NTT DOCOMO Ventures Invests in Lovegraph Photographer-dispatch Service

TOKYO, JAPAN, February 6, 2019—NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it has taken a stake in Lovegraph Inc., a startup company that dispatches professional photographers to virtually anywhere in Japan to skillfully capture special moments in the lives of customers. The investment was made through NTT DOCOMO Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DOCOMO, on January 7, 2019.

NTT DOCOMO Ventures determined that the investment is particularly timely in view of the trend among families and couples, and in society in general, for visually recording vacations, outings, special occasions, etc. in the age of smartphones and social media. Lovegraph has already assisted more than 10,000 customers since its establishment three years ago and the market for dispatching professional photographers is expected to continue to grow.

The service involves photographers joining customers in almost any location to capture them candidly and naturally as they enjoy their special time together. Lovegraph retains some 300 camerapersons throughout Japan, carefully choosing professionals who are skilled not only in photography but also in helping customers to relax, smile and look their best. Lovegraph photographers, many of whom are in their 20s or 30s, are knowledgeable of the latest trends in social-media photography. In addition, the company runs the Lovegraph Academy to teach customers how to take attractive photographs.

Going forward, DOCOMO and Lovegraph will continue to expand their collaboration with creative services that enable customers to professionally document special moments in their lives.