Canon Marketing Japan Invests in Valpas Enterprises Oy to Combat Bedbug Infestations in Hospitality Industry

 

Canon Marketing Japan, through its MIRAI Fund—a corporate venture capital (CVC) fund managed in collaboration with Global Brain—has invested in Valpas Enterprises Oy. This Finnish startup specializes in developing IoT-based bedbug capture devices and software tailored for the hospitality industry. Valpas has created innovative bedbug capture devices and software that leverage IoT technology to protect hotels from bedbug infestations. These pests, known for causing intense itching due to their bites, have become a significant concern worldwide, including in Europe, the US, and Korea. In Japan, the problem has been exacerbated by the influx of foreign travelers, as bedbugs can be introduced regardless of a room’s cleanliness. The rise of insecticide-resistant bedbugs has made eradication efforts increasingly challenging.

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For hotels, a bedbug infestation can lead to extensive cleaning operations lasting weeks or months, resulting in substantial financial losses and damage to their brand reputation. Valpas’s IoT solution offers a proactive approach by attracting, capturing, and exterminating bedbugs before they cause harm to guests. This not only helps hotels maintain their accommodation opportunities but also bolsters their brand image.

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https://youtu.be/yAB0p85BjQ4?si=OKX7uQp22eX51FWD

Valpas’s device is integrated into the bed legs and equipped with a mechanism to capture bedbugs. The status of captured bedbugs can be monitored via an application, providing real-time management. Importantly, the device operates without the use of pesticides or chemicals, minimizing environmental impact and promoting ecological sustainability.

This investment underscores Canon Marketing Japan’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to address contemporary challenges in the hospitality industry, ensuring a better experience for both hotels and their guests.