Episode Six secures strategic investment from Japan Airlines (JAL), according to an announcement on 5 March 2025 from the former, a global provider of ledger and card infrastructure.

This investment will support Episode Six’s growth while helping JAL enhance its financial services, including JAL Pay, the core payment feature within JAL’s ecosystem, and expanding new services for JAL’s 30 million customers. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony at Episode 6 (E6)’s headquarters in Austin.

John Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of E6, said,

“We are excited to strengthen our collaboration with JAL, both as a most valued customer and our newest investor, as we continue to deliver world-class products to JAL’s customers.”

Yoshiaki Yabugami, Director of New Business Development, Japan Airlines, added,

“E6 has played a pivotal role in advancing our financial services initiatives, and we look forward to deepening our partnership through this strategic investment. This marks the beginning of a new chapter as we work together to achieve groundbreaking milestones in serving the dynamic Japanese market.”

Since 2017, JAL and E6 have worked together with a focus on innovation, customer-centric products, and meaningful growth.

One of their key achievements is the JAL Global Wallet, a multi-currency wallet designed to make travel easier and help JAL stand out in a competitive market. JAL Global Wallet is now rebranded as JAL Pay.

Since the rebrand, JAL Pay has introduced new features, including bank debit top-ups, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SmartCode. This investment reinforces JAL’s commitment to financial innovation while demonstrating how Episode Six secures strategic investment to drive growth and enhance payment solutions across the JAL Group.

In 2024, E6 announced plans to expand its operations in Hong Kong to meet the rising demand for virtual payment solutions. The expansion also includes lending services for SMEs.

Source of image: Edited from Japanese Airlines