Techstars Tokyo Opens Applications for 2nd Class, the Only Techstars Accelerator in Asia for the Next Generation of Innovators
Dec 24, 2024
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is pleased to announce that Techstars has opened applications for the second class of Techstars Tokyo. Techstars Tokyo continues to contribute to accelerating the growth of Japanese startup ecosystem as they support Japanese startups to expand globally and foreign entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan.
“It's already obvious how much progress is being made in Japan,” says David Cohen, CEO of Techstars. ““Give First” is what you see happening here, you see all the partners, mentors, sponsors, alumni coming back from other programs, who cares about this community, and you can feel something special building.”
Partnering with Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. and JETRO, 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 receive up to $120,000 in funding, and access to the worldwide network of investors, hands-on mentorship in addition to the Techstars’ global mentor network of around 4,000 mentors, Techstars Tokyo has established its own network of over 80 mentors, including angel investors and serial entrepreneurs with experiences in founding unicorns, successful IPOs/acquisitions to support the participating startups. The program is set to launch in Summer 2025 and will be conducted at Innovation Field Yaesu at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu.
Class 1 Demo Day (Provided by Techstars Tokyo) Techstars CEO David Cohen (Provided by Techstars Tokyo)
“Techstars supports the growth of startups in Japan and overseas while helping to establish born global startup ecosystems in Japan through strong domestic and international mentor networks,” said JETRO's Deputy Director-General, Innovation Department, Noriya Tarutani, also known as the head of JETRO Startup. “These contributions will surely remain invaluable assets to Japan's startup ecosystem for decades to come.”
Many of founders who participated in the first class achieved significant tractions in partnerships and fundraising. “A chance to learn how to build the world-class start-up in real challenges: learn, practice, and get feedback on executing OKRs and KPIs every week,” said one of the founders from the first class. “In just three months, we 3x our ARR, launched impactful features, and it helped us get closer to our vision.”
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 4,400 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.
They do 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 Techstars Tokyo
Techstars Tokyo is committed to advancing world-class startups focused on emerging technologies across industries including Deeptech, Fintech, Cleantech, and Climatetech. The Techstars Tokyo accelerator is powered by Mitsui Fudosan and JETRO Startup, in cooperation with the Cabinet Office, Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
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.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: May 14, 2025
- Accelerator Starts: August 18, 2025
- Demo Day: November 11, 2025
