Wada FoodTech, a Tokyo based company, has announced the successful closure of a US$ 5 million Pre A3 funding round, aiming to expand its decentralized foodservice platform across premium markets. This capital infusion will support the company’s effort to scale its operations beyond its current markets of Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Macau, with a strong focus on developed regions including the UK and the EU. The funding round was co-led by the MindWorks ETEC Fund and Golden Resources Development International Ltd., bringing the total raised by the company to over US$ 10 million.
Wada FoodTech has developed a patented system that combines AIoT enabled logistics and advanced bento vending machines to deliver hot, ready to eat meals efficiently and safely. The company has already sold more than 1 million bentos using its hot chain technology. During SusHI Tech Tokyo 2025, Asia’s largest startup exhibition, the firm demonstrated its sixth generation hot chain bento machine. The live demo attracted large crowds and highlighted the increasing interest in new models of foodservice delivery that reduce dependency on physical storefronts or traditional food delivery.
A New Model for Restaurants and Consumers
The core of Wada FoodTech’s business lies in its decentralized platform that allows restaurants to distribute meals without investing in new brick-and-mortar locations. By placing hot chain bento machines in high footfall areas such as office buildings, universities, hospitals and construction zones, restaurants can extend their reach and boost revenue with minimal operational overhead. These machines, now in their sixth iteration, can deliver a hot meal in just nine seconds, with temperature controls throughout the logistics chain ensuring food quality and safety.
This platform is supported by more than ten patents across Japan, the United States and China. These legal protections bolster the reliability of the system and set Wada FoodTech apart from conventional vending or foodservice operations. Consumers benefit from consistent meal quality without the added fees commonly associated with app based food delivery services.
Strategic Investment to Support Manufacturing and Franchising
First, the funds will help grow the company’s engineering and manufacturing base in Japan. This expansion is crucial for scaling the production of its bento machines, which are set to be shipped internationally under a “Made in Japan” banner.
Second, the company aims to further develop its AI driven backend systems, which power the real time operation, monitoring, and stocking of its machines. This digital infrastructure ensures that restaurant partners and consumers have a seamless, responsive experience.
Third, Wada FoodTech will scale its operations using an Area Master Franchising model. This strategy relies on local partners with established market access and operational expertise to bring Wada’s system to new geographies. The company sees franchisees as the bridge between its patented hardware and restaurants seeking new distribution models.
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“We started six years ago with a free desk at a university. Today, after selling over one million bentos in markets like Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Macau, we are positioned to grow rapidly in high cost labor markets. Our patented system is the root of our strategy, franchisees are the branches and restaurants are the fruits. With this funding, we are preparing to ship our hot chain bento machines from Japan to the UK.”
“Even in advanced economies like Japan, Wada’s hot chain technology presents a viable alternative that is both scalable and convenient. What excites us is the potential for Wada to export not just technology, but also Hong Kong’s culinary identity through this innovative platform.”
“Wada FoodTech has impressed us with its research, development, and real world execution. Its approach directly addresses labor and cost challenges while ensuring consistent food quality. Our support is based on the belief that the foodservice sector can benefit from thoughtful technological enhancement.”
Looking Ahead
With a solid base in Japan and growing international interest, Wada FoodTech is poised to extend its reach into developed markets that demand both food safety and operational efficiency. The upcoming exports of bento machines to the UK mark the beginning of this next chapter. By enabling restaurants to expand in a cost efficient, technologically supported way, Wada FoodTech is opening new pathways for meal distribution in urban environments.
The company, continues to focus on long term partnerships, rigorous quality standards and adaptive technologies that serve both commercial partners and end users. As it moves forward, the hot chain model may become a widely accepted format for foodservice, particularly in densely populated, high-rent urban areas.