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

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-Developing agentic AI-powered cross-border commerce infrastructure that automates shipping and customs duty prediction, translation, payment, and customs clearance

-Monthly transaction volume grew approximately sevenfold over the past six months through its Korea-Japan cross-border service; secured partnerships with Mercari, Rakuten, and more

-NAVER D2SF continues to discover and invest in young founders challenging global markets, while exploring potential collaboration with NAVER Commerce

SEONGNAM, South Korea, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER D2SF, the corporate venture capital arm of NAVER, has made a new investment in SAZO (CEO, Maro Gil), a cross-border commerce startup building agentic AI-powered infrastructure for global shopping. SAZO has developed a platform where AI agents automate key processes required for overseas purchases, including shipping fee and customs duty prediction, translation, local pricing, payment, and customs clearance. NAVER D2SF decided to invest in the team based on its ability to rapidly build a product for the global market and validate its business potential through transaction growth and partnerships across Korea and Japan.

Demand for cross-border commerce is growing rapidly, with 59% of consumers worldwide having purchased products from overseas retailers. As interest in content and creator IP increasingly translates into product purchases, demand is also rising for overseas goods, fashion items, secondhand products, and other long-tail items that are difficult to access through conventional distribution channels. On the supply side, e-commerce sellers, creators, and IP owners are increasingly seeking ways to sell their products to global customers.

SAZO addresses the information asymmetry and complex purchasing process in cross-border commerce through agentic AI. For overseas purchases, consumers often face uncertainty around final shipping costs and customs duties until the point of payment, while differences in language, currency, and customs regulations across countries create additional friction that limits conversion. SAZO predicts shipping fees, customs duties, and service charges with approximately 95% accuracy, while enabling AI agents to automate translation, local pricing, payment, customs clearance, and other transaction processes.

Through this infrastructure, consumers can purchase overseas products in a way that feels similar to domestic online shopping. Platforms and sellers can also expand their sales regions without building separate systems or taking on overseas inventory burdens. By connecting local platforms with logistics and payment infrastructure across countries, SAZO lowers the barriers to cross-border commerce for both consumers and sellers.

SAZO currently operates a cross-border commerce service connecting Korea and Japan, with monthly transaction volume growing approximately sevenfold over the past six months. The company has secured partnerships with leading commerce platforms in Korea and abroad, including Mercari, Rakuten, and Bungaejangter. In 2025, SAZO also attracted a strategic investment from Japan Post Capital, the venture capital arm of Japan Post Group, which operates one of Japan’s largest cross-border logistics infrastructures. Building on this foundation, the company is advancing its cross-border shopping experience and currently operates services in Korea, the United States, and Japan. Going forward, SAZO plans to expand into additional markets and grow into a global infrastructure company for cross-border agentic commerce.

Maro Gil, CEO of SAZO, is a founder in his twenties who founded the company in 2023 after leaving his studies in Japan, where he had been studying on a government scholarship. Since its founding, SAZO’s co-founding team has built its product and business structure for the global market, based on a deep understanding of AI agents and cross-border commerce. With this investment, the company plans to expand partnerships with brands and platforms targeting global markets, while actively hiring talent to build its next stage of growth.

“Cross-border commerce is not simply about exposing products to overseas customers. It requires connecting different languages, payment systems, logistics networks, and customs processes into a single purchasing experience,” said Sanghwan Yang, Head of NAVER D2SF. “SAZO is currently discussing various forms of collaboration with NAVER Shopping, and we expect the team to provide users with a more convenient overseas shopping experience while creating new global sales opportunities for sellers and creators.”

NAVER D2SF has recently been actively supporting and investing in young founders in their teens and twenties who are boldly challenging global markets. As AI continues to lower the barriers to product development, NAVER D2SF plans to further expand collaboration opportunities with young founders who quickly identify market problems and turn them into global products.

About NAVER D2SF

NAVER D2SF is NAVER’s in-house corporate venture arm, supporting sustainable growth by collaborating with startups. Founded in 1999, NAVER has maintained its position as Korea’s leading search engine for over 20 years and operates across commerce, content, fintech, and cloud services. Under the technological vision of D2 (For Developers, By Developers), NAVER is actively developing new technologies and global partnerships to grow as a leading tech company.

