Plug and Play Japan
Overview
Plug and Play Japan is the Japanese branch of the renowned Silicon Valley-based startup accelerator and venture capital firm, Plug and Play Tech Center. Founded in July 2017 and based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Plug and Play Japan focuses on accelerating startups and fostering innovation by partnering with Japanese corporations and startups. The company provides services similar to its parent organization in the U.S., including acceleration support and global market access. Key investors and partners include Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Tokyu Land Corporation, and other major Japanese corporations.
Recent Developments
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April 2025: Plug and Play Japan launched its first dedicated fund, "Plug and Play Japan Fund I," with an initial closing of over 3 billion yen (approximately USD 21.1 million). This initiative aims to support Japanese startups' global market access, with Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other significant backers.
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December 2024: For its Winter/Spring 2025 Batch Accelerator Program, Plug and Play Japan selected 54 startups from Japan and overseas. This initiative is part of their continuous efforts to connect innovative startups with major Japanese corporations for accelerated growth.
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June 2024: The Summer/Fall 2024 Batch Accelerator Program was launched, selecting 68 startups equally shared between Japanese and international origins, highlighting Plug and Play Japan's commitment to fostering an international innovation environment.
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March 2025: Plug and Play Japan collaborated with InsureTech Connect Japan to highlight digital transformation within the Japanese insurance industry, showcasing how tech can revolutionize services.
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January 2025: Plug and Play Japan was involved in ITC Japan 2025 as an innovation partner, emphasizing its role in connecting global and local market innovations.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | July 2017 |
| Headquarters | Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan |
| Founders | Not publicly specified |
| Revenue | Not publicly specified |
| Profits | Not publicly specified |
| Key Investors | Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Tokyu Land Corporation |
| Industry | Startup Acceleration, Venture Capital |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly specified |
Early History
Plug and Play Japan began its journey in July 2017 as an extension of the Plug and Play Tech Center, founded by Saeed Amidi in the United States. The idea behind this Japanese expansion was to tap into Japan's technologically advanced yet globally under-represented startup sector. The initiative received strong support from prominent organizations like Tokyu Land Corporation and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, enabling a robust foundation. Initially, Plug and Play Japan focused on developing a local ecosystem that facilitated innovation through partnerships and collaborations by 2020.
Company Profile and Achievements
Plug and Play Japan's business model is centered on acceleration and venture capital investment, leveraging its extensive global network to facilitate innovation in Japan. Their programs provide startups access to valuable corporate partners, mentoring, and global market entry opportunities.
Significant achievements include:
- 2017: Established the "SHIBUYA Startup 100" project, supporting promising local ventures.
- 2019: Announced plans for expansion beyond Tokyo to reach more startups across Japan.
- 2020: Successfully partnered with major corporations, enhancing their innovation capabilities through startup collaborations.
Their ecosystem thrives on included acceleration programs, cross-industry collaborations, and assistance with global business expansion, creating a nurturing environment for startups to thrive and compete internationally.
Current Operations and Market Position
Plug and Play Japan operates primarily through accelerator programs, offering startups business matching, networking, and mentoring to enhance innovation. They are pivotal in bridging Japanese startups with global markets, with ongoing plans to extend the geographic reach beyond Tokyo. Their market position is strong, backed by significant investments and partnerships, pioneering the innovation space in Japan.
Conclusion
Plug and Play Japan is a cornerstone in Japan's innovation ecosystem, driving startup growth and international market access. With the launch of its first startup fund and active participation in industry events, the company is set to enhance its role as a catalyst for innovation. As it continues to foster collaborations across industries, Plug and Play Japan holds promising potential in shaping a global startup landscape interconnected with Japan’s technological prowess.