January 6, 2025, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo - Positive One Inc. today announced plans to further enhance its comprehensive hardware and firmware development capabilities, with an eye to the “next step” in the globally expanding semiconductor investment boom. Amid large-scale investments pouring in worldwide, the company-having spent two decades in high-speed digital circuit design and System on Module (SoM) development-believes that true competitive advantage lies not only in improving chip performance but in integrating board design and software as a unified solution.
Looking ahead, Positive One will explore strategic partnerships, including capital alliances and M&A, to strengthen its R&D foundation and expand globally. While maximizing corporate value and shareholder returns, the company aims to deliver a “comprehensive digital platform” spanning IoT, edge, and cloud to markets around the world.
■ What “New Challenges” Does the Global Semiconductor Investment Boom Bring? 1.Large-Scale Investments Accelerating Worldwide ・ The United States, Europe, and Asian countries are seeing successive multi-trillion-yen national subsidies and private investments in building or expanding semiconductor fabs. ・ As companies strive to resolve the semiconductor shortage and lead the development of next-generation chips, competition among global players has intensified. 2.The Key Lies in “Functioning Boards” and Software Integration ・ Even with the arrival of advanced processors, a lack of reliable board-level design, noise countermeasures, and firmware integration can delay a product’s full-scale adoption in the market. ・ Positive One leverages a team of seasoned engineers covering everything from legacy technologies to cutting-edge solutions, providing end-to-end support that spans the entire path to product commercialization. 3.Toward a Comprehensive IoT, Edge, and Cloud Platform Era ・ With the spread of 5G/6G and edge AI technologies, a framework capable of processing massive device data swiftly and securely is indispensable. ・ The vertically integrated platform-encompassing hardware, software, and cloud-that includes our proprietary IoT service, ChinchillaSmart (https://chinchillasmart.com), delivers a distinct competitive edge.
◆ Objective: Elevating Corporate Value Through Strategic Alliances in Capital Partnerships and M&A 1.Further Strengthening the R&D Foundation ・ By collaborating with semiconductor manufacturers, cloud vendors, and major players in manufacturing, we can mutually supplement R&D budgets and human resources, achieving both speed and scale. ・ Building on Positive One’s core strengths, we aim to establish a framework that facilitates co-development of new products and services. 2.Maximizing Corporate Value and Shareholder Returns ・ As we fully expand into global markets, increased sales and an improved stock price are expected to yield significant returns for shareholders. ・ Existing employees also gain enhanced motivation and opportunities to work on a global stage. 3.A Commitment to True Synergy ・ Rather than engaging in “numbers game” deals through M&A brokers, we seek partnerships only with companies genuinely committed to deep technical collaboration and new business creation. ・ We prioritize direct negotiations with enterprises aiming to internalize hardware development, as well as with CVCs and new business development teams, with the ultimate goal of combining strengths to create innovative solutions.
◆ Strengths of Positive One: 20 Years of Accumulated R&D Know-How × Fusion of Legacy and Cutting-Edge Technologies 1.Comprehensive Engineering by Veterans of Top Companies in the Embedded Industry ・ A broad track record ranging from legacy hardware expertise, such as UNIX, to cutting-edge 5G/6G and cloud integration. ・ Possesses the capability to bring “functioning boards” to market, including high-speed signal design, noise mitigation, and yield improvement at the mass-production stage. ・ Invests in R&D using domestic subsidies and its own profits. 2.Ongoing Hardware-Software Optimization Centered on SoM (System on Module) Products ・ By handling everything from R&D to customer acquisition in one stop, the company has established a stable revenue model. ・ Takes a comprehensive approach to IoT, Edge, and Cloud: - Vertical integration across hardware, firmware, and cloud domains through offerings such as ChinchillaSmart. - Multi-layered business model (device sales + cloud service fees + technical consulting) that builds a long-term revenue foundation.
◆◆ Message from the President and CEO “Today’s global semiconductor investment boom is a significant tailwind for us at Positive One. However, it is also true that the more advanced chips become, the more critical ‘board design’ and ‘software integration’ become to guarantee operational stability. Drawing on our end-to-end technical expertise-from legacy to state-of-the-art-we have been tackling these fundamental challenges.
By leveraging capital alliances and M&A to strengthen our R&D base, we aim to expand globally while increasing corporate value and shareholder returns. That is the path we pursue. We look forward to collaborating with partners that truly generate synergy, delivering a comprehensive digital platform that spans IoT, Edge, and Cloud to markets worldwide.”
Head Office Location: Shibuya Mark City West 22F, 1-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Established: January 6, 2004 (21 years in business)
Business Description: ・ High-speed digital circuit design, SoM development, and firmware porting ・ IoT/edge computing platform construction ・ Integrated hardware-software solutions, among others
[Contact for Press Inquiries] Positive One Corporation Email: funding@positive-one.com