Member's News

AI Cross-Border E-Commerce SAZO Partners with Mercari to Support Cross-Border Sales in the South Korean Market ― Accelerating Mercari's Global Expansion with API Integration and Local Marketing Expertise ―

SAZO Inc. (Headquarters: Showa-ku, Nagoya City; CEO: Gil Maro), which develops and operates an AI cross-border e-commerce platform, announced on November 20 that it has partnered with Mercari Inc., the operator of the "Mercari" flea market app, to support cross-border sales in the South Korean market.

With the expansion of the cross-border e-commerce market, Mercari is focusing on global expansion as part of its mid-term management strategy. This collaboration aims to accelerate the distribution of Mercari products in the South Korean market by providing SAZO's technology and expertise in the region.

■Optimizing the Purchase Experience through API Integration and Local Support

SAZO will automate the process from payment to purchase through **API integration** to provide an optimized purchasing experience for South Korean users. By monitoring inventory in real-time and minimizing stock-outs of popular products, SAZO ensures a **stress-free shopping experience** for South Korean consumers.

Furthermore, in addition to running promotions utilizing SAZO's **marketing expertise** in the South Korean market, a **CS (Customer Support) center** has been established locally in South Korea. Support by **native Korean-speaking staff** and the collection and analysis of local consumer insights will provide feedback for Mercari's marketing strategy.

■Startup in its Third Year Achieves Partnership through Technological Strength

SAZO is developing a platform that uses **AI automation** to remove cross-border e-commerce barriers such as language, currency, and shipping, allowing users to purchase international products with the same ease as domestic e-commerce sites.

Although only in its **third year** since its founding (established in October 2023), SAZO's technology and overseas marketing expertise were recognized by Mercari, leading to this partnership. SAZO intends to continue expanding its support for companies that are hesitant to venture into international markets.

■ICT Startup League
This support program started in fiscal year 2023, following the **"Startup Creation-Type Sprouting R&D Support Project"** by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four pillars:
①R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
R&D funding of up to **20 million yen** is provided in the form of a subsidy. In addition, for the hands-on support, the selection committee members involved in the selection of League members will continue to accompany and promote their growth even after the selection. A "push-like" support system is built where the selection committee members who evaluated a company as "absolutely must be selected" continuously provide advice on business plans and opportunities for growth to those companies themselves.
②Discovery and Nurturing
The League provides opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of its members.
It also focuses on discovering people who aspire to start a business, aiming to expand the base.
③Competition & Co-creation
It serves as a positive competitive arena, similar to a sports league, where startups learn together and engage in friendly rivalry to **earn the necessary funding** (up to 20 million yen). It also offers a platform for **co-creation**, where League members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions led by the selection committee members.
④Dissemination
The initiatives of League members are communicated in collaboration with the media! This aims to spread the word about their businesses, opening up new matching and opportunity possibilities.

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AI Cross-Border E-Commerce SAZO Partners with Mercari to Support Cross-Border Sales in the South Korean Market ― Accelerating Mercari's Global Expansion with API Integration and Local Marketing Expertise ―

■Optimizing the Purchase Experience through API Integration and Local Support

■Startup in its Third Year Achieves Partnership through Technological Strength

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