Techstars, the world’s largest pre-seed investor, has partnered with Mitsui Fudosan, a prominent global real estate developer headquartered in Tokyo, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch a new accelerator program in Japan. This collaboration, named Techstars Tokyo, is designed to support early-stage companies with a global perspective, offering assistance to entrepreneurs aiming for international expansion or entry into the Japanese market.
Building on Techstars’ ecosystem development initiatives, such as Founder Catalyst and Startup Weekend, Techstars Tokyo expands its support for entrepreneurs in their early stages. The Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator, in collaboration with JETRO, has already benefitted over 100 founders in Japan, providing a comprehensive 10-week program covering startup fundamentals, mentorship, community building, and access to Techstars’ global network. Additionally, Startup Weekend events in Japan have engaged over 27,000 entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Mitsui Fudosan, through its venture arm 31VENTURES, actively promotes startup innovation globally and collaborates with JETRO on initiatives with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to attract global startup accelerators and venture capital firms to Japan. Mitsui Fudosan will invest in an investment vehicle managed by Techstars to fund startups selected for the Techstars Tokyo accelerator program, aiming to support innovative startups and enhance Japan’s global competitiveness by strengthening connections between the Japanese startup ecosystem and the global entrepreneurial community.
The upcoming 13-week Techstars Tokyo accelerator program will be designed as a hybrid, allowing founders to participate both in-person in Denver and remotely, providing accessibility to startups globally regardless of their stage or location. Entrepreneurs interested in joining the program can find more information on the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator website, with applications accepted until March 6, 2024.
Founded in 2006, Techstars operates with the belief that entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in shaping a better future, and innovative ideas can emerge from any part of the world. Techstars aims to invest in an unprecedented number of startups annually, facilitating increased capital flow to entrepreneurs worldwide through accelerator programs, venture capital funds, and connections between startups, investors, corporations, and cities.
