 24/7 Japanese support, and expanding into travel AI agents, VPN, insurance, and lounge booking.
Products and solutions
trifa (overseas eSIM app for 200+ countries), trifa Business (corporate travel eSIM), VPN feature, Overseas travel insurance (partnered with Mitsui Sumitomo), Airport lounge booking (LoungePass), ANA/JAL mile exchange, KABU&海外eSIM (co-branded with Kabu & Peace)
Unique value
Japan's #1 travel eSIM app (downloads) with a vertically integrated travel platform vision — combining eSIM, VPN, travel insurance, lounge access, and a domain-specific AI agent for travel, all in one app.
Target customer
Japanese outbound travelers (B2C); inbound travelers to Japan; enterprises with overseas business trips (trifa Business); travel industry partners
Industries served
Travel & Tourism, Telecommunications, Mobile Apps, Insurtech
Technology advantage
#1 travel eSIM app in Japan by downloads (Sensor Tower); 200+ country coverage; 3-minute activation; 24/7 Japanese-language support; Strong distribution partnerships (ANA, Japan Travel Group, mineo); Developing travel-specific AI agent leveraging existing user base and travel journey data
How they differentiate
Unlike global competitors (Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi) that are generic eSIM marketplaces, trifa is building a vertically integrated travel platform — starting from eSIM and expanding into insurance, VPN, lounge booking, and a travel-specific AI agent. Deep Japan market focus with Japanese-language support, ANA/JAL mile integration, and partnerships with major Japanese travel companies give it a strong moat in the domestic market.
Main competitors
Airalo, Holafly, Ubigi (Transatel)
Key partnerships
ANA Holdings (mileage exchange, investment, distribution), Japan Travel Group (sales partnership), mineo (MVNO partnership), Kabu & Peace (co-branded eSIM), Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (travel insurance), JAL (mileage exchange), Geo (gamestore partnership/campaign)
Notable customers
ANA Holdings (corporate), Japan Travel Group (distribution partner), mineo subscribers, 2M+ app downloads (cumulative as of 2026)
Major milestones
2020-11: Company founded, 2021-07: trifa eSIM app launched, 2024-10: ¥1.2B Series B from Global Brain, ANA Holdings, THE SEED, company renamed from ERAKE to trifa, 2025: CEO selected for Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30, 2025: Selected for Toyo Keizai "Amazing Venture 100", 2025-07: TV commercial with actress Mone Kamishiraishi, 2026-03: VPN feature launched, ANA/JAL mile exchange launched, 2026-05: KABU&海外eSIM co-branded launch
Growth metrics
2M+ cumulative app downloads (2026); quarterly user growth avg 160%+; App Store rating 4.6; overseas revenue ~10% of total sales; #1 travel eSIM app in Japan by downloads (Sensor Tower 2024-2025)
Market positioning
Japan's dominant travel eSIM app (DL #1) expanding into a full travel platform with AI agent capabilities. Competing against global eSIM players by leveraging deep local partnerships and a vertically integrated travel experience.
Geographic focus
Japan (home market); expanding into East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong); global inbound travelers to Japan
About Masatoshi Kana
Ex-Zeals Co., Ltd. Software Engineer (2018-2020); Internship at Sun* in Vietnam (2017-2018); Shiga University, Bachelor's in Economics (2014-2019)
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Official website: https://www.trifa.co/
