Taiwanese Startups Going Global: Official Support to Enter the Japanese Market

Taiwanese startups are actively expanding into overseas markets, targeting the digital transformation needs of Japanese companies, particularly in areas such as technology marketing, travel itineraries, and cloud services. Companies are increasingly entering the Japanese market, with Gogolook (stock code 6902) emphasizing that the Japanese market is relatively conservative and cautious. Collaborating with government agencies or large enterprises acts as a "guarantee," significantly enhancing the chances of successfully exploring local business opportunities.

Gogolook: Promoting Anti-Fraud Services through Official Collaboration

Gogolook established a subsidiary in Fukuoka, Japan, in 2020 and participated in the local digital technology concept verification program. CEO Kuo Chien-Fu pointed out that the business of Whoscall has a public nature, and since Japan faces severe fraud issues, collaboration with government agencies has gradually led local users to accept Whoscall's anti-fraud software. Recently, Whoscall Co., Ltd. collaborated with Rakuten Mobile to provide anti-fraud solutions to its users, further expanding its market presence.

KKday: Deepening Market Penetration to Aid Digital Transformation

Taiwanese itinerary booking platform KKday has been deeply engaged in the Japanese market for many years. In 2016 and 2018, KKday received investments from Japanese travel giant H.I.S. Group, and in September 2020, it secured participation from the semi-official Cool Japan Fund in its C-round funding. These partnerships have not only allowed KKday to delve deeper into the Japanese market but have also facilitated the introduction of Japanese suppliers to its itinerary management system, Rezio, supporting small suppliers in their digital transformation.

KKday CEO Chen Ming-Ming stated that as Japan faces increasingly severe issues related to an aging population, automated services have become a crucial means to address labor shortages. With the support of Japanese shareholders, KKday can acquire local enterprises to enrich its itinerary offerings in Japan and continue expanding its market reach.

Conclusion

With official support and assistance from local partners, Taiwanese startups are gradually opening doors to the Japanese market. This not only promotes their own growth but also aids local companies in their digital transformation processes, achieving a win-win situation.

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