Decision-making of Social Impact Investment In Early Ventures and Characteristics of Investees

A Case Study Approach

Abstract

This study uses a survey of previous research and case studies to examine the process of social impact evaluation for developing startups in Japan. First, we discuss the characteristics of domestic and international impact investment markets and evaluation methods. Next, we discuss the effects of investment from prior studies, characteristics of impact investment destinations by developmental startups, and their evaluation methods, comparing them with examples from previous studies. The case of Ashirase, Inc. is examined to illustrate whether a social issue can be examined in an exploratory manner. Accordingly, a medium-term goal of supporting the visually impaired is set along with the short-term goal of promoting outings using a navigation system.