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Strengthening Japan's Venture Capital Landscape

In an exciting development for Japan's venture capital ecosystem, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Coolwater Capital have officially introduced Cohort 2 of their Emerging Fund Manager Accelerator. This initiative follows the resounding success of their inaugural program, which has set a new standard for venture capital training and growth in Japan.

A Look Back at Cohort 1

The first cohort of this innovative program was nothing short of transformative. It selected 17 General Partners (GPs) from a pool of hundreds of applicants nationwide. These participants collectively aimed to raise upwards of $500 million. Notable features of the program included:

• - Intensive training sessions led by top-tier U.S. venture capitalists.
• - A significant event—the Japan Innovation Summit—which saw attendance from over 125 entrepreneurs and investors in San Francisco.
• - Direct engagement with elite VC firms, facilitating invaluable knowledge transfer across borders.

According to Winter Mead, Founder and CEO of Coolwater Capital, the results from the first cohort were promising, highlighting new fund launches and engagement with global Limited Partners (LPs). He expressed optimism about Cohort 2, stating, "We are excited about scaling that impact and strengthening the foundational infrastructure necessary for Japan's venture capital future."

In a similar vein, Tatsuhiko Shiono, Director of JETRO Startup, affirmed, "The results of Cohort 1 proved Japan's potential on the global VC stage. We're thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Coolwater and support more fund managers in their quest to go global.”

What to Expect in Cohort 2

Cohort 2 is not just a continuation but a significant enhancement of the original program. Key updates include:

• - Expanded Coaching: Participants will benefit from enhanced training that focuses on brand positioning and fundraising strategies.
• - Increased Shared Services: Additional resources for LP strategy and investor relations will be available to help newcomers navigate challenges in fundraising.
• - Localized Support: Offering a hybrid approach to training which caters to the need for both in-person and remote learning.
• - Community Building: A new podcast and content community for alumni aims to foster connections and continued collaboration amongst past program graduates.

Important Dates and Structure

Cohort 2's application process runs from June 11 to July 16, 2025, with the program launching from September 9-11 in Tokyo. The accelerator consists of eight distinct modules spread across three months, designed to promote networking and real-world engagement through office hours and meetups. The grand finale will occur at the Coolwater Investor Summit from November 17-19, 2025, in New York.

The entire program will be conducted in English, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of participants, including:

• - Emerging venture capital managers
• - Former founders seeking a new path in VC
• - Tech executives interested in transitioning into investment roles
• - Institutional investors captivated by bold, Japan-focused investment theses.

About Coolwater Capital

Founded in the innovative hub of San Francisco, Coolwater Capital has already made its mark on the global stage by supporting over 300 emerging funds. The firm has successfully assisted in raising over $5 billion and has funded more than 8,400 startups worldwide, indicating its substantial expertise and commitment to nurturing new talent in venture capital.

About JETRO

As a vital component of Japan's economic framework, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) exists to foster innovation and amplify global trade and investment opportunities for Japanese businesses. Its collaboration with Coolwater underscores its dedication to empowering the next generation of fund managers in Japan.

In conclusion, as JETRO and Coolwater Capital embark on this next chapter, the emphasis on building a robust venture capital infrastructure is set to position Japan at the forefront of global innovation. With impactful training, expanded networking opportunities, and a commitment to nurturing talent, Cohort 2 promises to be a pivotal element in shaping the future of venture capital in Japan.