Startbahn
Startbahn builds Startrail, a blockchain-based provenance and NFT infrastructure for art and cultural assets, serving 320+ businesses and 2,000+ artists with dashboards, APIs, NFC tags, and event-based NFT platforms across Japan and globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Startbahn does
Startbahn, Inc. is a Tokyo-based private company founded in 2014 by Taihei Shii that builds blockchain infrastructure specifically for art and cultural assets under the Startrail product family. The core platform records tamper-proof provenance, exhibition history, transactions, and restoration data on Ethereum and Polygon, with a proprietary SRR (Startrail Record) NFT standard and on-chain KYC verification of issuers. Its product portfolio includes Startrail PORT (a self-serve dashboard for NFT issuance and management), Startrail API (Issue, Transfer, and Secondary Transfer APIs plus Wallet Integration SDK for embedding into third-party platforms), Startrail TAG (NFC chips linking physical artworks to digital records with claimed 200-year durability), and FUN FAN NFT (a QR-code-based NFT marketing platform for events and cultural institutions).
Startbahn serves a diversified customer base spanning 320+ businesses and 2,000+ artists, including high-profile enterprise clients such as Shueisha (Manga Art Heritage), Toyota Gazoo Racing, Sony Music, Tokyo National Museum, and government entities including Shibuya City and the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Revenue is generated through fixed-fee NFT issuance and transfer on Startrail PORT, subscription-based API licensing for embedded partners (e.g., B-OWND marketplace), quote-based enterprise and white-label deployments, and FUN FAN NFT event ticketing (¥1,500–¥3,500 per ticket). The company has raised approximately US$14.4M in disclosed funding through Series A (2019) and Series B (2021) rounds led by UTEC and Miyako Capital Corporation, and holds patents in Japan and the United States on its royalty fee system dating back to 2006. In April 2025, Startbahn divested its wholly owned subsidiary Art Beat, Inc. (operator of Tokyo Art Beat) to Sony Music Entertainment Japan, sharpening focus on its core blockchain infrastructure business.
Startbahn firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Startbahn
- Legal name
- Startbahn, Inc.
- Website
- https://startbahn.io
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Startbahn builds Startrail, a blockchain-based provenance and NFT infrastructure for art and cultural assets, serving 320+ businesses and 2,000+ artists with dashboards, APIs, NFC tags, and event-based NFT platforms across Japan and globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Startbahn industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Blockchain Infrastructure for Art
- akta.pro primary industry
- NFT Infrastructure APIs & Indexing (NFT data APIs, indexing, search, analytics) (FSAPAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- NFT Commerce, Ticketing & Utility Enablement (token-gated access, memberships, passes, ticketing rails) (FSAPAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Startbahn is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
Startbahn business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- NFT Issuance and Transfer Fees: Revenue from fixed-fee NFT issuance and transfer services on Startrail PORT. Users pay a single low fixed cost when issuing or transferring NFTs, avoiding variable gas fees.
- API and Platform Licensing: Revenue from licensing Startrail API to galleries, e-commerce platforms, and marketplace operators who embed NFT capabilities into their own services.
- Enterprise/Custom Solutions: Revenue from tailored blockchain solutions for cultural institutions, museums, brands, and government entities including NFC tag implementation, white-label deployments, and custom integrations.
- FUN FAN NFT Marketing Platform: Revenue from event organizers and cultural institutions using the FUN FAN NFT platform for QR-code based NFT experiences, digital stamp rallies, and fan engagement campaigns.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Startrail PORT - Self-serve platform with fixed low-cost fees |
| Subscription | Annual | Startrail API - Enterprise licensing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | FUN FAN NFT Event Tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NFC Tags - Physical authentication chips |
Go-to-market motion5 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Startbahn product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Startbahn builds and operates Startrail, a blockchain infrastructure purpose-built for art and cultural assets that records tamper-proof provenance, authenticity, ownership, exhibition, and transaction history on Ethereum and Polygon. On top of this infrastructure, it offers Startrail PORT (self-serve NFT issuance/management dashboard), Startrail API and Wallet Integration SDK (developer tools for embedding NFT capabilities), Startrail TAG (NFC chips linking physical works to digital records), and FUN FAN NFT (QR-code based event/fan-engagement NFT platform).
