This article covers the launch and impact of Techstars Tokyo, Techstars’ first accelerator program in Japan. It outlines the objectives of the program, the diversity of the inaugural 2024 cohort, the involvement of major partners like JETRO and Mitsui Fudosan, and its role in linking Japanese startups to global innovation networks. It also previews the 2025 program and its continued commitment to supporting frontier technologies.

In 2024, Techstars, the world’s most active pre-seed investor, launched its first accelerator program in Japan: Techstars Tokyo. This initiative, powered by partnerships with Mitsui Fudosan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), marked a significant milestone in Japan’s evolving startup landscape.

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A Strategic Launch in Tokyo

Techstars Tokyo was established as a sector-agnostic accelerator committed to advancing world-class startups from Japan and abroad. The program focuses on emerging technologies across industries, including Deeptech, Fintech, Cleantech, and Climatetech. Supported by the Cabinet Office, Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the accelerator aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan.

The inaugural program took place at Innovation Field Yaesu, located in Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, providing a central and accessible location for participating startups.

Inaugural Cohort: A Diverse Assembly of Innovators

The first cohort of Techstars Tokyo featured 12 startups selected for their innovative solutions across various sectors:

• Aman (Indonesia): Enhancing employee health benefits for SMEs.
• Amatama (Japan): Developing computational technology for humanoid robotics.
• Assethub (USA): Creating unique 3D models from images using AI.
• Digital Will Inc. (Japan): Providing an AI-enhanced platform for game developers.
• Dondon Technologies, Inc. (USA): Accelerating 2D anime production with AI tools.
• InfraHive (India): Offering data intelligence solutions for enterprises.
• March Health (USA): Developing an AI-first clinic for women’s health.
• Pioneerwork (Japan): Automating dropshipping for e-commerce.
• Samaria Inc. (Japan): Utilizing AI to globalize Japanese manga.
• Saner.ai (Vietnam): Improving knowledge management for workers with ADHD.
• StoryDrops (Finland): Creating a platform for sharing authentic audio messages.
• Undesk (Japan): Developing a multi-player browser to enhance team productivity.

This diverse group represented a blend of domestic and international talent, reflecting Techstars Tokyo’s commitment to fostering a global innovation community.

Program Highlights and Impact

Over the three-month accelerator program, startups received mentorship, funding, and access to a vast network of investors and industry experts. The program culminated in a Demo Day on November 12, 2024, where founders presented their ventures to a community of mentors and potential investors.

The inaugural program’s success was evident in the traction gained by participating startups, with several achieving significant milestones in partnerships and fundraising. The accelerator also played a pivotal role in uniting Japan’s startup ecosystem by collaborating with local partners like Google Japan for Startups and NVIDIA Japan for Startups.

Looking Ahead: Techstars Tokyo 2025

Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, Techstars Tokyo opened applications for its second cohort, set to commence in August 2025. The program continues to offer up to $120,000 in funding and access to a global network of mentors and investors. The upcoming accelerator will again be held at Innovation Field Yaesu, reinforcing Tokyo’s position as a burgeoning hub for innovation in Asia.

Techstars Tokyo’s establishment signifies a transformative step in integrating Japan’s startup ecosystem with global innovation networks. By bridging domestic and international entrepreneurial talent, the accelerator is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of startups in Japan and beyond.