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US pre-seed investor Techstars has partnered with Mitsui Fudosan, a Japan-based real estate corporation, and the governmental organisation Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to launch an accelerator.
Techstars Tokyo is the first equity-based accelerator in Japan. The fund will support early-stage entrepreneurs, providing them access to Japan’s ecosystem and new avenues that contribute to the growth of the Japanese economy.
Techstars Tokyo will select 12 early-stage startups. It will focus on Japanese and global companies developing the Japanese market. The selected startups will receive access to funding and training in Japan. Applications are being accepted until March 27, 2024.
Mitsui Fudosan supports startups through its corporate venture arm, 31Ventures. Founded in 2015, 31Ventures invests in real estate, security and energy sectors. Forty six companies are in its portfolio, including Josys, Caelux and Trove.
“Japan’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation. The dynamic and technological spirit that has characterised Japan for decades is reemerging thanks to significant support from its government as well as initiatives by domestic corporations,” said Charlotte Bruce, Techstars general manager for EMEA.
“It is an exciting time to be on the ground with JETRO and Mitsui Fudoson to foster entrepreneurship through the Techstars Tokyo accelerator program.”