#Japan #Nagoya #AI Platform #Cross-Border EC #SAZO

SAZO: Pioneering Cross-Border E-Commerce with AI

SAZO, the innovative startup based in Nagoya, Japan, has recently made headlines by securing 710 million yen (approximately 4.5 million USD) in a pre-Series A funding round. This successful round was backed by prominent investors, including Japan Post Capital and Suzuyo & Co., and marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to revolutionize the cross-border e-commerce landscape.

The Vision Behind SAZO

Founded with the mission to connect the world and overcome borders through technology, SAZO is developing a next-generation cross-border e-commerce platform that leverages artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional purchasing services that require consumers to navigate complex purchasing processes and communication hurdles, SAZO streamlines international shopping, promising a smoother and more intuitive experience.

By evolving into a robust global platform, SAZO aspires to make cross-border shopping convenient for users everywhere. The recent funding aims to propel the company's ambitious plans and reshape cross-border e-commerce dynamics.

Objectives of the Funding

The capital raised will be strategically invested into several key areas:

• - Advanced AI Technologies: Enhancing the research and development of AI solutions to automate and simplify international trade barriers such as information searching, payment processes, logistics, and customs clearance.
• - Global Logistics Network Expansion: Establishing and strengthening logistics bases in Japan and abroad to facilitate worldwide cross-border deliveries beyond just Japan and Korea.
• - Platform Growth and Marketing: Increasing awareness and customer base of SAZO's unique global EC platform through vigorous marketing efforts.
• - B2B Solutions for Cost Prediction Systems: Collaborating with new shareholders to develop digital and efficient customs solutions to counteract the shortage of customs professionals.
• - Organizational Strengthening: Implementing recruitment and development strategies for engineers, marketing, and corporate sectors to bolster technological advancement and global operations.

Rapid Growth of SAZO

Since its launch in May 2024, SAZO's platform has allowed Japanese users to effortlessly purchase items from Korean shopping sites, catering to diverse consumer needs. The service has demonstrated a staggering growth rate, increasing its transaction volume by over 179% quarterly. Excitingly, plans to introduce a service enabling users in Korea to buy products from Japan are underway, promising even greater growth potential.

The Innovative Shopping Experience with SAZO

SAZO provides a seamless shopping journey, employing AI to eliminate barriers associated with cross-border e-commerce, including language, currency, shipping, and customs. Users can purchase international products with ease, mirroring familiar domestic shopping experiences by simply inputting the URL of the desired item.

Upon entering a product's local shopping site URL, the platform reads the information, translating the page and calculating potential fees such as shipping and customs duties. The entire process culminates in a single-click purchase.

Additionally, SAZO's intelligent search feature allows users to discover the latest global trends and products that pique their interests by searching specific keywords and exploring trending items worldwide.

Overview of the Funding Round

The recent pre-Series A funding round consisted of 710 million yen raised through third-party allotment and loans. Prominent investors involved include:

• - Japan Post Capital, Suzuyo & Co.
• - D4V
• - MVC (Minami Consulting Network)
• - SMBC Venture Capital
• - Aichi Capital
• - POLA ORBIS Holdings, Inc.
• - Various individual investors

Loan providers included Nagoya Bank and the Japan Finance Corporation.

Investor Insights

Investors have expressed strong confidence in SAZO's potential. Takashi Adachi, CEO of Japan Post Capital, emphasized the role of AI in facilitating a truly borderless shopping experience. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating to realize SAZO's vision using the resources of the Japan Post Group.

Katsuhiro Suzuki, President of Suzuyo & Co., highlighted the growth of the cross-border EC market and the complexity of international transactions. He acknowledged SAZO’s technology as a game-changer in automating and simplifying these processes.

Miki Endo, Principal at D4V, noted their excitement about investing in SAZO's innovative approach to breaking down barriers in cross-border EC. He sees significant potential for SAZO to redefine global consumption patterns and looks forward to supporting its expansion into Asia and North America.

About SAZO

• - Company Name: SAZO, Inc.
• - CEO: Gil Mallow
• - Founded: October 2, 2023
• - Headquarters: 1-2-32 Tsuruma, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi
• - Tokyo Office: 10th Floor, Sumitomo Realty & Development Tokyo Mita South Tower, 3-5-27 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Overseas Office: Seoul, South Korea
• - Employees: 35
• - Business Focus: Development and operation of an AI-powered cross-border e-commerce platform.
• - Career Opportunities: Visit SAZO Careers

As the global e-commerce landscape evolves, SAZO's innovative approach and strategic funding position it as a frontrunner in the cross-border retail sector, aiming to make global shopping as easy as a single click.