Japanese software developer Tenda Corp. agreed to acquire a 51% stake in artificial intelligence startup Almondo for 510 million yen ($3.4 million), expanding its footprint in the AI solutions market.
The Tokyo-based Almondo, which emerged from the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory, develops and sells AI solutions to businesses. The startup maintains close ties with academia through its technical advisor Yutaka Matsuo, a professor at the university’s School of Engineering.
The deal reflects growing competition among Japanese tech firms to secure AI talent and intellectual property. Almondo’s team consists mainly of AI researchers and developers from the Matsuo Laboratory, with existing collaboration with listed tech firm PKSHA Technology Inc.
The startup recently strengthened its advisory board by adding Hiroto Ebata, a professor at iU Professional University, signaling its push to bridge academic research with practical business applications.
The acquisition will be completed through share purchases from three individual shareholders including Kota Ito, the company said. The transaction highlights increasing market consolidation in Japan’s AI sector as larger tech firms seek to capitalize on growing enterprise demand for AI implementation.
