Techstars Tokyo Accelerator

Why the world is looking at Japan’s Startup Ecosystem in 2025 🌏 (日本語続きます) The latest JETRO Invest Japan Report 2025 is out, and the message is clear: Japan is rapidly evolving into a premier destination for global innovation and investment. Key takeaways for founders and investors: - Record Growth: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Japan is hitting new heights as the ecosystem matures. - Strategic Focus: Massive momentum in Digital Transformation (DX) and Green Transformation (GX) is creating new gaps for startups to fill. - Open Innovation: More Japanese corporations are looking to collaborate with agile, tech-forward startups than ever before. For our prospective founders in Tokyo, this report confirms that there has never been a better time to build and scale in Japan. Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gqjnt7vg 2025年、世界の注目が日本のスタートアップ・エコシステムへ 🌏 テックスターズのパートナーであるJETRO（日本貿易振興機構）から最新の「対日投資報告 2025」が公開されました。日本がグローバルなイノベーションと投資の主要拠点として急速に進化していることが示されています。 起業家や投資家が注目すべきポイント： - 過去最高の成長: エコシステムの���熟に伴い、対日直接投資（FDI）は新たな高みに達しています。 - 戦略的フォーカス: デジタルトランスフォーメーション（DX）とグリーントランスフォーメーション（GX）への強力な推進力が、スタートアップにとっての大きなチャンスを生んでいます。 - オープンイノベーション: かつてないほど多くの日本企業が、機動力のあるテックスタートアップとの連携を求めています。 起業家の皆様にとって、本レポートは、今こそが日本でビジネスを構築・拡大する絶好のタイミングであることを裏付けています。 レポート全文はこちら： https://lnkd.in/gqjnt7vg #JapanStartups #JETRO #Innovation #Investment #TokyoTech

How do Japanese startups break through borders and dominate the global stage? 🇯🇵✈️ The question isn’t just about how Japanese startups survive, it’s about how they dominate the global stage. Join Techstars Tokyo Accelerator and Plug and Play Japan on April 2nd at the Google for Startups campus for an evening dedicated to cross-border innovation. We’re moving past the theory and into the tactical: how do we bridge the gap between Tokyo and the global market? Register here: https://luma.com/jedisvtt The Agenda 4:30 PM: Doors Open & Registration 5:00 PM: Opening Remarks | A joint welcome from Techstars & Plug and Play. 5:10 PM: Panel Discussion | How Japanese Startups Can Win Globally & Expand Overseas. 5:40 PM: Founder Stories | First-hand accounts of scaling internationally (TBA). 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Networking & Drinks | Connect with founders, investors, and corporate partners. Who Should Attend? Founders: Early-stage Investors: VCs and Angel investors looking for high-growth opportunities Mentors: Ecosystem leaders dedicated to founder success. 📅 April 2nd | 4:30 PM 📍 Google for Startups Campus, Shibuya Space is limited and registration is subject to approval. Secure your spot here: 👉 https://luma.com/jedisvtt #JapanStartups #Techstars #GlobalExpansion #TokyoTech #Entrepreneurship

(日本語は下に続きます) We’re excited to share that Techstars and Global Brain Corporation have formalized a strategic partnership to strengthen the connection between Japan’s startup ecosystem and the global innovation network. Global Brain is one of Japan’s leading independent venture capital firms, with a powerful corporate innovation network and more than $2B in assets under management supporting startups globally. Together, we aim to create new opportunities for founders by combining Techstars’ global accelerator platform and founder network with Global Brain’s deep roots in Japan’s corporate and venture ecosystem. "This partnership represents a significant step in connecting the Japanese startup community with the global stage. By combining Global Brain's leadership, capital, and CVC expertise with our global accelerator model, we are creating exciting new ways to help founders succeed." - David Cohen, Techstars Founder and CEO For founders in Japan, this creates stronger pathways to scale internationally. For startups across the Techstars network, it opens deeper access to Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem and Asian markets. At Techstars Tokyo, we’re proud to be closely involved in building this bridge between Japan and the global startup community. Thank you to yasuhiko yurimoto, Hogil Doh, and the entire Global Brain team for the partnership. Read more: 🔗 Techstars announcement https://lnkd.in/g4MVGdZM 📰 Nikkei Asia coverage https://lnkd.in/ghpQ8jNP

