New York, N.Y.—Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials, will launch in Japan in 2022. This will mark Material Bank’s first international rollout outside of North America.
Much like in the United States, Material Bank Japan will significantly improve the sustainability of the design industry by reducing the number of inbound packages to firms and designers, according to the company.
With $157 million in venture funding secured since its 2019 launch, Material Bank said it is investing heavily in building out its tools and services, strategic acquisitions and extending its international footprint. “I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Material Bank Japan and this milestone moment,” said Material Bank founder and CEO, Adam Sandow. “Material Bank has helped every major firm in the U.S. gain huge efficiencies and we are excited to bring this revolutionary platform to Japan. We are committed to making a sizable investment to drive sustainability and ease in the design process in Asia and are looking forward to sharing many more exciting announcements about Material Bank in the days ahead.”
The expansion into Japan will be supported by a team of key executives led by Go Nakazawa, who has been appointed CEO. Bringing a passion for innovation, coupled with extraordinary capabilities to build highly successful teams backed by a systems and engineering background, Nakazawa is well positioned to take the helm of Material Bank Japan, according to the company.
Together with Nakazawa, Sandow will lead the strategic direction of Material Bank Japan. “There is a strong appetite for efficiency and sustainability in Japan’s architecture and design industry,” Nakazawa said. “Material Bank has had a massive positive effect on the environmental impact of the sampling process in North America and I am excited and honored to have the tremendous opportunity to introduce Material Bank to this market and deliver on its long-term growth plan.”