Techstars, the rapidly-growing global investment, and accelerator network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, today announced a new program supporting 50 Japan-based startups in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Cabinet Office, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). Taking place from February to April, the 10-week “Startup City Acceleration Program” will provide local startup businesses with guidance and hands-on mentorship, while also helping them progress toward overseas expansion by making connections with worldwide investors and business partners.
“Today’s global environment has become a source of demand for new ideas and progress toward innovation across everything from healthcare to climate change, but at the same has restricted the collaboration and resources needed to propel promising innovations toward success,” said Maelle Gavet, Techstars chief executive officer. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to support these startup ecosystems and help entrepreneurs make the connections they need to advance their businesses.”
Techstars has funded more than 2,300 startups including companies such as SendGrid, DigitalOcean, Zipline, Outreach, Remitly, Classpass, Pillpack and DataRobot. Collectively, Techstars’ portfolio has raised more than $11.7 billion from investors and is currently worth more than $185 billion today. The Techstars portfolio includes 12 unicorns – privately held startups worth more than $1 billion – and its success with thousands of startups across the globe offers a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators participating in the Startup City Acceleration Program.
The 50 Japanese companies selected to participate in the program are from four key startup ecosystems, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Kansai, and Fukuoka. Industries and fields of these companies span a variety of sectors, such as robotics, hardware, materials, advanced manufacturing, AI, blockchain, and IT services, among others.
Techstars CEO, Maelle Gavet, went on to say, “We believe that great ideas can come from anywhere and we are committed to driving greater diversity in the technology and investment sectors outside of Silicon Valley. Japan has an incredible history of innovation with a strong potential for growth and transformation. The Startup City Accelerator Program will be one of the most innovative and interesting programs we have run to date, and we look forward to helping unlock its potential.”
