CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II Joins Forces with Top Kyushu VCs, Marking First Lead Investment in Japan via Fukuoka-based toypo

CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II LP (the "Fund"), managed by CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors under CDIB Capital Group ("CDIB"), announced its lead investment in toypo Inc. ("toypo"), a prominent Fukuoka-based customer experience (CX) startup. This marks the Fund's first time serving as a lead investor within Japan since its establishment and strategic entry into Fukuoka. It represents a significant milestone in the Fund's Japanese investment strategy and underscores its deepening local presence as a key driver of startup and industrial synergy between Taiwan and Japan.

Founded in 2019 in Fukuoka, toypo is a premier startup in the Kyushu region and a member of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's (METI) "J-Startup KYUSHU" program. The company operates a dual-sided platform that integrates a Merchant CRM Module App with a Consumer Lifestyle App. The company provides high-efficiency, AI-empowered CRM solutions for retail and restaurant chains, driving digital transformation by optimizing the interaction between physical stores and consumers.

In response to Japan's critical service-sector labor shortages, toypo has developed over 15 standardized modules-including digital membership cards, point systems, and subscription models. By integrating an AI Assistant to automate marketing content, toypo significantly reduces operational burdens for store staff. As of early 2026, toypo has amassed over 1.9 million users across 1,100+ stores, with seamless integration into major POS systems.

The company expects to launch an upgraded consumer app within 2026 to further deepen long-term brand-consumer connections. Crucially, the proprietary data and deep merchant relationships cultivated through these interactions form a robust "data moat," ensuring toypo remains well-insulated and competitive against the rising tide of general AI tools.

Ryan Kuo, President of CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors, stated: "Digital transformation-driven CRM tools are the key to upgrading the future of the retail and F&B sectors. We value toypo's leadership in the Kyushu market and its professional management team. Through this investment, we aim to build a bridge for digital cooperation in the service industries of Taiwan and Japan, while exploring potential cross-border synergies with other portfolio companies under CDIB."

Melanie Nan, President of CDIB Capital Group, noted: "As the Fund officially establishes its roots in Fukuoka and accumulates extensive market experience, taking on the lead investor role demonstrates our high confidence in toypo's business model. This signifies the Fund's evolution from a 'Cross-border Linker' to a 'Local Value Creator' deeply engaged in the Japanese investment ecosystem."

This funding round also saw participation from FFG Venture Business Partners (FFG), a leading financial VC in Kyushu, and GxPartners, a renowned Japanese venture firm. Building upon a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), this co-investment marks the transition from a strategic alliance to a substantive partnership in investment and business operations between the Fund and GxPartners. Additionally, FFG will leverage its deep local network and industrial resources to assist toypo in expanding its market presence across Japan.

The CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II is CDIB's flagship venture fund targeting Northeast Asia. It was established in collaboration with the National Development Fund (Taiwan), Cool Japan Fund (Japan), and strategic industrial partners including Himax Technologies, Systex, and Lion Travel. The Fund focuses on mobile internet, digital transformation, AI/blockchain, and lifestyle industries. Moving forward, the Fund will continue to center its efforts on the Japanese market, connecting VC, industrial, and startup resources to accelerate growth for innovative teams and foster a more integrated Taiwan-Japan startup ecosystem.