What Kobe Digital Labo does

Kobe Digital Labo (株式会社神戸デジタル・ラボ, KDL) is a privately held Japanese IT services firm founded in Kobe in October 1995, immediately after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The company employs 177 people as of October 2025 and recorded FY2025 sales of ¥2,063,622 thousand, down 0.6% year-over-year. KDL offers end-to-end digital transformation support spanning strategy planning, system development and integration, AI and data utilization, DX human resource development, and information security, organized around five solution lines on its website. Customer-facing industries include manufacturing (Mizuno, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Denso, Shimizu Construction), government and public sector (Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City), healthcare and nursing, education and research (Hokkaido University), finance (Fukushima Bank), and retail (Edion, Asics).

The company's technology stack blends proprietary and partner-platform assets. Proprietary offerings include Proactive Defense (vulnerability assessment, security consulting, digital forensics, incident response, with 1,000+ site diagnosis track record since 2008), Selphish (SaaS targeted-attack email training with 100+ phishing templates and e-learning add-on), and KDLCam (image-recognition AI with camera integration and language-AI report generation). KDL also operates as an Official Partner for Cybozu (kintone), Microsoft (Solutions Partner, AI Co-Innovation Lab KOBE), AWS, SORACOM (SPS-certified integrator), Asteria (ASTERIA Warp), and Trend Micro, enabling kintone app development, Azure OpenAI Service implementation, IoT data pipelines, and no-code data integration. The firm maintains multiple wholly-owned subsidiaries (Kaigo Sapuri Inc. for care apps, Levantar Inc. for e-commerce, Banyan Partners Inc.) and a joint venture with JGC Holdings called JGC Digital for construction-site safety applications.

Revenue is generated through a mix of professional services (custom system development, DX consulting, AI/training programs priced at ¥100K–¥5M+ per engagement), recurring subscriptions (Selphish at ¥800 per user per year, kintone maintenance at ¥100K/month, ASTERIA peace-of-mind support at ¥50K/month), and managed security services under Proactive Defense. Distribution is sales-led and direct, with partner-ecosystem referrals, free 30-minute kintone consultations, and self-service Selphish onboarding as lower-friction entry points. Leadership transitioned in December 2023 when President Shinichi Tamaki succeeded founder Ichiro Nagayoshi, who remains Founder/Senior Advisor.

Name

Kobe Digital Labo

Legal name

株式会社神戸デジタル・ラボ

Website

https://kdl.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Kobe Digital Labo is a Kobe-based Japanese IT services firm founded in 1995 providing digital transformation consulting, custom system development, AI/IoT solutions, and information security services to enterprises, government agencies, and SMBs across multiple industries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

IT Services and Digital Transformation Solutions

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

End-to-End Enterprise AI Platforms (MLOps & Model Lifecycle Management) (HDAEANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Data Security & Privacy for Cloud (DLP, DSPM, Tokenization) (HDABAHAK), Data Security & Privacy Managed Services (DLP/Encryption) (BPAEADAL)

Keywords

• IT consulting services
• System development
• Information security
• AI data utilization
• Digital transformation

Headquarters

HQ city

Kobe

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. System Development & Integration Services: Custom system development, web application development, kintone development, IoT solutions, and CMS/web construction services. Primarily project-based, one-time revenue model with some recurring maintenance contracts. Services span planning, development, deployment, and ongoing operation.
2. Selphish Subscription: SaaS-type targeted attack email training and security education service. Annual subscription model at 800 yen per user per year with unlimited training content usage. Additional security consulting advisory services available as add-on.
3. Proactive Defense Security Services: Vulnerability assessment, security consulting, digital forensics, incident response, and security training services. Provides managed security services with both project-based assessments and recurring service contracts.
4. DX Consulting & Human Resource Development: DX consulting, business planning, UX services, and DX human resource training programs. Includes Azure OpenAI training, secure development training, kintone training, IoT training, and Power Platform training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Kobe Digital Labo provides end-to-end IT services to Japanese enterprises and government organizations, including planning and strategy consulting, custom system and web application development, kintone-based workflow digitization, AI and data utilization (Azure OpenAI, image recognition, IoT), and information security services spanning vulnerability assessment, digital forensics, and phishing simulation training. Its two flagship proprietary offerings are the Proactive Defense security platform and the Selphish SaaS, supplemented by kintone plugin packages, semi-order services, and DX consulting.

