First Japanese startup, Josys, accepted into IMDA Spark Programme

• Plans to grow its workforce by hiring top-tier talent to drive innovation 
• Views S’pore as a regional hub with role in scaling high-growth businesses

Josys, the SaaS and device management platform simplifying IT operations, has joined Singapore's Spark Programme by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). In a release, IMDA said this underscores its dedication to advancing Singapore's digital transformation through innovative technologies.

Founded in 2022 in Japan by Yasukane Matsumoto and Sanjay Rajasekhar, the second startup by them after taking their first, online printing services provider Raksul to a 2018 listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Josys has identified Singapore as a core regional hub, recognising its skilled talent pool and pivotal role in scaling high-growth businesses. Additionally, it plans to expand its Singaporean workforce by recruiting top-tier talent to drive innovation and further accelerate Josys' momentum in delivering cutting-edge IT management solutions.

To date, Josys empowers IT teams with 360-degree control over their SaaS applications and device inventory, enhancing productivity, governance, and cost optimization. The platform streamlines SaaS management, automates IT tasks, and catalogs hardware and software assets through an intuitive dashboard, dramatically enhancing IT visibility.

Enrollment in the IMDA Spark Programme is a testament to Josys' adherence to the highest standards of product quality, security, and financial integrity. Through a rigorous review process outlined in the IMDA Spark Programme documentation, IMDA meticulously evaluated Josys' offerings, ensuring they meet stringent criteria for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. This enrollment not only endorses the company’s capabilities but also assures customers and partners of its reliability and commitment to excellence.

As a member of the Spark Programme, Josys is committed to developing and sharing best practices for SaaS management and governance with Singapore’s thriving startup ecosystem, best-in-class enterprise organizations, and its robust network of technology partners. This program will not only allow for Josys' seamless integration into the Singapore corporate landscape but will also propel its expansion into the ASEAN and ANZ markets, accelerating progress toward a greater regional presence.

Edwin Low, director of Enterprise & Ecosystem Development at IMDA, said, "The rapid growth achieved by Josys is testament to their ability to meet the pressing needs of their customers. We are encouraged by the company’s commitment to making Singapore its regional hub, expanding its workforce, and bringing new cutting-edge capabilities into Singapore."

Matsumoto (pic), CEO of Josys, said, "Our acceptance into the IMDA Spark Programme marks a significant milestone in Josys' journey. It is recognition of our innovative spirit and proof of our commitment to excellence. As the first Japanese startup to achieve this recognition, we are eager to set a precedent for others, demonstrating the unparalleled opportunities that exist within Singapore's tech ecosystem. We are also enthusiastic about recruiting diverse local talent for positions in product development and corporate roles to expand our regional team presence in Singapore.”

Josys raised US$32 million in a Series A round in Sept 2022, followed by an impressive US$93 million in Series B funding a year later to take its solution to the global market with Singapore an anchor of those plans.