#Funding

Global Brain and Techstars form strategic partnership to connect Japan’s startup ecosystem to the world

Resona Bank and Toyo Seikan join Cross Capital Fund

Japan updates Space Strategy Fund to accelerate commercial space development

JAL launches JAL Innovation Fund II

Kepple launches ¥15 billion fund targeting late-stage startups to avoid small-scale IPOs

New rules for “Foreign Funding for Startups” revise Japan's unique practices

SMBC enters startup business development

Japanese VCs closing gap on US with new, larger funds

Mizuho FG and UPSIDER launch 14.3 billion fund

Shizuoka launches startup collaboration contest

Domestic startup funding rises 38% to 52.8 billion yen in May

Chiba University and Chiba Bank establish 500 million yen startup fund

Building a Future Startup Ecosystem from Kitakyushu - The Challenge of COMPASS Kokura

Located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, the coworking space "COMPASS" functions not only as a workspace but as an incubation facility nurturing the next generation of startups. We spoke with Mr. Fukuoka, the operations manager who is striving to create a new wave of innovation in Kitakyushu, a city known for manufacturing, about the reality of startup support and the potential for regional business creation.

Kansai Mirai Bank makes first investment from startup support fund

Hololive’s IPO: why a virtual talent agency became a real‐world market darling

On March 27, 2023, Cover Corporation, the operator of Hololive, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market with a market capitalization of 70 billion yen. This marked the world's first IPO for a company specializing in virtual talent. The company's vertically integrated “content × tech” model, which includes owning avatar IP and in-house development of motion capture and streaming infrastructure, was recognized by the capital market.

MUIC makes its first investment in OUGI, an tourist business for high-net-worth individuals

Japan’s Bold Startup Gamble: 100 Unicorns in 5 Years

The Japanese government announced its ‘Startup Development Five-year Plan’ in November 2022. Now-former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida presented the Five-Year Startup Plan as part of his grand design for a new form of capitalism in Japan. While Abenomics led to higher stock prices and corporate profits, it did not translate into higher wages.

Utsunomiya promotes space industry through version of Furusato Tax

Hokkaido University startup Letara pioneers new solid rocket engine

"Towards Safe Maritime Navigation: Making Autonomous Navigation the Global Standard" Yujin Kimura, Eight Knot

Fascinated by his beloved sea, Kimura founded his company after a "terrible" first sailing experience. We spoke with him about his challenges in developing the autonomous navigation platform "Eight Knot AI CAPTAIN" to make maritime navigation safer worldwide, how he overcame those obstacles, and his message for future entrepreneurs.

Kitakyushu: the city of steel

Kitakyushu is the second most populous city in the Kyushu region. Formerly known as the Kitakyushu Industrial Zone, one of four major industrial zones in Japan, Kitakyushu was famous for its steel industry thanks to the Imperial Steel Works, the second steel mill built in Japan and the largest in the country for some time after its construction in 1896.

Kyushu University to strengthen startup support with new funding cycle

Tohoku Impact Fund announces first investments

Habitto raises 1.8 billion yen in Series A funding