Hotai Motor is making a strategic investment in FUNNOW Group and acquiring an approximately 10% stake. Through the capital partnership, the two companies will step up their business collaboration in the travel sector.
Hotai Motor, a major Taiwanese automaker, announced that it will make a US$10 million strategic investment in FUNNOW Group and acquire an approximately 10% stake. Alongside the investment, the companies aim to create an integrated system covering everything from pre-trip information gathering to real-time bookings at the destination by integrating the booking functions of 去趣 chicTrip, a travel platform operated by Hotai Motor, and FUNNOW.
As the starting point for the collaboration, the companies have designated Japan as their first target market and aim to deliver cross-border travel experiences through the Japanese market. According to statistics, the number of Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan reached approximately 4.67 million in the first half of 2026, an increase of more than 20% from the same period of the previous year. By enabling convenient bookings at local restaurants and for local experiences, the companies plan to link reservations with itinerary planning.
FUNNOW is shifting its business model from the traditional B2C model to B2AI2C. It will strengthen the provision of urban leisure booking experiences by using 去趣 chicTrip to connect with AI platforms and by leveraging ChatGPT and other tools as new customer touchpoints.
The strategic investment is positioned as an important step toward strengthening the financial base supporting FUNNOW's overseas expansion and IPO preparations, while enhancing business synergies across the region. FUNNOW has a track record of acquiring Southeast Asian companies and continues to pursue M&A as part of its growth strategy.