CDIB Capital Group Expands to Fukuoka to Boost Japan-Taiwan Innovation Partnership

CDIB Capital Group Expands to Fukuoka

CDIB Capital Group, a prominent venture capital firm from Taiwan, has recently inaugurated a new office in Fukuoka's Tenjin area. This move comes after the establishment of the CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II in collaboration with the Cool Japan Organization, which has been dedicated to promoting investments in Japan-Taiwan startups since August of last year. Fukuoka, known for its vibrant startup ecosystem, is set to play a critical role in the firm’s new business initiatives in the Japanese market.

The opening event of CIC Fukuoka marked the announcement of CDIB Capital's expansion. The General Manager of Development Innovation Management Advisors, Guo Dajing, represented the company at the event. Fukuoka has long been recognized for its proactive support for startups, making it an ideal locale for entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses. Guo stated, “Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu with a robust existing industrial base. The local governments are actively enhancing the startup ecosystem, and the city offers excellent access to major urban centers in Asia, providing us with a comprehensive advantage. This makes it a very desirable environment for our operations.” With this backdrop in mind, the company has designated Fukuoka as its second base, positioning it as a strategic hub in Western Japan.

In terms of location, the new office will be situated within the CIC Fukuoka, an innovation center operated by the US-based startup support company, Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). Last November, CDIB Capital entered into a strategic partnership with CIC, and this move signifies a deeper collaboration between the two entities going forward.

Looking ahead, CDIB Capital aims to focus on key activities in Fukuoka, particularly funding startups in the fields of digital transformation (DX), artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile commerce, which align with the objectives of the CCBI. The company plans to host events centered around themes like “Open Innovation” to facilitate business creation between Japan-Taiwan startups and major corporations. The CCBI includes capital from government-affiliated funds from both countries, as well as contributions from Taiwanese IT giants like Himax and SYSTEX, enabling more efficient access to the resources provided by large companies.

With its expansion into Fukuoka, CDIB Capital intends to deepen ties with the local startup ecosystem, uncover new investment opportunities, and act as a bridge for Japanese startups aiming to enter global markets, particularly in Taiwan. The company is committed to further building the Japan-Taiwan startup ecosystem.

About CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors

CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors Corporation operates under KGI Financial Holdings, a major financial institution in Taiwan, boasting extensive experience in fund investment and management. In March 2023, the firm launched the CDIB Tokyo Innovation Hub in Ichigaya, Tokyo, and established the CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II in August 2024 in partnership with the Cool Japan Organization. Through various events, CDIB Capital provides support for the global expansion of Japan-Taiwan startups.