Patented Hot-Chain Bento Machines will be Shipped from Japan to Premium Markets

TOKYO, JAPAN - 3 June 2025 - Wada FoodTech, a pioneering hot-chain decentralized foodservice platform, has secured US$5 million in a Pre-A3 funding round, co-led by MindWorks ETEC Fund and Golden Resources Development International Limited (HKG:0677).

This brings Wada FoodTech's total funding to over US$10 million, accelerating its mission to transform the foodservice industry with patented hot-chain technology. The investment will fuel the expansion of its decentralized foodservice platform in Japan and other premium markets, enabling restaurants to overcome challenges like high establishment costs, labor shortages, and food safety concerns.

Decentralizing Foodservice with Patented Hot-Chain Technology

Wada FoodTech transforms traditional brick-and-mortar foodservice with its hot-chain foodtech ecosystem, including AIoT-enabled hot-chain logistics and hot-chain bento machines. Now in its 6th generation, the patented technology has already facilitated the sale of over 1 million hot bentos. Originally launched in Hong Kong, Wada FoodTech has expanded to Tokyo, Osaka, Perth, and Macau, with imminent launches in the UK and EU.

Empowering Restaurants & Consumers

With Wada FoodTech's platform, restaurants can expand sales channels effortlessly, deploying hot-chain bento machines in high-traffic locations like office lobbies, universities, hospitals, and construction sites—without the costs of opening new branches or relying on traditional food delivery. The company holds over 10 patents in Japan, the US, and China, ensuring food safety and efficiency.

For consumers, the platform delivers hot, fresh bentos in just 9 seconds from vending machines, eliminating extra fees from traditional food delivery apps. Food safety and quality are guaranteed through temperature control maintained throughout the logistics chain.

Funding to Fuel Global Expansion & Innovation

The new funding will accelerate Wada FoodTech's expansion across premium markets including Japan, the UK, EU and Australia through three key initiatives: (1) boosting engineering and manufacturing capabilities in Japan, (2) enhancing its AI-powered backend systems, and (3) driving market growth with the Area Master Franchising model. This strategic enhancement will enable the company to export "Made in Japan" hot-chain bento machines - combining Japanese manufacturing quality with cutting-edge foodtech - to developed markets worldwide.

Jason Chen, CEO of Wada FoodTech, said:

"Wada FoodTech began six years ago with a free desk at a university. Today, we have validated our technology and demand, selling over one million bentos in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Macau. We are now scaling up our market presence, particularly in high-cost labor markets. This funding will accelerate our Area Master Franchising model—where patented technology of Wada FoodTech is the root, market penetration strength of franchisees are the branches, and restaurants are the fruits. We'll soon ship our patented hot-chain bento machines from Japan to the UK."

Joe Chan, Managing Director of MindWorks ETEC Fund, commented:

"We are thrilled to support Wada FoodTech as it scales globally. Even in advanced markets like Japan, this first-of-its-kind hot-chain technology stands out, offering scalable, affordable, and convenient options to the mass market. While Wada spans a wide range of cuisines, we're especially excited by its potential to promote and export Hong Kong food and culinary culture internationally. This investment aligns perfectly with the MindWorks ETEC Fund's mission to champion innovations that elevate Hong Kong's cultural and commercial presence worldwide."

Anthony Lam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Golden Resources Development International Limited (HKG:0677), added:

"As a long-term investor, the Golden Resources Group has been impressed by Wada FoodTech's R&D and implementation strength. Its unique hot-chain solution to not only address such critical pain points as labor and cost challenges but also ensures consistent food quality and taste. Wada FoodTech's vision to transform foodservice industry aligns with our investment thesis— revives traditional industries with technology."

F/Over 1,000,000 hot bentos have been sold using Wada FoodTech's hot-chain technology. At SusHI Tech Tokyo 2025, Asia’s largest startup conference, Wada FoodTech showcased its sixth-generation hot-chain bento machine, providing live service that attracted a large audience.

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