HIRAC FUND, operated by Money Forward Venture Partners, a group company of Money Forward, has invested in Return Helper, a provider of cross-border e-commerce return services.
Background of the Investment
The cross-border e-commerce market is growing, with purchase value in Japan increasing by 6.1% year-on-year to 395.4 billion yen. Furthermore, the global market is expected to expand to US$7,938 billion by 2030, about 10 times larger than in 2021.
Return Helper, the recipient of this investment, is a Hong Kong-based startup that provides a one-stop service specializing in returns for cross-border e-commerce businesses. Handling returns in cross-border e-commerce can be challenging due to high return shipping costs and complex customs procedures. Return Helper addresses these challenges by providing not only a specialized return service, but also by establishing local warehouses and offices in 16 countries across Europe and Southeast Asia and collaborating with logistics providers in each country. The company launched its service in Japan in May 2024.
HIRAC FUND made this investment with the expectation that Return Helper will further expand its business globally in the growing cross-border e-commerce market. Going forward, HIRAC FUND will not only support Return Helper in building its network, but also provide extensive support through its sales, public relations, and other resources.
HIRAC FUND is a venture capital fund that invests primarily in seed and early-stage startups aiming to solve social issues through technology. The current HIRAC FUND №2 Investment Limited Liability Partnership has a fund size of about JPY 9bn.
