#Japan #Tokyo #Uncovered Fund #TOKYO SUTEAM #IMA Corporation

New Initiative for Tokyo Startups Focused on Global South Expansion

IMA Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and Uncovered Fund, also based in Minato, Tokyo, have partnered to support Tokyo-based startups through a new initiative in the TOKYO SUTEAM project, a startup support initiative promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The program aims to assist startups in addressing social challenges and expanding their businesses in the Global South, specifically regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.

Overview of the Global South Co-Creation Program

With an objective to nurture innovative solutions, the program titled Global South Co-Creation Program (GSCP) encompasses a comprehensive approach to support around ten Tokyo-based startups. These startups will receive assistance in three key stages:
1. Developing Business Hypotheses
2. Market Validation and Partner Creation in Local Areas
3. Connecting with Domestic and International Business Partners and Investors

IMA and Uncovered Fund will collaboratively implement this program, providing mentorship, local research, and support throughout the process of bringing businesses to fruition.

Program Details

• - Duration: April 2026 to October 2026 (approximately 7 months)
• - Participation Fee: Free (up to 500,000 JPY per startup for local research expenses)
• - Target Participants: Approximately ten startups with bases or planned registrations in Tokyo
• - Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 (Applications will be screened on a first-come-first-served basis until the capacity is reached.)

For more detailed information and application guidelines, please visit this official site.

Timeline (Tentative Schedule)

• - April to May 2026: Refinement of business plans and domestic pre-investigation (desktop research)
• - June to July 2026: Local investigations in Africa and Southeast Asia
• - August to September 2026: Exploring collaboration with local partners, designing Proof of Concept (PoC), signing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and preparing for commercialization and fundraising
• - October 2026: Presentation of outcomes (Demo Day) planned

Info Session for Applicants

Online info sessions will be held for startups considering applying to the program. These sessions will provide an overview of the program, detailed support offerings, and case studies from the Global South market.

Scheduled Dates:

• - January 26, 2026, 19:00 - 20:00
• - January 30, 2026, 19:00 - 20:00

The content will be the same on both days.
Participation is free, and attendance is online. Sign up at this link.

Management Structure

This program will be operated in collaboration by the venture capital Uncovered Fund, which specializes in investments and business development in Africa and emerging markets, and IMA, which has a strong presence in the Southeast Asian market.

About Uncovered Fund

Uncovered Fund is a venture capital firm based in Japan that focuses on the Global South, particularly Africa and India. With investments in 36 companies, they have established a framework to support collaboration (PoC and JV) between their portfolio companies and Japanese firms. This partnership with Tokyo aims to institutionalize support for entrepreneurs tackling social issues in growth markets, thus accelerating cooperative efforts from Tokyo.

About IMA Corporation

IMA Corporation operates under the mission of “Shaking Things Up Now.” Their focus lies in creating solutions for social challenges through cross-sector and border collaborations that simultaneously drive value creation. IMA promotes diverse projects including co-creation events, local innovation, startup support, and business development assistance.

Company Information

• - IMA Corporation

CEO: Kei Unno
Established: March 18, 2020
Location: 4F, Sunrise Yamanishi Building, 1-20-10 Nishishinbashi, Minato, Tokyo
URL: ima-inc.world
Related Company: Sustainable Food Asia, Inc.

• - Uncovered Fund

CEO: Takuma Terakubo
Established: September 26, 2019
Location: 2-7-13 Kita-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
Business Focus: Venture investment and business development support for startups in the Global South, especially in Africa
URL: uncoveredfund.com
Email: [email protected]

For inquiries regarding this press release, please contact:
IMA Corporation: ima-inc.world