#Japan #Tokyo #01Booster #Invest Seoul #Plinto Partners

01Booster Collaborates to Propel Korean Startups into the Japanese Market

In an exciting development for the startup ecosystem, 01Booster, a company focused on corporate innovation and new business development, has partnered with Invest Seoul and Plinto Partners Inc. to support the expansion of Korean startups into the Japanese market for the second consecutive year. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation between startups from Japan and South Korea and has seen an increase in the number of participating companies from 10 last year to 12 this year.

The program is designed to assist promising Korean startups that have passed a rigorous selection process, helping them navigate the complexities of entering the Japanese market and securing funding partnerships. The program unfolded in two segments over two months from March to April 2026, with activities taking place in both South Korea and Japan (Tokyo). 01Booster specifically oversaw the Japanese segment, providing multifaceted support through investor pitches (IR presentations), one-on-one meetings, and guidance for attending SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026. Mentoring support for each startup was provided by Plinto Partners, ensuring tailored advice for the unique challenges each company faces.

Introducing the 12 Selected Companies

The selected startups represent a diverse range of industries and showcase innovative approaches:

• - DieEnde co ltd: A company specializing in subculture content, DieEnde is transforming industry distribution structures by offering a unique content platform tailored to the digital environment.

• - Crosshub Inc: This firm operates a global identity verification platform, IDBlock, and a simplified payment service, B-Pay, in collaboration with major domestic banks to launch a prepaid card for foreigners, the Travel-K Card.

• - DeepScent Inc: Offering an AI-driven scent content solution, DeepScent enhances user experiences by dynamically controlling fragrance according to specific spatial characteristics and purposes.

• - Rainbow Company Corp: This interactive AR solutions provider bridges the gap between real and digital spaces, creating seamless brand experiences leveraging AR technology.

• - rabbit hole co ltd: A pioneer in the new genre of AI simulation games, rabbit hole is developing 'Timeline Zero,' targeting Japan's subculture market and offering an immersive gameplay experience.

• - GBM: Known as Korea's leading occasion wear rental platform, GBM integrates fashion tech innovations to provide a data-driven solution for rental clothes while achieving significantly higher profitability compared to traditional models.

• - De mi de global Co Ltd: This premium brand focuses on high-performance dermacosmetics with their product line, Lediffer, which aims to achieve skincare that closely mimics professional treatments.

• - Greenish Inc: A pioneer in biohealthcare, Greenish leads the market with their unique 'Ferti-Max' fertility gel, which significantly enhances sperm functionality compared to conventional products.

• - Sustainable LAB: They have developed bio-materials like Terrafin, utilizing agricultural by-products to create plastic alternatives while simultaneously accomplishing carbon fixation.

• - TOYOUS DREAM: With over 20 years in webtoon development, this company hosts a substantial pool of webtoon intellectual properties, focusing on delivering high-quality content across Korea, Japan, and North America.

• - Unimas: A commerce tech company that supports overseas expansion of Korean and Japanese brands, managing product registrations and logistics to streamline the entry into international markets.

• - LUSONG: This bio-femtech firm manufactures eco-friendly feminine hygiene products, specifically a fourth-generation tampon that offers enhanced absorbency while being more compact than previous designs.

Through the collaboration with Invest Seoul and Plinto Partners, 01Booster aims to create a robust framework for startup development between South Korea and Japan, paving the way for the next wave of innovative companies in the international market. The initiatives not only enhance the prospects of participating startups but also promote a culture of shared growth and collaboration between the two nations.

Insight into Invest Seoul

Invest Seoul operates as a foreign investment promotion agency under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Their mission is to facilitate seamless business operations for foreign companies and investors in Seoul, providing comprehensive support services including investment information, company establishment assistance, and guidance on tax benefits. By enhancing the attractiveness of Seoul's business environment, Invest Seoul contributes to sustainable growth and business opportunities.

Overview of Plinto Partners

Plinto Partners is a global accelerator and seed investor based in Seoul, specializing in cross-border growth support in Korea, Japan, and China. They focus on high-impact sectors such as materials, components, deep tech, and content/lifestyle, facilitating strategic international partnerships to drive cross-border business expansion and investment.

About 01Booster

Founded in March 2012, 01Booster operates under the philosophy of 'Changing the World Through Business Creation.' The company encourages collaboration between large enterprises and startups through various open innovation programs and has established itself as a pivotal player in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, including shared office spaces, comprehensive accelerator programs, and venture capital investment through their group company, 01Booster Capital. For more information, visit their website at 01Booster.