Global Brain Reinvests in Japanese Mobility Data Startup Essen

Global Brain Corp. has made a second investment in Essen, a Japanese startup that converts local vehicle movement into usable data, dealroom.co reported. The venture capital firm led the early-stage funding round through its TAKANAWA GATEWAY Global Co-Benefits Fund, which operates at about US$76.9 million.

Founded in 2021 and based in Kawasaki, Essen operates a mobility data platform that collects movement data from taxis, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles. The company analyzes this information for advertising measurement, marketing campaigns, pedestrian flow analysis, and infrastructure surveys.

Expanding Mobility Data Networks in Kawasaki

Essen is currently scaling two live use cases for its platform. Advertising vehicles equipped with rooftop signage have begun operating in Gunma and Fukuoka prefectures, while the firm tests in-vehicle infrared sensors and artificial intelligence to detect water pipe leaks through pilots with multiple local governments.

The startup previously competed as a finalist in TAKANAWA PITCH at GATEWAY Tech TAKANAWA 2025. It has since run proof-of-concept projects at TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, measuring pedestrian flow, visitor attributes, and the effectiveness of mobility advertisements.

East Japan Railway Company Backs Essen Mobility Network

With the new capital, Essen plans to combine signage-based information and data collection into a single mobility network. Global Brain cited the team's ability to rapidly drive projects from development through implementation as a primary reason for backing the company a second time, following an initial investment in May 2024.

The investment vehicle leading the round includes the East Japan Railway Company among its limited partners. This partnership gives Essen access to established assets and operational networks to support its ongoing regional expansion.