Product overview

Kobe Digital Labo (KDL) is a comprehensive IT services firm offering end-to-end digital transformation support spanning strategy planning, system development and integration, AI and data utilization, DX human resource development, and information security. The portfolio includes two flagship proprietary services: the Proactive Defense information security platform (vulnerability assessment, consulting, forensics, training) and the Selphish SaaS (targeted attack email training and security education). KDL also offers KDLCam as its proprietary image recognition AI solution, alongside partnered platforms including kintone (via Cybozu Official Partnership, with plugin and semi-order services), ASTERIA Warp (as an Asteria partner), and Microsoft Azure/OpenAI Service. The AI/Data Comprehensive Solution serves as the umbrella platform for AI strategy, agent/RAG system construction, and DX training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Proactive Defense: Information security services including vulnerability assessment, security consulting, and training programs
• Selphish
• KDLCam
• KDL NOW!Press
• KDL BLOG
• KDL DAY

Products and services

• Proactive Defense Information security service offering vulnerability assessment (manual testing for web apps, servers, networks, cloud configurations), security consulting, digital forensics, incident response, and security training. Established in 2008 with 1,000+ site diagnosis experience.
• Selphish (セルフイッシュ) SaaS-based targeted attack email training and information security education service. Provides 100+ phishing email templates, QR code phishing training, suspicious email reporting, and a comprehensive e-learning library of 8 information security courses. Priced at 800 yen per person per year.
• KDLCam (画像認識AIソリューション) KDL's proprietary image recognition AI solution combining cameras with AI for object detection, people counting, and visual inspection. Includes automated report generation using language AI to explain analyzed image content.
• kintone Plugin Package Pre-built kintone plugins developed by KDL to extend kintone's standard functionality for specialized business workflows.
• kintone Semi-Order Service Semi-custom kintone development service offering pre-configured templates with customization options for faster deployment compared to full custom development.
• Space Leaders (未来の宇宙リーダーズ) Space education program for elementary and junior high school students, fostering interest in space science and technology through hands-on learning experiences.
• KDL kintone Development and Implementation Support Cybozu Official Partner providing kintone app development, customization, external system integration, and ongoing support, including requirements analysis, app development, internalization support, security diagnosis for kintone, and maintenance support.
• KDL DX Support Service DX consulting and accompaniment service providing strategy planning, team building across Business Architect, Data Scientist, Designer, Software Engineer, and Cybersecurity roles, and end-to-end process support from planning through execution.
• Logistics and Distribution DX Solution Industry-specific DX solution for logistics and distribution covering warehouse efficiency, mis-shipment prevention, and advanced inventory management using digital technologies.
• AI / Data Comprehensive Solution (AI・データ総合型ソリューション) Comprehensive AI and data platform spanning AI strategy planning and promotion, AI system construction (agents and RAG), and human resource development for AI literacy. Covers 100+ implementation cases across manufacturing, retail, academia, and finance sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Project startup time reduced from 60 minutes to 1 minute using Backlog API automation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration34 records

