#Japan #Tokyo #Startup #StartPass #Growth-Pass

StartPass Raises 220 Million Yen in a Pre-Series A Round

StartPass, a Tokyo-based company dedicated to providing platforms for startup ecosystem development, has successfully secured a total of 220 million yen in its pre-Series A funding round. This funding marks a significant milestone for the company, as it simultaneously rebranded its business to 'Startup Management Planning Room StartPass' to better reflect its mission of accelerating the foundational structure of Japan's startup industry.

The Challenges and Prospects of the Startup Market

In the early stages of a startup, founders wear multiple hats; they are not only visionaries but also active executors. They are responsible for every decision ranging from product development to customer acquisition and funding. However, before achieving Product-Market Fit (PMF), founders find themselves in a precarious position often characterized by their uncertainty. The support they have may be limited, and with a tight runway ahead, pressure to secure funding mounts. This urgency can lead to overextending oneself in meetings with investors, customers, and potential hires. Without a solid management strategy, these efforts can result in unsustainable 'slash-and-burn' growth.

This situation emphasizes the critical need for startups to focus on long-term growth preparation. The key to sustainable success lies in establishing the industry landscape five years ahead, defining the market category they aim to dominate, and clearly identifying necessary milestones and KPIs for achieving growth. Unfortunately, these essential activities often get sidelined due to the relentless grind of daily operations, leading many startups to miss opportunities crucial for preparing for the next funding round.

Acknowledging this gap, StartPass aims to shine a spotlight on the often overlooked area of 'growth preparation.' The goal is to support founders with data-driven insights and structured frameworks to ensure that their growth is not merely reliant on momentum, but rather is strategically accelerated. Our aspiration is to build a new foundation called the 'Startup Management Planning Room' and to create a society in which challenges can be tackled in a reproducible manner.

Track Record

Since its inception in 2022 with the launch of its 'Management Acceleration Cloud', StartPass has been steadily expanding as a supportive infrastructure for startup growth. To date, over 1,000 startups have utilized its services. Through alliances with key SaaS firms like Freee, the company supports the establishment of robust management foundations.

By 2025, StartPass aims to have its users account for approximately 7% of the startups that have successfully raised funding in Japan. Among users of the Growth-Pass program who are seeking investment, 44% secured initial acceptance within three months. Additionally, its CxO Matching Platform, 'CxO-Pass', boasts over 500 registered candidates, facilitating the combined functions of recruitment, funding, and partnerships via a network of managerial talent, investors, and industry experts.

Going forward, StartPass remains committed to 'structuring challenges' as a managerial infrastructure that contributes to both the sustainable growth of startups and the strengthening of industry foundations.

The Aggressive Growth Strategy of the Startup Management Planning Room 'StartPass'

Positioned as an integrated solution for startup management, StartPass is designed to automate and externalize the 'growth preparation' process. In the critical phase of decision-making and resource allocation, growth preparation typically takes a back seat. StartPass aims to implement structures that prioritize this critical area.

• - Management Acceleration Cloud

Starting at just 10,000 yen per month, the all-in-one startup management passport known as the 'Management Acceleration Cloud' has already been adopted by over 1,000 startups. Collaborating with a network of more than 200 investors and experts, StartPass supports founders in their ambitions.

• - Growth-Pass

The Growth-Pass program offers startups the architectural framework for their growth strategies. As of October 2025, 44% of users have received preliminary investment approvals within three months, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.

Introduction of Shareholders

StartPass welcomed Mobile Internet Capital (MIC), established in 1999 and recognized for facilitating IPOs for 24 companies, as its lead investor. Insightful industry experts and companies have also placed their trust in StartPass.

Comments from Lead Investors

Mobile Internet Capital (MIC)
President/General Partner, Shin Motoki states:
"I met President Kobayashi back in 2015 during the App Broadcast days. Although we didn’t collaborate then, I’ve watched him persistently face challenges since. Now, as MIC’s lead investor, I am deeply moved by our collaboration. StartPass’s mission significantly aligns with the challenges we’ve been addressing for the past 25 years. Together, I believe we can elevate Japan’s startup ecosystem further."

Mobile Internet Capital (MIC)
Partner, Yasuhiro Inagaki adds:
"I’m very excited to participate as a lead investor in this round. StartPass has carved out a unique position as a collection point for seed startups. By blending financial and commercial insights, it possesses the potential to accelerate the evolution of startup support infrastructure. I wholeheartedly support CEO Kobayashi’s dedication to tackling industry challenges. Our aim is to contribute to the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem together."

Event Announcement

In the nascent stages of a startup, organizing accounting processes is crucial for establishing trust with investors and accelerating growth. StartPass and Freee co-host an online seminar aimed at equipping startups with the tools they need to manage finances effectively.

What You’ll Learn

• - How to transition from 'Excel Management' to utilizing numbers as a strategic advantage
• - What constitutes 'organized accounting' that earns investor trust
• - Ways to systemize your accounting with Freee so that business speeds are maintained

Participation Details

Date: November 11th, 2025, from 5 PM to 6 PM
Platform: Zoom (Online)
Target Audience: Startup founders, CFOs, accounting personnel, or anyone looking to improve their financial management processes.
Register Here

Company Overview

• - Company Name: StartPass Inc.
• - CEO: Shōya Kobayashi, Founder and CEO
• - Location: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, 24F, 2-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-0224
• - Business Description: Development and provision of startup management planning room 'StartPass'
• - Established: November 2021
• - Capital: 147,243,650 yen
• - Website: StartPass