Leave a Nest Invests in Malaysian Robotics Startup DF Automation ~Accelerating Cross-Border Connectivity Between Southeast Asian and Japanese Manufacturing Ecosystems~
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Group CEO: Yukihiro Maru), hereafter referred to as “Leave a Nest,” is thrilled to announce its investment in DF Automation & Robotics Sdn. Bhd., an innovative robot company based in Malaysia (Headquarters: Johor, Malaysia, CEO: Dr. Yeong Che Fai, hereafter referred to as “DF”). This exciting partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening the manufacturing ecosystems between Southeast Asia and Japan.
Chinese New Year Dinner DF Investors’ meetup in Malaysia (February 2025)
As industries worldwide face pressure from labor shortages, increasingly complex consumer demands and volatile supply chains—demand for automation continues to grow. However, many of the existing solutions are delivered as integrated hardware-software packages by individual companies, often resulting in a “black box” for users. This lack of transparency frequently leads to inefficient customization and costly maintenance processes.
To address these issues, DF has independently developed navigation software NavWiz and DFleet which enables intuitive navigation and fleet management allowing third party integration into other warehouse optimisation systems. Coupled with this, DF also develops highly tailored hardware options, from designing robots from scratch or adapting existing hardware. Their end-to-end in-house development capabilities enable them to rapidly prototype and deploy both bespoke hardware and software solutions tailored to specific industrial needs. Since its founding in 2012, DF has now expanded its client base to 10 countries including India, Southeast Asia, Europe and in the warehousing, semiconductor manufacturing, and automotive industry and envisions to become a global leader in the AMR industry.
AMR line-up of DF Automation
The connection between Leave a Nest and DF began at Tech Venture Meetup（TVMU） Malaysia, a startup pitch event hosted by Leave a Nest Malaysia in January 2024. Following this, DF was selected for the Global Market-Fit Programme (GMP) Japan run by the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), an initiative to support Malaysian deep tech ventures’ penetration into the Japan market. As part of this initiative, DF joined the inaugural “Tech-Garage Seminar” hosted by the Leave a Nest Group in Japan, engaging in collaboration and partnership discussions with Japanese manufacturers.
DF prototyping lab in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Through this investment (※1), Leave a Nest Group is committed to supporting DF’s expansion into Japan and also to collaborate with DF to enhance productivity and global competitiveness of Japanese manufacturers operating in Southeast Asia. Moreover, by fostering mutual exchange of knowledge and assets among robotics startups in Southeast Asia and Japan, Leave a Nest Group envisions building a “ Co-incubation” system where collaborations transcends borders and new markets are cultivated together.
Leave a Nest Group will continue to strengthen the connection between the knowledge-based manufacturing industries of Southeast Asia and Japan, and remain committed to our vision “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness”.
※1【Leave a Nest Capital Invests in DF Automation & Robotics, an Innovative Malaysian Robotics Company Specializing in AMR and AGV Solutions】
https://www.lnest.capital/en/release/dfar/
<Inquiries regarding this matter>
Leave a Nest Co. Ltd (Haruka Sakurai)
TEL：03-5227-4198 MAIL：[email protected]