NY-based Venture Capital Launches Investments in Japanese Startups, Accelerating US/Global Market Expansion

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), in collaboration with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, proudly unveils “Global Venture Builder Program (Go Global)”, an investment-backed U.S. market expansion program. This program is operated with the U.S. accelerator “ERA Global” and the largest accelerator in New York “Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA),” and its related funds. The “Global Venture Builder Program (Go Global)” program contributes to revitalizing the global startup ecosystem and enhancing Japan’s international competitiveness by investing in Japanese climate startups leading decarbonization transition and tackling global climate challenges.

 

 

“After having lived in Japan 20 years ago, and partnering with Japanese corporations in our funds and after working with more than 200 Japanese startups through JETRO programs, we know the amazing opportunity and potential Japan has related to taking Japanese startups global through our 1,000+ mentor strong network and platform in the US. We are very excited about this program and how it will contribute to the Japanese startup ecosystem,” says Murat Aktihanoglu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ERA Global and Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator.

 

In this program, “ERA Global” and its related funds will invest in Japanese climate sector startups in Series A and above aiming to expand globally, and ERA Global will provide tailored, hands-on support to help these startups scale in the U.S. market, including brand and marketing strategy, talent acquisition, and team building. The amount of investment may range from approximately $0.5M to $1M per company. ERA Global will be partnering with Tokyu Land Corporation for this program, utilizing their venue "SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA" and co-hosting events. Applications will open on July 1, 2025.

 

           

SAKURA STAGE - Exterior	SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA

(Photo: Tokyu Land Corporation)

 

“JETRO has been empowering seed-stage startups by inviting top global accelerators like Techstars Tokyo and Alchemist Japan to run equity-based acceleration programs in Japan. Building on this experience, JETRO is now launching a new initiative focused on supporting Japanese startups from Series A and beyond, offering tailored support to help each startup expand into the global market,” says JETRO's Deputy Director-General, Innovation Department, Noriya Tarutani, who supervises Japanese startup activity around the world as the head of JETRO Startup. 

 

For more information and to apply, visit ERA Global's website: https://www.eranycglobal.com/japan

 

About ERA Global and ERA

ERA has collectively invested in over 375 startups since 2011, including four unicorns. Their extensive global mentor network of over 1,000 mentors enables world-class mentorship to support high-growth potential startups.

 

About JETRO

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. https://www.jetro.go.jp/

 

Global Venture Builder Program (Go Global) Application Overview

Application Start Date	Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Eligibility	Japanese startups in the climate sector, in Series A or above, aiming to go global Focus Area: Climate Tech/Energy/Transportation/Built Environment/ Agri Tech/Manufacturing/Climate FinTech, etc.
Investment Amount	Approx. $0.5M to $1M per company
Program Timeline	Support will begin on a rolling basis after selection
Program Location	Online and onsite including Japan (SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA) and the U.S. (New York)
Program Features	Developing market entry strategy, brushing up business model, 1-on-1 mentoring, introductions to KOLs, fundraising support, team building and hiring assistance, pitch training, and participating in pitch events
How to Apply	Apply from the ERA Global website: https://www.eranycglobal.com/japan