Techstars Chooses Tokyo for its First Accelerator Location in Japan

Techstars Tokyo Launches Collaboration with JETRO and Other Japanese Governmental Organizations.

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 Techstars Tokyo. This marks a significant milestone for Techstars, the largest pre-seed investor in the world, since it will be their first accelerator in Japan.

 

“We believe in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems and the best way to do that is to identify and support great founders across the globe. Techstars accelerator programs are driven by the idea of being better for founders, which is underscored by our local, on-the-ground presence, smaller classes, and a team-led, mentor-inspired, bespoke approach to our accelerator programs. In our early work in Japan with JETRO through Founder Catalyst, we have been impressed by the caliber of the entrepreneurs and believe there is room to further grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” says Charlotte Bruce, Techstars General Manager in EMEA.

Partnering with Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., Techstars Tokyo will launch a three-month accelerator program aimed at 12 seed-stage startups from Japan and around the world. Each selected startup will access funding, receive training and mentorship by top experts, and gain access to the combined networks of Techstars. With an advisory team representing Tokyo, Techstars Tokyo has established a structure capable of supporting a wide range of sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, Cleantech and Climate Tech, and SaaS. The program is set to launch in Summer 2024 and will be conducted at Innovation Field Yaesu at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu. Applications will open starting December 12, 2023.

Tokyo Midtown Yaesu - Exterior	Innovation Field Yaesu - 4th Floor Design: TANSEISHA Co. Ltd. | Photography: Nacasa & Partners

 

"The quality and quantity of startups coming out of Japan is dramatically growing and one of JETRO's goals is to ensure those startups from Japan are able to successfully access global markets," said JETRO's Deputy Director-General, Innovation Department, Noriya Tarutani, who supervises Japanese startup activity around the world. "With initiatives such as Techstars Tokyo, entrepreneurs and startups are being empowered to bring their ideas and solutions to a global market.”

 

For more information and to apply, visit Techstars Tokyo.

 

About Techstars

Techstars is the most active pre-seed investor in the world having invested through its accelerators in more than 3,800 companies. Founded in 2006, Techstars believes that entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now they are on a mission to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year enabling more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world. Theydo this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. www.techstars.com

 

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/