Japan startup support Association
AcceleratorOsaka · Pre-Seed–Growth
Also known as 一般社団法人日本スタートアップ支援協会
Investment thesis
The association was created by founders of listed companies to build a startup ecosystem in Japan, passing on lessons from their own pre- and post-IPO experiences so the next generation of entrepreneurs can avoid similar mistakes. It combines high-level mentoring from former executives, a 'pump-priming' association fund with advisors acting as LPs to enable sound capital policy and financing, and external networks of sponsors, advisory firms and member companies to grow revenue. It aims to help members reach EXIT via IPO or M&A, targeting 100 exits (20 IPOs, 80 M&As) by 2032, thereby increasing business formation, tax revenue and employment.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
What they invest in
from 4 of 59 portfolio companiesSaaS ×2B2B Marketplaces ×1E-commerce ×1Enterprise Software ×1HR Tech ×1Impact & Social Good ×1Marketing Tech ×1Social ×1
HQs:Japan×2Germany×1
Portfolio companies · 59 tracked
alumni founders can tell you what the program is really likeJimdo provides digital tools for self-employed people and small business owners, including a website builder, online store, a Legal Text Generator, and Facebook for Business integration.
E-commerceMarketing TechSaaSGermany, DE
LINE is a messaging and voice communication platform that offers free calls and messages to users worldwide.
Social
Hanowa is a matching platform that connects dental healthcare workers (such as dental hygienists) seeking flexible work with dental clinics needing staff for specific shifts.
B2B MarketplacesHR Tech
A disaster preparedness supply management service that handles procurement, inventory tracking, expiration monitoring, and storage optimization for corporate clients in Japan.
Enterprise SoftwareImpact & Social GoodSaaS
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Japan startup support Association invest at?
- Japan startup support Association invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What sectors does Japan startup support Association focus on?
- Japan startup support Association focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Cleantech, Cybersecurity, Digital Health, E-commerce, EdTech, Energy, Fintech, FoodTech, Healthtech, HR Tech, IoT, Marketing Tech, Mental Health, Robotics, SaaS, Sector Agnostic, Sports Tech.
- Where is Japan startup support Association located?
- Japan startup support Association is headquartered in Osaka, JP.
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