As the SaaS sector undergoes restructuring, RAKUS and SmartHR are expanding their scale and partnerships through acquisitions and equity investments. Both companies are seeking long-term integration with targets that include unlisted companies.
RAKUS is stepping up investments in listed companies, backed by more than ¥90 billion in available capital. In 2025, it entered into a capital alliance with Plus Alpha Consulting, while in 2026 it acquired shares from Oasis Management, making the company an equity-method affiliate. With ROBOT PAYMENT, RAKUS is advancing the OEM provision of receivables management services. Through its investments, RAKUS aims to build long-term relationships while demonstrating synergies through business partnerships.
SmartHR is focusing its acquisitions primarily on unlisted companies and has completed the conversion of CloudBrains, SUNITED and クロスビット into wholly owned subsidiaries. Their executives remain in place after the acquisitions, with SmartHR focusing on strategic fit by incorporating functions it lacks. Its investment approach is to acquire a majority stake or more, and it has also indicated a policy of appointing members of the management teams to key positions within the group in the future.
Regarding the future of the SaaS market, both companies share the view that growth will continue, albeit at a slower pace, while restructuring, including exits, will accelerate. They are considering the timing of IPOs from the perspectives of strategy and fundraising, while expected to continue pursuing expansion and integration through M&A.