Techstars Tokyo Accelerator

🌟 Mentors are what make Techstars unique! A huge thank you to everyone who joined the mentor webinars last week! Missed the webinars? No worries! We’re still on the lookout for exceptional mentors, especially those based in Tokyo. The program will be held in English starting Aug. 19 to Nov. 12. If you are (or know someone who is) an exited entrepreneur, angel investor, specialist (e.g., product, GTM, fundraise, etc.), please reach out to Yuki Shirato or Woojung Kim to learn more!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there🚀

Techstars is at IVS🔥 Come join the discussion or message Woojung Kim if you would like to connect!

Mentor Webinar is happening this week! Don't forget to sign up!

I am truly grateful for the overwhelming support and kind words on my new role as Managing Director of the Techstars Tokyo program. I am sorry for not having been able to respond to everyone yet. Now I am reaching out to ask your help!  If you are, or know someone who is, an exited entrepreneur, angel investor, specialist (e.g., product, GTM, marketing, fundraising) and would be willing to be a mentor to the inaugural Techstars Tokyo program starting on August 19, 2024, please sign up to mentor webinars: 📅June 27 and 28 at 9:30 AM JST 📍Online 🔗 RSVP at http://tsta.rs/1myu50SaE8Z Or if you are not available then, please DM me! We are selecting the best and brightest 12 startups hailing from Japan and abroad, creating a diverse and impressive mix of ambitious companies across various industries. Having been a mentor and advisor myself, I can personally attest to the immense satisfaction of sharing your experience and knowledge with founders who aspire to make the world a better place for future generations. Please join us on this exciting journey of nurturing the next wave of innovative startups!

I am proud to have been selected as Managing Director of the brand-new Techstars Tokyo Accelerator program. After being an angel investor to 50 startups individually and through my investment platform, Yakumi, an advisor to dozens of startups/VCs, and finally as a founder, I am thrilled to embark upon the new chapter in my startup journey. I could not have imagined a better way to start than by meeting the exceptionally talented leadership team and fellow MDs at Techstars HQ and attending Techstars Demo Days during Tech Week in NYC. Tokyo still lags behind its peer cities in most startup metrics. However, given the city’s favorable fundamentals and the changing perception of entrepreneurship by its government, large corporations and top talent, it has significant potential to grow as a global startup hub. Techstars is the world’s largest pre-seed investor / accelerator with over 4,500 portfolio companies through its global accelerator programs in 35+ cities. The new Tokyo program is supported by the Japanese government via JETRO Startup as well as Mitsui Fudosan. The very first cohort of our Tokyo program will consist of 12 Japanese and global startups which will be selected from the impressive companies from 79 countries / regions that applied. Your help is crucial for the success of our program and ultimately to transform Tokyo together. If you are an exited entrepreneur, angel or early stage investor and/or startup ecosystem builder, and would be willing to mentor or invest, please reach out to me! We will also have mentor webinars on June 27 / 28 (http://tsta.rs/1myu50SaE8Z). Please follow Techstars Tokyo Accelerator page for more news to come. 世界35以上の都市で 18年間にわたり アクセラレータを展開し、4,500 以上のスタートアップ（累積バリュエーションは1,136億ドル：約17.8兆円）に投資、Crunchbase によると世界最大のシード投資家として成功し続けてきた Techstars / テックスターズが（やっと）東京に来た意義は非常に大きいと思っております。 微力なが��、東京ひいては日本のスタートアップエコシステムの潜在力を存分に引き出すお手伝いが出来ればと思っておりますので、是非、メンターあるいは投資家としてご連絡頂き、ご指導ご鞭撻のほどよろしくお願い致します！

🌟 New York Techweek is Buzzing with Techstars Energy! 🚀 This week is ablaze 🔥 with the vibrant spirit of Techstars, as we witness the convergence of alumni and investors, alongside the Demo Days for our New York and Atlanta programs. Today’s New York Demo Day showcased 24 promising startups 🌱, each scaling new heights with the robust backing of Techstars mentors. The excitement doesn’t stop here! The Techstars Tokyo program kicks off in August, leading up to our Demo Day on November 12. We’re thrilled to ignite this fervor in Tokyo 🗼 and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Techstars team for their unwavering support during our stay. Stay tuned, as tomorrow brings the Atlanta program’s Demo Day! 🎉 Techstars team David Cohen Ryan Spillane Shirley Romig Matt Turnbull Christopher Franks Morgan Berman Keith Camhi Pooja Sinha Melissa Pegus Andres Barreto 🍇 Kirstin Hunter Audun Abelsnes Misti Cain Techstars Tokyo team Charlotte Bruce, PhD Asma Abbas Yuki Shirato Woojung Kim Kazuki Nobue Yusuke Shioyama Sayuri Kusama Noriya Tarutani Momoka Ueda #Techstars #TechstarsTokyo #DemoDay #NYTechweek #Techweek #givefirst

Thank you to our friends and partners from JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization for visiting Techstars in NYC for Demo Day. And to the exciting future ahead with Techstars Tokyo Accelerator. Noriya Tarutani, KEITA WATANABE, Morgan Berman , Matt Turnbull

Meet Yuki Shirato, Managing Director of Techstars Tokyo Accelerator! 👋 Three-time founder, startup guru, and global investor – Yuki is here to help founders reach new heights. "Every startup begins with an idea, but ideas are only the first step. I want to see founders who believe deeply in their idea and who can demonstrate their passion and commitment to building a business around it."

Introducing our new Managing Director, Yuki Shirato🚀 Check out this article to learn more about what Tokyo Program is about and Yuki's perspective on the startup ecosystem in Japan. We are also hosting a webinar for potential mentors on June 27, 28. Sign up and join, if you would like to meet with the Tokyo team:) 5 Questions with Yuki: http://tsta.rs/ASNg50SgAvH Mentor Webinar Sign up form: http://tsta.rs/N26450SgAvI