NAVER D2SF Invests in SAZO, a Cross-Border Agentic Commerce Startup

NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture capital arm of South Korea's NAVER Corporation, has announced a minority investment in SAZO, a startup specializing in AI-driven cross-border commerce infrastructure. The deal, which was finalized on June 24, 2026, involves an undisclosed amount and marks a strategic move to bolster NAVER's presence in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.

SAZO is focused on creating an automated platform that streamlines various aspects of international shopping, including shipping fee and customs duty prediction, translation, payment processing, and customs clearance. The company has experienced substantial growth, with its monthly transaction volume increasing approximately sevenfold over the past six months, primarily through its services connecting consumers in Korea and Japan. SAZO has also established partnerships with prominent e-commerce platforms such as Mercari and Rakuten, further solidifying its market position.

The investment from NAVER D2SF is indicative of the growing demand for cross-border commerce solutions, as global consumer behavior increasingly favors international purchases. According to recent data, 59% of consumers worldwide have engaged in buying products from overseas retailers. This trend is driven by a rising interest in diverse products, including fashion items and secondhand goods, which are often not readily available through traditional distribution channels. SAZO's platform addresses the complexities and uncertainties associated with cross-border transactions, providing consumers with a seamless shopping experience akin to domestic online purchases.

SAZO's innovative use of AI technology allows for the accurate prediction of shipping costs and customs duties, achieving approximately 95% accuracy. By automating critical transaction processes, SAZO reduces the friction that often hinders cross-border purchases, enabling sellers to expand their reach without the burdens of managing international logistics or inventory. This positions SAZO as a key player in the ongoing evolution of e-commerce, particularly in markets where cross-border transactions have historically been challenging.

Looking ahead, the investment from NAVER D2SF is expected to facilitate further growth for SAZO as it seeks to expand its services into additional markets beyond Korea, Japan, and the United States. The collaboration between NAVER and SAZO may also lead to enhanced offerings within NAVER's existing commerce ecosystem, potentially creating new opportunities for both consumers and sellers. As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI and innovative logistics solutions will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global commerce.