Product overview
Startbahn offers a unified platform architecture centered on Startrail, its core blockchain infrastructure for art authentication and value preservation. The product suite consists of Startrail (blockchain infrastructure), Startrail PORT (all-in-one NFT issuance and management dashboard), Startrail API (developer tools for custom integrations), Startrail TAG (NFC authentication chips for physical artworks), and FUN FAN NFT (QR-code-based NFT marketing solution for events and fan engagement). These products work together to enable creators, galleries, and institutions to issue tamper-proof digital certificates, manage NFTs, and create digital-physical experiences. The company also provides white-label marketplace solutions integrated with Startrail for provenance, resale royalties, and automated logistics.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Startrail: Blockchain infrastructure for art that ensures authenticity, provenance, and long-term value succession for artworks and cultural assets.
- Startrail PORT
- Startrail API
- Startrail TAG
- FUN FAN NFT
Products and services
- Startrail Core blockchain infrastructure for art that records tamper-proof authenticity, provenance, ownership, exhibition, restoration, and transaction history for artworks and cultural assets on Ethereum and Polygon.
- Startrail PORT Self-serve NFT issuance and management dashboard for artists, galleries, and cultural institutions to issue, archive, manage, and transfer blockchain certificates with Google, email, or MetaMask login and no crypto wallet requirement.
- Startrail API Developer APIs and SDK for issuing, managing, and transferring NFTs, including Issue & Transfer API, Secondary Transfer API, and Wallet Integration SDK, enabling enterprises and platforms to embed NFT capabilities without cryptocurrency integration.
- Startrail TAG Physical NFC chips in sticker and card form that link physical artworks to their blockchain records on Startrail, allowing collectors to verify authenticity with a smartphone scan.
- FUN FAN NFT QR-code-based NFT marketing platform for museums, events, festivals, and brands to distribute digital collectibles and run stamp rallies, treasure hunts, ticketing, and fan engagement campaigns without crypto wallets.
Quantifiable outcome
- B-OWND marketplace increased single artist annual sales from ¥6 million to ¥120 million (20x growth) using Startrail infrastructure over 5 years
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Startbahn
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Startbahn technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Startbahn partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Tokyo National MuseummajorTechnical partnership for NFT-powered digital experience at Horyu-ji Treasure Hall exhibition featuring National Treasure Gigaku Masks. Startbahn provides FUN FAN NFT infrastructure for QR-code based digital collectibles linked to cultural property appreciation.
- TOSE Co., Ltd.coreCollaboration on new appreciation experience fusing cultural properties with NFT technology at Tokyo National Museum, building on previous initiatives from January 2024.
- Kishiwada CitycorePartnership in Panda Bamboo Project to issue and distribute Panda Bamboo NFTs. City provides distribution location at City Hall and participates in SDG partnership agreement with Adventure World.
- Adventure WorldcoreZoo and entertainment operator partnering with Kishiwada City and Startbahn for Panda Bamboo Project NFT issuance. Pandas returned to China in June 2025 but project continues for regional engagement.
- Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.majorCo-host of Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa 2025 art festival (4th edition). Odakyu provides festival organization, venue coordination, and promotional support. FUN FAN NFT used for official audio guide.
- Chiba City Museum of ArtcoreSecond year of NFT stamp rally implementation for 30th anniversary special exhibition. FUN FAN NFT provides digital collectible experience for Cyberpunk: Chiba City Museum of Art exhibition.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony OrchestracoreFUN FAN NFT implementation for Brahms Symphony Cycle concert series. Digital stamp rally with unique NFTs for each performance; lottery for 2026 season subscription for collectors of all four stamps.
- B-OWNDmajorE-commerce marketplace platform for craft works built on Startrail infrastructure. Successfully increased single artist annual sales from ¥6M to ¥120M using blockchain certification and provenance tracking. Featured as example of brand-led managed commerce model.
- Shueisha Manga Art Heritage (SMAH)majorFeatured client leveraging Startrail API to securely record manga art print content, history, and provenance. Partnership recognized with Culture Impact Prize at Forbes JAPAN Crosspreneur Award 2025.
- Shimokitazawa Merchants' AssociationcoreLocal business association co-organizing Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa festival, providing venue access and merchant participation for NFT treasure hunts and audio guide experiences.