AI capability17 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 福島銀行coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2025KDL serves as a technical partner for Fukusima Bank's DX community initiative 'FBK-DX Community 福島RX'. KDL provides technology expertise and DX support to member companies participating in the community.
• JUMP FESTIVAL in KOBE 2025minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 October 2025KDL is a special sponsor (特別協賛) of the high jump exhibition match event JUMP FESTIVAL in KOBE 2025, supporting athletic culture and community engagement in Kobe.
• 日本，微软株式会社 (Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab KOBE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020KDL collaborates with Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab KOBE for sprint development projects. Example: developing high-jump form analysis system using AI at Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab KOBE (March 2025). KDL is also a Microsoft Solutions Partner.
• 関西AI×IoTビジネス共創ラボ (Microsoft/Azure)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020KDL serves as a core (董事) member company of the 関西AI×IoTビジネス共創ラボ co-founded with Microsoft Japan as secretariat. The lab provides matchmaking, workshops, and events for enterprises in Kansai region advancing AI and IoT adoption. Originally founded as IoT Business Lab in 2016, expanded scope to AI in 2020.
• サイボウズ株式会社 (Cybozu)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKDL is a Cybozu Official Partner (サイボウズ株式会社認定のオフシャルパートナー). Provides kintone development, integration, customization, security diagnosis, and training services. Also offers kintone semi-order services and kintone plugins.
• 株式会社ソラコム (SORACOM)coreTechnology or IntegrationKDL is a SORACOM SPS-certified integration partner (SPS認定済インテグレーションパートナー). Uses SORACOM IoT platform services including SORACOM Harvest, SORACOM Lagoon, SORACOM Orbit for data collection, visualization, and IoT device data transformation. Awarded SPS Evangelist of the Year.
• アステリア株式会社 (Asteria)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKDL is an ASTERIA Warp subscription partner (アステリア株式会社認定のパートナー). Provides ASTERIA Warp-based data integration systems, commissioned development, and skill development support services.
• トレンドマイクロ株式会社 (Trend Micro)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKDL is a Trend Micro reseller certified partner (Reseller認定パートナー). Integrates and resells Trend Micro security products as part of Proactive Defense service offerings.
• Hardening Project実行委員会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL participates in the Hardening Project, a cybersecurity competition and community initiative. The project received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award (総務大臣奨励賞) in March 2025. KDL team members serve as execution committee members.
• 078KOBE実行委員会coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL supports and co-organizes 078KOBE cross-media event as an official sponsor. Founder Ichiro Nagayoshi serves as chairman of the execution committee. Event focuses on digital culture, creativity, and community building in Kobe.
• JGC Digital株式会社 (合弁会社)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL and JGC Holdings (日揮ホールディングス) co-established JGC Digital株式会社 as an IT services company. JGC Digital provides construction site safety culture improvement services using KDL-developed apps. KDL provides ongoing product development support.
• 株式会社介護サプリ (グループ会社)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL Group company focused on nursing care support apps. Offers 「ケア記録アプリ」 (care record app) with TAIS code certification, 「持ち物チェックアプリ」 recognized with ASPIC award, and dementia care system 「Good Practice System」. KDL CEO Tamaki serves as representative director.
• 株式会社レバンタール (グループ会社)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL Group company established November 2024. Provides SaaKe (さあげ) business support services. KDL Executive Officer Sasaki serves as CEO.
• バニヤン・パートナーズ株式会社 (グループ会社)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL Group company established 2014. Business details not specified in source materials.
• OWASP KansaiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL Security team members serve on the OWASP Kansai board. OWASP is an open community dedicated to application security. Board membership demonstrates security expertise and community leadership.
• Generative AI Japan (生成AIセキュリティ・ガバナンス研究会)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKDL participates as an operations team member in the Generative AI Japan Generative AI Security Governance Research Committee, established August 2025. Focuses on AI security governance and best practices.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Cybozu: Vendor of kintone, the low-code platform on which much of KDL's professional services revenue depends. Cybozu is the platform owner; KDL is an Official Partner implementing and extending kintone. Highly comparable because Cybozu sets the roadmap and partner economics that KDL's business model rides on.
• Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ): Larger Japanese IT services and network operator with security and cloud offerings overlapping KDL's Proactive Defense and cloud/DX practices. IIJ is a broad incumbent at much greater scale; KDL competes for mid-market security and managed services deals in Japan.
• LAC Co., Ltd. Japanese cybersecurity services firm with vulnerability assessment, incident response, and security consulting overlapping KDL's Proactive Defense. Comparable as a Japanese security-focused services peer at larger scale and with broader incident-response capabilities.
• BIPROGY: Major Japanese system integrator with strong enterprise and public-sector presence. Comparable as a broad incumbent chasing DX, cloud, and security mandates that KDL also serves, though at significantly larger scale and broader portfolio.
• ASTERIA Corporation: Vendor of ASTERIA Warp, the no-code data integration platform that KDL implements as a partner. Both companies share the Japanese mid-market integration/DX narrative, but Asteria is the platform incumbent and KDL is a partner/SI delivering commissioned development and skill support.
• TIS Inc. Mid-to-large Japanese SI/IT services group serving financial services, manufacturing, and public sector with DX, cloud, and managed services. Comparable in service mix (system development, DX, security) but materially larger and more diversified than KDL.

Emerging players

• SORACOM: IoT connectivity and platform provider; KDL is a SORACOM SPS-certified integration partner. SORACOM competes for the same IoT/DX mindshare in Japanese enterprise accounts where KDL sells its IoT integration and image recognition solutions.
• FRONTEO: Japan-listed AI/digital forensics company whose natural language processing and legal-tech AI overlaps with KDL's generative AI and Proactive Defense forensics practices. Comparable as a Japanese AI/security specialist, though FRONTEO's focus is narrower and more verticalized.

Direct peers

• Nulab: Provider of Backlog (project management) and other collaboration tools, cited as KDL's own automation case study. Comparable as a mid-sized Japanese SaaS/IT vendor with overlapping IT services buyer relationships and similar enterprise DX posture.
• Future Corporation: Tokyo-based IT consulting and SI firm focused on DX, system development, and digital transformation for Japanese enterprises. Closest direct peer in scale and positioning to KDL: independent, mid-sized, multi-vertical Japanese DX/IT services firm with similar talent and project economics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@kdlpr
• Xx.com/kobedigitallabo
• Facebookfacebook.com/kobedigitallabo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kobe-digital-labo-kk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Kobe Digital Labo