CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors Corporation (CCIA), a subsidiary of CDIB Capital Group (CDIB), has strengthened its commitment to fostering cross-border innovation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Japanese venture capital firm GxPartners during the Revolutionizing Asia: Merging Ecosystems & Networks – Tech (Ramen Tech) exhibition in Fukuoka. The collaboration aims to accelerate Taiwan–Japan startups cooperation in investment, resource integration, and cross-border exchange.
As part of its efforts to support emerging ventures, CCIA also introduced the “CDIB Award” at the event, designed to encourage high-potential startups to visit Taiwan and engage with its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Tokyo and Fukuoka are two of Japan’s most dynamic startup hubs. By establishing a presence in both cities, CCIA is positioning itself as a key bridge between Taiwanese and Japanese startups,” said Ryan Kuo, President of CCIA. “Our strategic alliance with GxPartners reflects our shared vision of leveraging resources and networks to fully support startup growth.”
GxPartners, a prominent venture capital firm in Kyushu, specializes in early-stage investments and operates the well-known Fukuoka accelerator StartupGoGo. “We are excited to partner with CCIA to enhance resource sharing and foster stronger ties between Taiwanese and Japanese startups,” said Toshihiro Kishihara, Representative of GxPartners. CCIA has invited GxPartners to attend the 2025 Meet Taipei Startup Festival in November to experience Taiwan’s dynamic startup scene and build on the foundation established in Fukuoka.
To provide tangible support for cross-border innovation, CCIA launched the CDIB Award during Ramen Tech’s RAMEN TECH PITCH BATTLE. This year’s winner, aiESG, a Kyushu University spin-off, stood out among 20 promising Asian startups. aiESG offers an ESG evaluation platform and collaborates with Harvard University to build a database leveraging AI for corporate sustainability assessments.
“The development direction of aiESG aligns closely with the investment focus of our CDIB Cross Border Innovation Fund II LP (CCBI), established in 2024,” Ryan Kuo noted. “We are excited to witness its continued growth.”
The CCBI is CDIB’s venture fund targeting Northeast Asia. It was jointly established by CDIB, Taiwan and Japan government funds (National Development Fund and Cool Japan Fund), and leading Taiwanese enterprises such as Himax Technologies, SYSTEX Corporation, and Lion Travel. The fund focuses on mobile commerce, digital transformation, AI/blockchain, and lifestyle industries, aiming to integrate and develop Asia’s startup ecosystem through cross-border capital. In addition, CDIB’s presence in Japan includes investments related to the semiconductor supply chain and an AI computing data center located in Kyushu. Looking ahead, CDIB will also explore investment opportunities arising from Japan’s biomedical R&D capabilities.
