planbase.co.jp

What It Is

Planbase（株式会社プランベース） is a Japanese consulting firm focused on subsidy applications and DX support, primarily serving SMEs and mid-sized companies. Its core proposition is built around two service lines—“subsidy application support” and “AI/DX support”—helping businesses address challenges such as securing funding, investing in equipment, improving energy efficiency, and catching up on business digitalization. According to its website, the company has supported more than 1,500 clients, achieved subsidy approvals totaling 20 billion yen, and is a support organization certified by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Core Features and Services

On the subsidy side, Planbase covers program selection, business plan drafting, application procedures, post-approval report preparation, and support for inspections. The programs it handles include ものづくり補助金, 省力化投資補助金, 省エネ補助金, 大規模成長投資補助金, 成長加速化補助金, 新事業進出補助金, and others. Its value lies not merely in writing application materials, but in accompanying companies from concept development through execution. On the DX side, Planbase emphasizes first identifying business and on-site operational issues, then moving forward with AI/DX implementation, development, and launch. Its services include “AI補助金コンサルくん” and AI/DX consulting.

Pricing, Trials, and Technical Capabilities

The website does not disclose packages, pricing, success-fee rates, a free version, or formal trial information; it only provides entry points for “consultation” and “document download.” From a SaaS or enterprise software perspective, Planbase offers limited productized information: there is no clear description of third-party integrations, APIs, access control, data security certifications, cloud deployment, or self-hosting options. As a result, it is better evaluated as a consulting service rather than as a mature software platform procurement option.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths include broad subsidy coverage, relatively strong disclosed approval rates and support scale, and nationwide support across Japan. Post-approval procedure assistance and support for vendor sales-promotion partners are also practical. Its DX methodology is measured and pragmatic, focusing on on-site adoption rather than simply selling tools. The drawbacks are limited pricing transparency, few DX case studies and product details, insufficient disclosure around security, compliance, and system capabilities, and difficulty comparing it against standard SaaS selection criteria.

Who It’s For and Access from China

Planbase is suitable for companies operating in Japan that are planning equipment investment, energy-saving upgrades, new business investment, or using subsidies to reduce DX costs—especially in manufacturing, transportation, construction, wholesale, and service industries. For Chinese companies that are not involved in Japan’s subsidy system, its direct applicability is limited; they may instead look to local Chinese project application consultants, MIIT/technology policy advisory firms, or digital transformation service providers. The source text does not provide information on access from mainland China, so its availability is unknown; payment methods are also not disclosed.