Cool Japan Fund Bets USD 12m on InsurTech Firm PolicyStreet to Drive Southeast Asian Demand for Japanese Goods
The Cool Japan Fund (CJF) has made an investment of up to $12 million in Polisea, the Singapore-based InsurTech firm behind the "PolicyStreet" platform. The move is designed to bolster the digital infrastructure supporting Japanese exports across Southeast Asia, with a primary focus on the Malaysian market.
PolicyStreet, founded in 2016, has emerged as a regional leader by integrating "embedded insurance" directly into major e-commerce and automotive retail platforms. By partnering with over 40 insurance providers—including life, non-life, and Takaful (Islamic insurance) operators—the company allows consumers to purchase protection plans seamlessly at the point of sale.
For the Cool Japan Fund, this is a play on consumer trust and market competitiveness. As digital commerce expands in Southeast Asia, CJF views product-linked financial services, such as extended warranties, as essential for high-performance Japanese electronics and consumer goods. These insurance products cover risks like theft, accidental damage, and wear-and-tear, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for consumers buying premium Japanese brands.
The investment also targets the automotive sector. In Malaysia, where Japanese automakers enjoy a dominant market share, PolicyStreet’s digital comparison tools for car insurance are expected to lower the total cost of vehicle ownership through increased transparency and lower premiums. By strengthening the link between digital distribution and insurance solutions, CJF aims to secure a more resilient and trusted market for "Made in Japan" products in one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies.
Norbert Gehrke
