AI-based cross-border commerce startup SAZO (CEO Gil Maro) announced on the 17th that it has secured a total of 710 million yen (approximately 7.1 billion won) in pre-Series A investment.
This investment round was led by Japan Post Capital, a venture capital firm under Japan Post, and was joined by Japanese distribution giants Suzuyo and Pola Orbis, as well as venture capital firms specializing in early-stage startup investments, such as Design for Ventures and MVC Corporation.
Sajoo is developing and operating "Sajoo (Korean service name: Sajoo)," an AI-powered integrated direct and reverse direct purchase platform. This platform uses AI technology to simplify complex processes related to international online shopping, including language, payment, customs clearance, and delivery, enabling users to purchase overseas products with an experience similar to that found on domestic online shopping malls. Users simply enter the URL of the product they wish to purchase or use the search function. The AI then analyzes the product information and automatically calculates exchange rates, customs duties, shipping costs, and other fees. A delivery system based on its own logistics hub also ensures stability.
The newly raised investment will be used to focus on expanding its global services. Currently, the company operates a direct Korean purchase service in the Japanese market and is developing services targeting Korean consumers and exporters. To achieve this, the company is establishing a Korean subsidiary and conducting localization development. Going forward, the company plans to expand its logistics base to the Americas and Europe, enhance its platform, and strengthen its marketing efforts.
Tsuguhiro Nakata, a director at Japan Post Capital, which participated in the investment, said, “Sajo is a company that is practically solving the language, information, payment, and delivery problems that overseas direct purchase users have been experiencing using AI technology,” and “We plan to support the expansion of Sajo’s user base by utilizing Japan Post Group’s domestic and international logistics and delivery networks.”
Sajo is a startup founded in 2024. CEO Gil Maro graduated from Incheon Science and Arts High School and then enrolled at Nagoya Institute of Technology through the Korea-Japan Joint Study Abroad Program. After completing his military service, he conceived Sajo's business model through a university entrepreneurship club. Since its inception, Sajo has garnered attention, winning the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Campus Venture Grand Prix and being selected for the Tokai regional entrepreneurship program "Tongari."
Gilmaro CEO stated, “Sajo aims to be an AI commerce agent that allows consumers around the world to freely access various shopping platforms and second-hand trading markets without language or national barriers,” and added, “We will also focus on expanding reverse direct purchase channels so that domestic distribution companies and shopping platforms can target overseas customers.”
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