Apex.AI, a company developing safety-certified software for mobility and automotive applications, has expanded operations to Japan in response to “the growing demand” for software-defined vehicles and to better support businesses in the country.
With a well-established presence in the United States and Europe, Apex.AI is now focusing its international expansion efforts in Asia by launching in Japan as it is home to three of the world’s biggest automakers.
The Japanese entity, Apex.AI Japan GK, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Apex.AI.
Tavis Szeto, senior vice president corporate development, Apex.AI, will serve as an interim country manager for the Japanese entity. The company is currently in the process of hiring a permanent country manager.
Jan Becker, co-founder and CEO, Apex.AI, says: “Japanese automakers have long been recognized for their technical excellence and their commitment to bringing the future forward.
“The next big revolution in the automotive industry will be delivering truly software-defined vehicles. Customers expect continuously improving vehicle automation capabilities and smartphone-like personalization and infotainment features.
“Our safety-certified software contributes a powerful solution to help them achieve that goal efficiently. Ensuring our proximity to auto manufacturers, focusing on passenger, light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, in such a strategic market, positions the entire industry for success.”
The company’s near-term focus is to build out the team and provide in-country support to existing customers and partners in Japan. The team establishing the business in Japan will ramp up operations with an eye toward growth.
In addition to its core work in the automotive space, Apex.AI brings robotics and autonomous driving expertise to adjacent industries thriving in Japan, including agriculture and construction machinery.
In April of this year, Apex.AI Japan GK will start operations, providing its software and technical expertise to customers. In April, Jan Becker and Tavis Szeto will visit Japan to hold discussions with existing and potential customers in Japan.
Apex.AI is backed by Toyota Ventures, Volvo Group Venture Capital, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures, Airbus Ventures, Continental, ZF, AGCO, HELLA Venturesand Daimler Truck as well as financial investors Lightspeed, Canaan and Orillion.
