KUZEN Selected for Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2026: A Milestone in Customer Engagement

KUZEN Selected for Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2026

Tokyo-based KUZEN Inc., helmed by CEO Shogo Ohta, has triumphed by securing a spot in the esteemed "Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2026" list under the Enterprise Technology category. This accolade, as featured in the Asia version of Forbes, recognizes 100 top startups across the Asia-Pacific region that are making waves with rapid growth and innovation.

The "Forbes Asia 100 to Watch" list is renowned for spotlighting emerging companies that exhibit remarkable potential in their respective sectors, emphasizing their cutting-edge technologies and impactful business models. KUZEN's inclusion is a testament to its effective customer engagement platform, which integrates popular messaging channels like LINE to create personalized communication strategies aimed at enhancing customer experiences.

One of the standout features discussed in the Forbes article is KUZEN's powerful no-code platform that enables businesses to utilize AI without needing extensive technical knowledge. The platform allows companies to automate personalized communications based on customer interactions and data such as chat histories and browsing behaviors. Renowned companies, including cosmetics manufacturer Seabon and housing renovation firm Daiwa House Wood Reform, are among the prominent clients leveraging KUZEN's services.

Recent funding developments mark another key milestone for KUZEN, as it raised 1.63 billion yen in a Series B round led by J-Growth, bringing its total funding to 2.88 billion yen as of July 2026. This financial support underscores investors' confidence in KUZEN’s vision and future potential.

Shogo Ohta expressed his gratitude in light of the recognition: "Being included in Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2026 is both an honor and a moment of renewed commitment for us. This achievement is a direct result of the dedication from our customers, partners, and the diligent efforts of our team." He remarked that they aim to enhance communication between companies and individuals through AI, embodying their product vision of providing a concierge experience for all.

The changing business landscape, particularly the increasing regulations surrounding third-party cookies, has heightened the importance of first-party data derived from direct customer interactions. As marketers adapt to these changes, the rise of generative AI offers unprecedented opportunities for personalized engagement. However, many companies find it challenging to convert AI utilization into tangible marketing results, indicating an industry-wide need for platforms like KUZEN that streamline these processes.

KUZEN's customer engagement platform is paving the way for future-focused marketing strategies. By harnessing insights gained through messaging channels such as LINE, it empowers businesses of all sizes—having already been adopted by over 700 enterprises—to foster efficient, AI-optimized communication.

The year 2026 marks the sixth release of the "Forbes Asia 100 To Watch" list, which evaluates non-public, profit-driven companies based on their positive impact on local markets, customer satisfaction, and investor support. This year featured selections from 16 countries and regions, with India claiming the highest representation at 19 companies.

KUZEN’s service is not just a trend; it signifies a robust shift in how companies can interact with their customers. Beyond just traditional marketing, KUZEN represents a forward-thinking approach to customer relationship management, focusing on data-driven and personalized experiences across diverse platforms.

As KUZEN prepares for the challenges ahead, they view this recognition not as a final goal but as a new beginning—working to establish themselves among the world's leading companies while expanding their horizons from Japan to the broader Asian market. Their ongoing commitment to innovation in customer engagement underscores their vision of leveraging AI to enhance corporate interactions with individuals, thus reshaping the future of customer service.

For more information about KUZEN's offerings, visit their service site here, or for corporate inquiries, browse here.