To learn more, visit https://d2sf.naver.com

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SOURCE NAVER D2SF

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GEEKOM Launches A5 2027 Edition Mini PC, Built for Productivity That Lasts

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TAIPEI, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GEEKOM, a leading global Mini PC brand, is redefining the productivity Mini PC with the launch of the A5 2027 Edition. Designed for all-day productivity, the new A5 combines dependable performance, long-term reliability and flexible expansion in a compact form.

Powered by the 8-core, 16-thread AMD Ryzen™ 7 7730U, the A5 2027 Edition is built for real-world productivity — from running 30+ browser tabs alongside video meetings and large spreadsheets to Photoshop, 2D design and light 4K editing. With up to 64GB of memory, 7TB of storage and four-display support, it gives professionals, creators and small businesses the flexibility to build a workspace around the way they work.

But productivity also depends on how long a PC can be trusted to perform. The A5 2027 Edition uses brand-new SSDs, a reinforced all-metal internal frame and multi-layer motherboard protection, and undergoes 339 validation checks covering durability, aging, thermals and more. Together with flexible memory and storage upgrades, this quality-from-the-inside-out approach gives GEEKOM the confidence to offer a three-year warranty and engineer its PCs for more than five years of service.

Reliability also means being ready when work does not stop. The A5 2027 Edition‘s IceBlast 3.0 cooling system combines a larger silent fan, copper heat pipe and dedicated copper plate to efficiently move heat away from critical components. Better thermal control reduces throttling and long-term heat stress, enabling stable 24/7 operation for offices, retail systems, digital signage and other always-on environments.

The A5 2027 Edition also brings AI into everyday productivity. It can serve as a personal AI assistant for research, writing, content creation and data analysis, while emerging agentic applications can automate more complex, multi-step workflows. With stable, always-on operation, the A5 2027 Edition can keep these AI workflows running in the background when needed — helping users get more done with less hands-on effort.

The A5 2027 Edition brings GEEKOM‘s vision of all-day productivity to life: built to do more, built to keep running and built to last. Best All-Day Productivity Mini PC. Cool・Silent・Stable.

The GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition is available now through GEEKOM‘s official website and Amazon.

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SOURCE GEEKOM

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Real Estate Expert Howard Goldberg Details Coastal Rental and Multifamily Property Ownership in HelloNation

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The article explains how insurance costs, rental rules, maintenance demands, and seasonal changes shape coastal property ownership in South Florida.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers know before purchasing a rental property or multifamily property near the beach in South Florida? That question is answered in a HelloNation article featuring expert insights from Howard Goldberg, Real Estate Expert with RE/MAX Consultants Realty 1. The article explores how coastal ownership affects daily routines, responsibilities, and long-term planning.

The article explains that owning rental property near the beach is not only a financial decision, but also a lifestyle commitment. While the scenery and walkability are appealing, owners often face ongoing planning around guests, vendors, weather, and property logistics. Multifamily property introduces additional complexity by increasing the number of tenants and systems that require attention.

One of the first considerations for coastal owners is insurance costs. The article notes that properties close to the ocean usually require flood coverage, wind protection, and higher deductibles. These expenses can rise sharply at renewal and may impact cash flow if not planned for. When multifamily property is involved, one change in policy affects several units, making financial buffers and consistent oversight even more important.

Rental rules also play a major role. The article emphasizes that South Florida cities often have strict requirements related to rental registration, tax accounts, inspections, and short-term rental regulations. In addition, many condo or homeowners associations add further restrictions, including lease minimums, parking limitations, and guest policies. Ignoring rental rules can result in fines or strained relationships with neighbors, making upfront research essential.

The article highlights how maintenance demands increase near the beach. Salt air corrodes materials, humidity stresses systems, and frequent storms challenge the durability of building exteriors. These factors create higher maintenance demands, which can disrupt weekends, stretch budgets, and complicate vendor scheduling, especially when guests are already occupying the property. With multifamily properties, shared infrastructure such as stairways and plumbing stacks can turn small issues into building-wide concerns.

While property management can reduce some of the daily involvement, it does not eliminate the need for owner participation. The article clarifies that owners must still review budgets, approve decisions, and respond quickly in case of emergencies. In South Florida, unexpected weather events or access issues may require urgent attention, regardless of whether a manager is in place.

The article also explores how personal use of a rental property presents challenges. Owners often want to reserve time for themselves, especially during peak seasons. However, holding dates back may reduce income, and using the property personally changes how it’s maintained and perceived. For multifamily properties, reserving one unit while others are booked may create inconsistencies that need clear policies to manage.

