#Japan #Tokyo #Startup Innovation #Takagi Building #BusinessOulu

Fostering a Thriving International Startup Community

On December 23, 2025, Takagi Building Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, and BusinessOulu, the employment and industry promotion agency of Oulu, Finland, signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting international market access for startups in both Japan and Finland. This MoU coincided with the "Polar Bear Pitching TOKYO," an event designed to facilitate international pitching opportunities, setting the stage for increased collaboration between both nations’ startup ecosystems.

The cooperation marks the first agreement of its kind between BusinessOulu and a Japanese private enterprise, establishing a significant partnership focused on fostering a startup ecosystem. This collaboration is built on mutual respect and aims to cultivate a borderless community where startups can thrive internationally. By leveraging their respective strengths, both Oulu and Tokyo seek to create a nurturing environment that encourages innovation and cross-border cooperation.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The MoU outlines several key areas where BusinessOulu and Takagi Building will cooperate:
1. Exchange of Expertise: Collaborative sharing of knowledge and best practices regarding startup support ecosystems.
2. Co-provision of Services: Mutual provision of services aimed at supporting startups.
3. Market Access Support: Utilizing both parties' networks and platforms to facilitate access to new markets.
4. Hosting Pitching Events: Organizing the Avant Pitching event as part of the Polar Bear Pitching initiative in Japan, culminating in national finals.
5. Creating Educational Opportunities: Identifying opportunities for collaboration in training programs and international events.

The driving force behind this MoU is to foster a global family-like community that respects and trusts one another, allowing members to challenge themselves comfortably as if at home. The cooperative spirit aligns with both parties' shared vision of a seamless integration of their startup ecosystems, leading to enhanced support for businesses entering international markets.

The Foundation of Trust

The relationship between Takagi Building and BusinessOulu was solidified during the events surrounding the Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo held on January 24, 2025, at the BIRTH LAB/WORK coworking space in Tokyo's Azabu-Juban. This event served as a platform for dialogue about startup support and international business exchanges, leading to an expanded collaborative outlook.

The exchange flourished further when, on June 2, 2025, a delegation from Oulu visited Tokyo for a side event at the Kansai Expo 2025. This gathering brought startups, educational institutions, and government officials together, sparking new discussions that would foster value creation across both nations.

As mutual interests in supporting startups and facilitating international exchanges matured, the idea of formalizing this relationship through the MoU emerged, culminating in a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing startup assistance and facilitating international market access.

Building a Startup Community

TAKAGI GROUP, through its BIRTH initiative, is actively working to create vibrant communities by connecting people with education, environmental issues, and industry innovators. Their coworking space, BIRTH LAB/WORK, creates an accommodating environment for startups, allowing a diverse range of sectors—including IT, finance, and creative industries—to collaborate and generate new projects and synergies.

The MoU with BusinessOulu is a remarkable step towards establishing the "coolest" cross-border startup community, leveraging their collaborative expertise to provide Japanese and Finnish startups with the tools necessary for successful international endeavors. Murmuring excitement surrounds the prospect of nurturing a community where everyone can confidently take risks, contributing to a richer global innovation landscape.

BusinessOulu: A Catalyzing Force in Finland

BusinessOulu is a public entity dedicated to supporting industrial and employment initiatives in Oulu, Finland's fifth-largest city. Oulu is recognized as Finland's capital in northern regions, leading globally in wireless communication technology research and development, specifically in 6G technology, health tech, and cleantech.

As an enabler of partnerships between academia, industry, and government, BusinessOulu plays a pivotal role in fostering new business creation and employment opportunities through collaborative efforts. Their goal is to bridge the technology and innovation clusters of Finland and Japan, providing companies with access to new markets to spur growth possibilities.

Comments from Leadership

• - Juha Ala-Mursula, Director at BusinessOulu, expressed, "Japan’s technology and innovation clusters are among the best globally, and our goal is to create a strong bridge between these clusters to help companies access new markets."
• - Takagi Hidetaka, CEO of Takagi Building, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This partnership is a significant milestone that reflects the trust and collaboration we’ve built together. We are committed to creating a community where talents from Finland and Japan can thrive and embark on new adventures in their careers."

Through this strategic partnership, both BusinessOulu and Takagi Building are poised to enhance their international startup ecosystems and cultivate a fertile ground for innovation and growth across borders.