#Japan #Chiyoda-ku #MicroAd #WAKEI Inc. #Ho-Chwan Investment

WAKEI Secures Seed Round Funding

WAKEI Inc. has successfully completed a seed round funding, attracting additional capital from Ho-Chwan Investment Co., Ltd. (和創投資) and MicroAd Inc. This funding is set to enhance WAKEI's capabilities, with its capital base now reaching approximately 1.3 billion yen, including capital reserves. The implications of this investment extend beyond financial support, as it establishes a strong strategic partnership with significant players in the digital advertising field, enabling WAKEI to establish a solid execution foundation for ITD (Independent Trading Desk) services and cross-border business between Japan and Taiwan at an accelerated pace.

Market Context and WAKEI's Strategy

The global programmatic advertising market has been witnessing rapid growth, not only in traditional digital mediums such as smartphones and websites but also in newer fields like Connected TV (CTV) and retail media. According to a study by Grand View Research, the market is projected to reach a staggering $2.75 trillion (approx. 420 trillion yen) by 2030. Consequently, there has been an uptick in cross-border marketing initiatives globally.

However, the reality in Japan and Taiwan's digital marketing sectors reveals a significant lag behind global trends, primarily due to language barriers. Once a desired market for various global digital firms, Japan now sees a declining trend in new entrants and investments, with a noticeable shift towards rapidly growing markets like India and Southeast Asia. On the upside, these circumstances present a tremendous opportunity for connections to the global market and the introduction of cutting-edge technology.

WAKEI plans to leverage its independence from specific platforms by introducing world-class ad tech services through its ITD operations. Additionally, it aims to push forward its cross-border marketing initiatives, capitalizing on partnerships with Ho-Chwan Investment’s portfolio companies, which include popular apps that hold over 4 billion purchasing data records in Taiwan, such as Invos Data, and MicroAd's local Taiwanese branch.

Creating a Powerful Alliance: The Project Overview

This initiative represents a daring alliance between Ho-Chwan Investment, a major mobility conglomerate in Taiwan, and MicroAd, a leading digital marketing firm in Japan. The cooperation not only strengthens WAKEI's standing but also broadens its operational network.

Leading the charge is WAKEI’s CEO, Takeshi Iryo, who has an extensive career background, including the establishment of global advertising businesses at Rakuten and directorial roles at significant international digital enterprises such as Appier, Mobvista, and InMobi. Such diverse experiences provide WAKEI with valuable assets, robust local networks, and an experienced team dedicated to advancing its goals in the Japanese and Taiwanese markets.

Insights from Company Representatives

Wang-Teh Ko, Chairman of Ho-Chwan Investment, welcomed the collaboration with MicroAd, highlighting their established presence in Taipei with a team of 100. He expressed confidence that by merging MicroAd's advanced ad technology with their powerful local digital network, this partnership will invigorate the marketing landscape between Japan and Taiwan.

Ryoji Enokihara, Vice President of MicroAd, acknowledged the importance of Taiwan in their inbound business strategy, emphasizing that their investment in WAKEI and the deepening partnership with Ho-Chwan Investment are aligned with their ongoing endeavors in the region. He firmly believes that this initiative will accelerate their digital marketing strategies and fortify existing inbound operations.

Takeshi Iryo expressed pride in fostering a robust alliance with key players from both Japan and Taiwan. Drawing from a history of successful campaigns in the inbound sector, he stated that WAKEI is now poised to fully launch its ITD services, leveraging this ‘best-in-class’ partnership to bridge boundaries and accelerate growth within the programmatic advertising market.

Company Profiles

Ho-Chwan Investment Co., Ltd.: Founded by members of the joint founding family of HOTAI GROUP, one of Taiwan's largest mobility conglomerates, it has established itself as an investment firm with significant contributions in digital enterprises, banking, and retail businesses, supported by a 70-year legacy of trust in local networks.

MicroAd Inc.: Spun out from CyberAgent in 2007 and publicly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2022, MicroAd is renowned for its data platform 'UNIVERSE', gathering vast consumer behavior data from over 220 companies, and excels in facilitating tailored marketing products across various industry sectors.

WAKEI Inc.: Established in 2025 by Takeshi Iryo, WAKEI is focused on cross-border digital marketing and programmatic advertising, committed to becoming a global player in the industry. Its headquarters is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

For more information about WAKEI, visit https://www.wakei-inc.com/.