Seasonal changes also affect both income and operations. The article explains that winter often brings high demand but fast turnover, while summer may involve slower bookings and the need for more promotion. Owners should plan for vacancy periods, higher utility use, and variable staffing needs. Backup vendors for cleaning and repairs become important, particularly in larger properties with multiple units.

Before purchasing a rental property in South Florida, buyers are encouraged to weigh their time availability and risk tolerance against the demands of ownership. Understanding insurance costs, rental rules, and maintenance demands helps determine whether the lifestyle will feel rewarding or overwhelming.

Owning Rental or Multifamily Property Near the Beach: Lifestyle Considerations in South Florida features insights from Howard Goldberg, Real Estate Expert of Fort Lauderdale, FL, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon targets U.S. AI power market with 22.9kV SST

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World’s first 22.9kV Solid State Transformer (SST) developed, securing a competitive edge with next-generation technology.Completed local production bases for transformers and breakers in the U.S., cementing its position in the American power equipment market.

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, optimizing power supply networks has emerged as a critical global challenge. In the United States, the surge in power demand driven by the proliferation of AI and data centers, coupled with the need to replace aging grid infrastructure, is driving large-scale investment in power infrastructure.

Anticipating these transformative shifts in the power market, Hyosung Chairman Hyun-Joon Cho has spearheaded proactive investments to meet the demands of the AI and data center era. These investments are now supporting Hyosung Heavy Industries’ efforts to strengthen its position in the U.S. AI and data center power market.

“Driven by the expansion of AI and data centers, power infrastructure has now become a core industry directly linked to national security,” stated Chairman Cho. “Building on Hyosung Heavy Industries’ U.S. manufacturing facilities and technological prowess, we must establish ourselves as an irreplaceable, essential long-term partner in stabilizing the American power grid.”

Hyosung Heavy Industries plans to accelerate its push into the U.S. AI data center power market by combining next-generation grid technologies with its U.S. manufacturing base and established strengths in power equipment, including ultra-high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers.

Pioneering Next-Generation 22.9kV SST Technology

Hyosung Heavy Industries identified the Solid State Transformer (SST) as an indispensable technology for power transmission and distribution in the AI era, initiating preemptive research and development. In 2022, the company successfully developed the world’s first 22.9kV 1.05MVA-class SST capable of direct connection to urban distribution networks. This milestone secured a competitive advantage in next-generation power conversion technology, strengthening the company’s position as it moves to capture emerging market opportunities.

SST is a next-generation power system that utilizes power semiconductors to precisely control voltage and current while maintaining the insulation functions of conventional transformers. It is considered a field with high technological barriers to entry, demanding sophisticated power control capabilities. According to global market research firms, the global SST market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of more than 40%, supported by the modernization of power infrastructure. The large-capacity SST market for data centers handling high voltages of 22.9kV and above is in its nascent stages, with only a limited number of companies worldwide pursuing commercialization and demonstration projects. With the market still in its early stages, Hyosung Heavy Industries plans to accelerate its efforts to secure an early-mover position based on its advanced technology.

Expanding U.S. Manufacturing and Strategic Partnerships

Hyosung Heavy Industries is continuously expanding its ultra-high-voltage transformer production base. The company has invested a total of USD 300 million in the acquisition and expansion of its ultra-high-voltage transformer manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee. Once the ongoing expansion is completed, the company will secure one of the largest ultra-high-voltage transformer production capacities in the United States.

Furthermore, Hyosung Heavy Industries has established a joint venture with Quanta Services, a leading North American energy infrastructure solutions company, to locally produce 72.5kV to 800kV ultra-high-voltage circuit breakers in Pennsylvania. Through this strategic move, Hyosung becomes the first Korean power equipment manufacturer to secure local production capabilities for both ultra-high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers in the U.S. market.

Quanta has an extensive business presence and customer network across the United States, providing infrastructure solutions for large-scale power demand facilities.

By leveraging Quanta’s industry-leading infrastructure solutions and Hyosung’s world-class technological expertise, the company aims to strengthen its competitive edge. Hyosung Heavy Industries aims to establish itself as a key player in the data center power infrastructure market by integrating its accumulated technological prowess, its robust U.S. local production base, and next-generation power grid technologies such as SST, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), STATCOM, and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.

Website: https://www.hyosung.com/en/

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SOURCE HYOSUNG CORPORATION; Hyosung Heavy Industries

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