Can you raise startup funds through crowdfunding? | 3 things to decide first

Crowdfunding can be used as a way to raise a portion of your startup funds.

I will start with the conclusion.

• The core of startup funding is still personal savings and loans. According to a survey by the Japan Finance Corporation, the average amount of funding raised at the time of opening was 12.19 million yen, of which personal savings accounted for 2.79 million yen (22.9%).

• The strength of crowdfunding is that you can gather ‘customers from before you open’ at the same time as money.

• The three things to decide first are: 1. How much you need and what it is for, 2. What the rewards will be, and 3. What to do if you don’t reach your goal..

Source: Japan Finance Corporation, “2025 Survey on New Business Startups”

Can I cover all my startup funds with crowdfunding?

I do not recommend relying on it for everything.

• You may not reach your target amount, or the timing of when you receive it may be delayed.

• Property contracts and interior construction orders often come before the money is received.

• Therefore, it is safer to plan based on personal savings and loans, and use crowdfunding for additional costs or specific equipment.

If you are combining it with a loan, please check with your bank or the Japan Finance Corporation in advance regarding how to handle the funds you raise.

1. How do I decide how much I need and what it is for?

Narrow it down to one thing you can say, ‘Having this will make the shop better in this way.’

• Example: A single-board counter, a wood-fired oven, the setup for terrace seating, etc.

• Supporters want to back things where they can see how the money will be used.

• Take just the amount for that one item out of your total startup costs and set it as your goal.

2. What should the rewards be?

Make them things that encourage people to come to your shop after it opens.

• Meal vouchers, invitations to a pre-opening tasting event, a plate with their name on it, etc.

• Also, factor in the effort and cost of sending out rewards in advance

• By offering rewards that encourage visits, your opening day customers will be decided in advance

③ What if you don’t reach your goal?

Structure your plan so that even if you don’t reach your goal, your business opening plans won’t come to a halt.

• Create a funding plan where the crowdfunding amount is something you can operate without

• Decide what you will add if you do reach your goal

• Check that the fundraising period does not overlap with property and construction schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the best time to start?

A. We recommend starting after you have a clear outlook on the property and interior design. It is easier for supporters to understand when they can visualize the shop.

Q. I am not confident in my writing or photography skills.

A. Many people who start thinking about opening a business begin from the same place. If you send a message saying “Consultation” via the official LINE below, we will ask about your current situation.

How can you check with your own numbers?

We have released a tool that allows you to estimate the recovery period by entering the number of seats and rent.

No registration is required. There are no costs associated with using it.

▼ Misetsuku Opening Simulator (Simple Version)

https://misetsuku.net/kantan/

The simple version limits the items you need to enter. Please use it to get a rough estimate using your own numbers.

For those who book a free consultation, we provide a “Full Version” that allows for calculations with more detailed conditions.

▼ Book a Free Consultation

https://timerex.net/s/t.oba_a7b2_3df5/dd09a4c6/?openExternalBrowser=1

For those who want to look at their own numbers together

▼ Misetsuku Official LINE

https://s.lmes.jp/landing-qr/2007241688-jbnbKdmn?uLand=pD4aod

(After registering, if you send the word “consultation,” you will receive a reply asking about your current situation. If you send “calculation” or “seminar,” you will also receive information for each.)

Those who make a reservation will receive the full version of the simulator. There is no cost for registration or consultation.

Seminar Information (Online/Live)

The next schedule is announced on the official LINE.

To apply: Please send “seminar” to the official LINE

There is no cost to participate.

Author

Tomomasa Oba (Representative Director, A2T Inc. / Restaurant Startup Support “Misetsuku”)

I have worked for a long time in interior design companies, creating stores ranging from common areas in commercial facilities to street-level restaurants.

From supporting store openings for major chains to supporting individuals becoming independent.

Now, I help with restaurant openings and management through a single point of contact, covering properties, financing, subsidies, interiors, kitchen equipment, procurement, and recruitment.

There is no cost for introductions or consultations.

Costs are only incurred when you actually place an order with a contractor.

Disclaimer

The figures are based on the Japan Finance Corporation’s “2025 Survey on New Business Startups.”

Please note that the information provided is for reference purposes.

The mechanisms, fees, and tax treatment of crowdfunding vary by service and provider. Please check the terms of each service and consult with a tax accountant or professional for specific decisions.

How you structure your business is entirely up to you as the reader. This article is provided as material for your decision-making and does not guarantee any business results. Please make your final decisions yourself.