Our 2025 alumni O-ID was featured in Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Japan’s leading daily covering manufacturing and industry. O-ID is building modular robots designed for existing factories with components that can be swapped in minutes instead of months. As Japan faces a rapidly shrinking workforce, innovations like this will play a critical role in supporting the country’s world-class manufacturing sector. We’re proud to support founders like Stian Jakobsen and the O-ID team as they build globally impactful companies from Japan. — Techstars Tokyoの2025年アルムナイであるO-IDが、製造業界向けの日刊紙「日刊工業新聞」に掲載されました。 O-IDは、既存の工場環境に導入可能なモジュール型ロボットを開発しており、日本の製造業が直面する人手不足への対応を支援しています。 日本発でグローバルに挑戦する起業家を支援できることを誇りに思います。 Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gecCbBWc #Techstars #TechstarsTokyo #Robotics #Manufacturing #StartupJapan

Final Call: Applications Extended for AWS Impact Bootcamp Tokyo! 🚀 (日本語続きます) Good news for founders! We’ve extended the application deadline for the AWS Impact Bootcamp in Tokyo until March 13th. If you’re a founder from an underrepresented background looking to scale your startup, this is your chance to get: Technical Training: Deep dives into building on AWS. Expert Advice: Real-world insights from industry leaders. High-Level Networking: Connect with investors and fellow founders. Don't miss out on this two-day intensive in partnership with AWS Startups. New Deadline: March 13th! Apply here: https://go.aws/4fiQ4x0 【期間延長】AWS Impact Bootcamp 東京、応募受付中！🚀 嬉しいお知らせです！AWS Impact Bootcamp の応募締切を 3月13日 まで延長いたしました。 社会的に支援が少ないバックグラウンドを持つファウンダーの皆様、この機会をお見逃しなく。ビジネスのスケーリングに不可欠な以下の機会を提供します： 技術トレーニング: AWSを活用した構築の核心を学ぶ。 実践的アドバイス: 業界リーダーによるリアルな知見。 ネットワーキング: 投資家や志を同じくする起業家との繋がり。 AWS Startups と共にお届けする、濃密な2日間のプログラムです。 新・締切日：3月13日！ お申し込みはこちらから：https://go.aws/4fiQ4x0

At Techstars, our mission is to help founders succeed. Ready to apply? Techstars Anywhere Remote Accelerator, ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator, Techstars AI Health Baltimore, Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator, Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, Techstars Healthcare Accelerator powered by Permanente Medicine Mid-Atlantic States, Techstars NYC, Techstars Space Accelerator, and Techstars Tokyo Accelerator are all accepting applications! Apply by June 10th to access the $220,000 offer and improved terms at  apply.techstars.com.

(日本語は下に続きます） Founders, this is your reminder! Applications for Techstars Tokyo 2026 close on May 6 (Japan time). If you are:
• Building from Japan and thinking globally
• Expanding into Japan
• Raising your next round
• Looking for world-class mentorship and investor access This is your moment. Over 13 intense weeks in Tokyo, you’ll work side-by-side with:
✔ 80+ Tokyo-based mentors
✔ 3,000+ global Techstars mentors
✔ 30+ visiting VCs during the program
✔ 100+ investors at Demo Day And you’ll join a global network of 5,000+ alumni companies who continue to support each other long after the program ends. Techstars is not just a program, it’s a lifelong network built on “Give First.” 📅 Deadline: May 6, 2026 (JST)
📍 Program Location: Tokyo
🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gNaEUDdV If you know an exceptional founder, tag them below or send this their way. Let’s build globally competitive companies out of Japan. #TechstarsTokyo #Accelerator #StartupJapan #GlobalExpansion #Founders 🚨 応募締切まであと２ヶ月 — Techstars Tokyo 2026 🚨 起業家の皆さまへ。 Techstars Tokyo 2026の応募締切は2026年5月6日（日本時間）です。 ・日本から世界を目指している
・日本市場への展開を考えている
・次の資金調達を目指している
・一流メンターや投資家と本気で向き合いたい そんな方にとって、この3ヶ月は大きな転機になります。 ✔ 東京拠点80名以上のメンター
✔ グローバル3,000名以上のネットワーク
✔ プログラム期間中に30社以上のVCが参加
✔ デモデイには100社以上の投資家が来場 そして何より、「Give First」の精神を持つ5,000社以上の卒業生ネットワークの一員になります。 📅 応募締切：2026年5月6日（日本時間）
📍 開催地：東京
🔗 応募はこちら：https://lnkd.in/gNaEUDdV 周りに素晴らしい起業家がいれば、ぜひシェアしてください。

