SmartRyde, an operator of a pre-booked airport transfer marketplace in Japan, has raised JPY 450m ($3.38m) in a series A+ funding round led by NVC No.1 Limited Liability Partnership, a fund jointly managed by NVenture Capital Limited and NEC Capital Solutions Limited. Participating in the round were SMBC Venture Capital, Yamaguchi Capital, Hiroshima Venture Capital, Shigagin Regional Revitalization SD Fund and Iyogin Capital. The funds will be used to expand corporate functions, build the strength of business teams and develop products. The company also plans to use the over-the-air (OTA) network to increase inbound tourism to Japan and aims to support domestic taxi operators by offering new value through streamlining and cost reduction. SmartRyde recently launched a new product, the Demand Partner API, which will allow connected online travel agencies and airline companies to access the company’s airport transfer network.