Bed bug-free travel platform Valpas announces Japanese market plans

Its entry strategy is down to the fact its backed by Canon Marketing Japan Inc. investment

Valpas announces Japanese market entry strategy to tackle share of €15bn bed bug problem, backed by Canon Marketing Japan Inc. investment

• Valpas plans its entry into the important Japanese hotel and short-term rental market, backed by Canon Marketing Japan Inc. (hereafter Canon MJ) investment via Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund, leveraging Canon MJ's significant B2B customer base.
• Chemical-free tech solution responds to increased traveler fear and bed bug outbreak risk due to Japan’s recent booming inbound tourism trend.
• The investment and partnership follow Valpas' recent €4 million seed funding led by Zenith VC. Valpas is now setting its sights on protecting 2 million beds globally by 2030.
• Hotel Restaurant Show 2025 (HCJ), a launchpad event for advancing PoC initiatives in Japan, will feature Valpas solutions at the Canon IT Solutions booth from February 4-7 in Tokyo.

Valpas, the only travel platform for bed bug-free stays, has announced its strategic expansion into the Japanese market, building on its partnership with Canon MJ, Japan's leading technology company, following their strategic investment in June.

In addition to its investment, Canon MJ will become a strategic partner in introducing the platform that guarantees bed bug-safe stays, Valpas in-room technology that is based on smart bed legs that capture and stop bed bugs at first contact - and its certification to the significant and highly valuable Japanese market. 

This partnership will leverage Canon MJ’s extensive B2B customer base in Japan, enabling a strong market entry and widespread adoption. 

IT solutions account for roughly half of all revenues for Canon MJ Group and the investment was made by the Canon MJ division via its Canon Marketing Japan MIRAI Fund. 

Takuya Joshin, director in charge of R&B promotion headquarters from Canon MJ, said: “The Valpas contribution to the safety and security of travelers appealed to us as an investment greatly and we feel that demand will continue to grow due to the increasing number of travelers worldwide. 

"Additionally, we felt that with our experience and customer base in Japan, it made sense to partner with entry into this important market.”

Martim Gois, CEO and co-founder of Valpas, added: “We are honoured to not only have such an iconic brand as Canon – with its long-standing commitment to innovation – invest in our company but additionally become our partner for expanding the Valpas network into popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. 

"Most importantly, the Canon ethos of the old and the new, nature and technology, living side by side in harmony, is shared by Valpas. We’re excited for this already blossoming partnership with major announcements to follow in 2025.”

The news follows that at the end of 2024 where it revealed its plans to grow the number of hotel beds using the Valpas technology and certification by 50x to reach 2 million by the end of 2030. 

The company also secured €4 million in seed funding in a round led by Zenith VC alongside Icebreaker VC, Finnish Industry Investment, Activum SG Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures, Rockaway Ventures and Morrow Ventures.