Kiara

What Kiara does

Kiara Inc. (formerly Jenio Inc.) is a Tokyo-headquartered AI software company that builds Kiara Translator, a real-time multilingual translation SaaS delivered as a native Slack app and supporting 100+ languages. The product automates translation of messages inside Slack channels to remove language friction in cross-border workplace communication, serving enterprise teams with multilingual workforces; stated customers include Softbank, DeNA, Recruit Holdings, Fujitsu, Fuji Xerox, LINE, Weathernews, and MIT, with the company claiming 2,000+ organizations served and a 95% repeating-customer rate.

Underlying technology is machine-learning NLP for translation, paired with deep Slack integration (ranked #2 globally in the Slack App Directory translation category) and a 14-day freemium trial. Beyond the translator, Kiara operates the Team AI community platform — a network of 10,000+ machine-learning engineers used for talent sourcing and collaborative research — and, since September 2021, a DX Services line offering AI/app development consulting, digital-transformation advisory, and CXO rental. The business model combines SaaS subscription (translator), professional services (DX consulting), and managed services (rental COO/CXO). Distribution is hybrid: product-led growth via Slack App Store and freemium, an enterprise field-sales motion in Tokyo, and community-led demand generation through Team AI events and content. Kiara is privately held, founder-led by CEO Daisuke Ishii, and has raised approximately 133 million JPY (~$1.2M USD) across six disclosed funding rounds between 2017 and 2020.

Name

Kiara

Legal name

Kiara Inc. (株式会社キアラ)

Website

https://kiara.team

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kiara Inc. builds Kiara Translator, an AI-powered real-time translation app for Slack that supports 100+ languages, serving 2,000+ enterprise teams and individual workspaces facing multilingual workplace communication challenges.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

AI Translation Software

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (541930), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

AI-Powered Language Tutors, Chatbots & Speaking Practice Tools (EDAFAOAC)

Keywords

• AI translation software
• Machine translation
• Natural language processing
• Multilingual workplace tools
• Slack translation app

Headquarters

HQ city

Shibuya

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. SaaS Subscription - Kiara Translator: Subscription-based software as a service providing AI translation capabilities for teams. Clients include Softbank, DeNA, Recruit Holdings, Fujitsu, Fuji Xerox, LINE and 150+ other companies.
2. AI/Web Development Consulting Services: Digitalization consulting, DX new business development (AI, apps), management improvement, and technical partner services. One-stop contractor for development, management improvement, and advanced technology.
3. CXO Rental Service: Rental COO service providing executive leadership for sales strategy and operations improvement

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kiara Inc. develops and sells Kiara Translator, a SaaS machine translation application that operates as a native Slack app and provides real-time translation across 100+ languages for workplace and team communication. The company also sells DX (digital transformation) services including AI and app development consulting, management improvement, and CXO rental for enterprise clients, while operating the Team AI community platform.

Product overview

Kiara Inc. operates as an AI software company offering two main product lines: (1) Kiara Translator, a multilingual real-time translation SaaS that works as a native Slack app, powered by machine learning NLP across 100 languages for workplace and finance communication; and (2) DX Services encompassing AI consulting, app development, and CXO rental. The company also maintains Team AI, a community network of 10,000+ machine learning engineers used for collaborative projects and talent sourcing. The portfolio spans from core translation productivity tools to full-service technology partnership offerings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kiara Translator AI-powered multilingual real-time translation SaaS application operating as a native Slack app. Supports 100+ languages for workplace and finance team communication, enabling seamless cross-language collaboration without leaving Slack.
• DX Services (AI & App Development) One-stop consulting, AI and application development, digital transformation (DX), management improvement, and CXO rental services for enterprise clients. Positions Kiara as a technical partner rather than a software vendor alone.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,000+ organizations powered with 95% repeating customer rate
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SlackcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2019Kiara Translator launched in Slack App Store in August 2019. Joined Slack global conference in San Francisco. Available as integration in Slack workspace for team translation.
• KagglecoreTechnology or IntegrationData analysis competition platform acquired by Google. Used for hosting data hackathons and AI research community activities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/getkiara
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6ykX3btu4x3czl4y7X1nRw
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kiara-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/getkiara

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kiara