SBI Digital Hub acquires DeFimans, a Web3 consulting firm

SBI Digital Hub, a leading provider of DX and Web3 consulting services, has acquired all shares of DeFimans, a Web3 consulting firm, through a share transfer agreement with DeFimans’ existing shareholders. As a result, DeFimans has become a wholly owned subsidiary of SBI Digital Hub.

Background

DeFimans specializes in providing the following services:

• Support for Web3 business establishment and global expansion: DeFimans acts as a support partner for businesses building and expanding their operations in the Web3 space.
• Financial advisory services for equity and token-based fundraising and M&A: DeFimans offers advisory services for securing funding and executing mergers and acquisitions using traditional equity and tokenized assets.
• Value-up services for startups: DeFimans assists startups in improving their value proposition and business performance.
• Japanese representative of Messari, the world’s largest Web3 research firm: DeFimans serves as the Japanese arm of Messari, providing access to the firm’s comprehensive research and insights.

DeFimans has a team of professionals with a proven track record in the Web3 space, including experienced business owners and professionals from leading consulting firms. Their deep knowledge and execution capabilities have earned them a reputation for excellence.

SBI Digital Hub provides the following services:

• Consulting services for DX and Web3 business establishment, development and promotion: The Company offers a range of consulting services to assist businesses in leveraging DX and Web3 technologies.
• API Hub, a matching platform connecting API providers and users: The Company operates API Hub, a platform that facilitates connections between API providers and businesses looking to integrate APIs into their systems.

In October 2023, SBI Digital Hub and DeFimans entered into a business partnership agreement focusing on Web3 consulting services. During their collaboration, both companies recognized the need for further synergy to support more customers and contribute to the overall growth of the industry. This realization led to discussions between SBI Digital Hub and DeFimans’ existing shareholders, ultimately resulting in this acquisition.

Forward plan & organizational structure

Following this acquisition, SBI Digital Hub and DeFimans will focus on the following initiatives:

• Maximizing synergies between directly related business companies: SBI Digital Hub, DeFimans, and HashHub, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings and a provider of Web3 research and consulting services, will work together to maximize their revenue synergies. Specifically, SBI Digital Hub will leverage its broad customer base and strong collaboration capabilities within the SBI Group, HashHub will contribute its leading research capabilities and extensive research reports, and DeFimans will bring its vast industry network and excellent consulting and execution capabilities. By combining these strengths, the three companies will deliver top-notch consulting services to customers, ultimately maximizing revenue for all.
• Pursuing synergies within the SBI Group: In addition to the directly related business companies, the SBI Group includes several other Web3-related businesses, such as SBI VC Trade and BitPoint Japan, which operate as cryptocurrency exchanges, and SBINFT, which focuses on Web3 initiatives centered around NFTs. Through collaboration with these businesses, directly related business companies can enhance the quantity and quality of consulting services offered to customers. Furthermore, directly related business companies will act as hubs, improving the quantity and quality of Web3-related business development within the SBI Group.

To effectively achieve and maximize these synergies, the following individuals are expected to join the board of directors of DeFimans. The execution and operating structure will remain unchanged, with Nobuyuki Ono and Taishi Sato continuing as Co-CEOs.

• Representative Director and Co-CEO: Nobuyuki Ono
• Representative Director and Co-CEO: Taishi Sato
• Director, COO/CFO: Kenta Sakaue
• Director: Hiroyuki Ogawa
• Director: Tomohiko Kondo
• Director: Hitoshi Tsukigata
• Director: Ryo Kato

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