- Epson Sales Japan CorporationmajorPartnership with Shueisha and Startbahn for manga art heritage project using cutting-edge technology and precision printing. Awarded Culture Impact Prize at Crosspreneur Award 2025.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Startbahn competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Rarible: Rarible is a large, multi-category NFT marketplace and issuance platform that competes with Startrail's PORT/API offering for general NFT creation and trading, but is not art-specialized.
- OpenSea: OpenSea is the largest general-purpose NFT marketplace and aggregator with broad category coverage; Startrail NFTs are explicitly OpenSea-compatible, making OpenSea both a distribution partner and a broad competitor for issuer mindshare.
Others
- Artsy: Artsy is a global online art marketplace with collector provenance and catalogue-raisonné features; while not a blockchain company, it overlaps with Startrail's gallery and collector user base and serves as a complementary or substitutive channel for art discovery and authentication.
Emerging players
- LiveArt: LiveArt is an NFT and Web3 platform focused on the art and collectibles market with provenance and royalty features, comparable in scope and audience to Startrail's art-vertical NFT offering.
- Art Blocks: Art Blocks is a leading platform for generative and curated NFT art with on-chain provenance, intersecting Startrail's space particularly for digital-only artwork issuance and curation workflows.
Direct peers
- Verisart: Verisart provides blockchain-based certificates of authenticity and provenance for artworks and collectibles, the closest direct competitor to Startrail in the art-authentication vertical, with NFT issuance and verification APIs for galleries and artists.
- Artory: Artory is a blockchain registry for art auction and provenance records, partnering with major auction houses to create tamper-proof transaction histories — directly comparable to Startrail's provenance-tracking value proposition for galleries and collectors.
- Codex Protocol: Codex Protocol builds blockchain-based provenance and authentication infrastructure for high-value collectibles (art, watches, sneakers), competing head-to-head with Startrail's provenance and authentication use case in adjacent collectibles verticals.
- SuperRare: SuperRare is a curated NFT marketplace for rare digital art with on-chain provenance and secondary-sale royalties, overlapping with Startrail's art-NFT issuance and secondary-market royalty functionality.
- MakersPlace: MakersPlace is an NFT platform focused on digital fine art, offering provenance, authentication, and secondary-market royalties — a direct peer to Startrail's art-specialized NFT issuance and management stack.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Startbahn social profiles
Digital presenceStartbahn financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Startbahn leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Startbahn funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Startbahn M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Startbahn
What does Startbahn do?
Startbahn builds and operates Startrail, a blockchain infrastructure purpose-built for art and cultural assets that records tamper-proof provenance, authenticity, ownership, exhibition, and transaction history on Ethereum and Polygon. On top of this infrastructure, it offers Startrail PORT (self-serve NFT issuance/management dashboard), Startrail API and Wallet Integration SDK (developer tools for embedding NFT capabilities), Startrail TAG (NFC chips linking physical works to digital records), and FUN FAN NFT (QR-code based event/fan-engagement NFT platform).
Is Startbahn a public or private company?
Startbahn is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Startbahn founded?
Startbahn was founded in 2014. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Startbahn based?
Startbahn is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Startbahn make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. NFT Issuance and Transfer Fees are the primary driver. The others are API and Platform Licensing, enterprise/Custom Solutions and FUN FAN NFT Marketing Platform.
Who are Startbahn's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Rarible and OpenSea. Artsy is listed as an others. Emerging players are LiveArt and Art Blocks. Direct peers are Verisart, Artory, Codex Protocol, SuperRare and MakersPlace.
Does Startbahn have an API?
Yes. Startrail API provides Issue & Transfer API, Secondary Transfer API, and Wallet Integration SDK for building NFT applications. It allows developers to issue, manage, and transfer NFTs for any size project or business. Key features include creating fully-owned NFT contracts, setting NFT attributes, adding rich provenance metadata, attaching public/private files, optimizing for third-party marketplaces, and transferring NFTs with a single API call. No crypto currency integration is required. Developer documentation is at docs.startrail.io.
What industry is Startbahn in?
Startbahn's product category is Blockchain Infrastructure for Art. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAFAE, NFT Infrastructure APIs & Indexing (NFT data APIs, indexing, search, analytics), with a secondary code of FSAPAFAJ, NFT Commerce, Ticketing & Utility Enablement (token-gated access, memberships, passes, ticketing rails).