This month, Techstars Tokyo had the pleasure of participating in the JETRO Startup Alumni Meetup 2026. The event brought together founders from over 2,000 alumni startups, alongside VCs, CVCs, and ecosystem supporters, all united around one goal: accelerating Japan’s global startup presence. We were especially proud to see three of our portfolio CEOs take the stage:  🎤 Stian Jakobsen （CEO, O-ID） 🎤 Kazuki Miyauchi（CEO, Cascade Inc） 🎤 Tatsunori Watanabe（CEO, Tokoshie Inc. (Techstars '25)） All shared insights on international expansion, building globally competitive companies from Japan, and navigating cross-border growth. The energy in the room was incredible with thoughtful panel discussions followed by meaningful networking with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners committed to supporting global ambition. A big thank you to the JETRO Startup team for organizing such a strong alumni gathering. Events like this play a critical role in strengthening Japan’s startup ecosystem and deepening international collaboration. We’re excited to continue working alongside partners like JETRO to help founders scale globally. — 今月、Techstars TokyoはJETRO Startup Alumni Meetup 2026に参加。2,000社以上のアルムナイスタートアップのファウンダー、VC、CVC、エコシステムパートナーが一堂に集まり、日本発スタートアップのグローバルプレゼンスを加速させるという共通のビジョンのもとに繋がりました。 今回、私たちが特に誇りに思ったのは、ポートフォリオの3名のCEOがステージに立ったことです：  🎤 Stian Jakobsen （CEO, O-ID） 🎤 Kazuki Miyauchi（CEO, Cascade Inc） 🎤 Tatsunori Watanabe（CEO, Tokoshie Inc. (Techstars '25)） 3名それぞれが、海外展開の実体験、日本からグローバルで勝つための会社づくり、クロスボーダー成長の現実を率直に語りました。パネルディスカッション後のネットワーキングも熱量が高く、グローバルな挑戦を本気で支援しようとするファウンダー・投資家・パートナーとの対話が会場のあちこちで続いていました。 JETRO Startup こうしたイベントこそが、日本のエコシステムを着実に世界へと押し上げる力になると、改めて確信しました！ 日本から世界を目指すファウンダーたちと共に、これからも前に進んでいきます。 #TechstarsTokyo #JETRO #StartupEcosystem #GlobalExpansion #GiveFirst 

We’re proud to join GITEX AI ASIA - Asia’s Largest & Most Global Tech, AI & Startup Event as an Ecosystem Partner, in Singapore on 9–10 April 2026. Thrilled to be part of a platform that unites innovators, founders, industry leaders, and global investors shaping the region’s next wave of tech acceleration. If you want to join us, registration is now LIVE:  🎟️ CONFERENCE PASS – BUY NOW AT 50% OFF Upgrade now. Insights from 𝟮𝟬𝟬+ experts of AI, quantum, cyber, data and more…  🆓 Get your 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 for: ⚡ 2 full days access of Asia’s biggest AI & tech exhibition with 600+ Enterprises & Startups ⚡ 16+ hours of Tech Talks & Elevate Stage insights ⚡ Front-row access to the Supernova Pitch Finals Get in before it sells out. 👉 https://shorturl.at/RK2gb 📍 9–10 April 2026 | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 🔗 gitexasia.com #GITEXAIASIA #TSTokyo

Honored to be included in anything with people I respect and like as much as David Bennett and Gen Tsuchikawa who are both top tier professionals and genuinely good people who want to be helpful. I learned so much from mentors early in my career, and am happy to have a chance to pay it forward. Kudos to Yuki Shirato for a wonderful program and recruiting so many amazing mentors.