On the 19th, US-based incubator giant Techstars launched its first-ever startup acceleration programme in Japan, Techstars Tokyo. A total of 12 companies — with 6 from Japan — will participate in the program, which will run for around 3 months and involve testing and improving business models.

In collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Mitsui Real Estate, Techstars will be running the program at Innovation Field Yaesu in Tokyo. Participating companies will each receive an investment of $120,000 (approximately 18 million yen), as well as guidance from entrepreneurs with experience in IPOs and sales.

Since its establishment in 2006, Techstars has run acceleration programs in 33 cities in 12 countries around the world, investing in over 4,400 startups. The company has produced 20 unicorn companies to date. Yuki Shirato, the representative for Japan, said, “we want to use the experience we have gained around the world to further develop Japan's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

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