#Japan #Tokyo #Plug and Play #Startup Ecosystem

Global Partner Recruitment for International Startup Events

In a bid to enhance Tokyo's international presence as a premier startup ecosystem, a new initiative titled "Reiwa 7 Global Exchange Activation Project" has been launched. This project aims to attract overseas startups and expand global networks through English-centric events and networking opportunities.

As the startup landscape rapidly globalizes, Japan still faces challenges due to language and cultural barriers, making it a daunting market for foreign startups and investors. To address this, the initiative strives to create connections with global players, accelerate international exchanges, and increase interest from abroad.

Plug and Play Japan operates as the Japanese base of a global innovation platform that spans around 60 locations worldwide. The organization is committed to supporting both domestic and international startups while promoting open innovation. By leveraging its strengths—such as existing networks, event management expertise, and multilingual staff—Plug and Play Japan aims to contribute to the formation of an international startup ecosystem in Tokyo.

Core Activities

The initiative is built on two main pillars intended to foster exchanges with overseas talent:

1. Launch of Business Salon: "Plug into TOKYO - Connected by Innovation"
Utilizing its community space, "Playground," in Shibuya, Plug and Play Japan will operate a community salon that allows interactions between foreign startups, international entrepreneurs, and local startups as well as major corporations and support organizations. Visitors will have the opportunity for business matchmaking, information exchange, and networking on a daily basis, ultimately supporting foreign startups in their efforts to enter the Japanese market.

2. Hosting Networking Events
Around 10 annual seminars targeted at overseas startups will address various aspects of entering the Japanese market, including business customs, legal regulations, and funding environments. These events will feature networking opportunities for salon users and will be co-hosted in collaboration with businesses and organizations to facilitate connections among participants and foster business creation.

Call for Co-hosting Partners

Plug and Play Japan is currently inviting corporations and organizations to co-host events aimed at facilitating interactions with international startups and foreign entrepreneurs. Approximately ten events are planned for the year, and partners will collaboratively explore themes and target participants, ultimately taking part in the planning and execution.

Example Event Themes:

• - Tech Meetups and Networking Events

Engage foreign startups and Japanese companies or VCs in networking or pitch events that can spark collaboration.

• - Career Consultation and Recruitment Fairs

Connect foreign entrepreneurs interested in hiring Japanese talent with recruitment agents for individuals looking to work at foreign companies.

• - Seminars on Entering the Japanese Market

Offer practical seminars with experts on topics like Japanese business customs, laws, funding landscapes, and visa applications.

• - Multicultural Living Support Sessions

Share insights on living in Japan targeting foreign entrepreneurs concerned about housing, education, and healthcare.

• - Regional Collaboration Events

Facilitate exchange programs that explore expansion into areas outside Tokyo and collaborative opportunities.

Event Formats:

• - Most events will be held at Plug and Play Japan’s office, "Playground," accommodating up to 100 attendees.
• - Flexible formats include seminars, workshops, meetups, pitches, and exhibitions tailored to various objectives.
• - Bilingual staff will be available for both Japanese and English, ensuring smooth event management.
• - Online and hybrid formats can be arranged as needed.

Potential Co-hosting Organizations:

• - Startup support agencies, VCs, CVCs, incubators, universities, research institutions, educational NPOs, regional government offices, foreign chambers of commerce, embassies, trade promotion organizations, HR and recruitment firms, and companies providing products and services for startups.

Benefits of Co-hosting:

• - Access to diverse segments in the well-known Shibuya area among foreigners.
• - Complimentary venue and equipment costs, along with support for event operations (subject to prior approval).
• - Opportunities for branding, recruitment, business collaboration, and international expansion.
• - Build relationships with global innovators and explore new business ideas.

Please note that proposals for event co-hosting will be assessed based on timing, content, and various factors, and there may be instances where co-hosting cannot be confirmed, so we appreciate your understanding in advance.

If you're looking to create connections with overseas entities or start something new with global peers, we encourage companies and organizations interested in pioneering new forms of international exchange to reach out to us for collaboration. We welcome inquiries to collaborate from the planning stage onward.

Contact Information for the Project:
Plug and Play Japan
Contact: Daisho Ito
Email: [email protected]

About Plug and Play Japan

Established as a top-tier accelerator and venture capital firm in Japan, Plug and Play Japan leverages its global network to provide support in innovation for large corporations, runs cross-industry accelerator programs, facilitates startup investments, and assists in overseas expansion for startups through partnerships with governments and municipalities. We aim to foster collaboration between innovative startups and major corporations that have significant technological advancements.

Website: Plug and Play Japan

Company Overview:

• - Name: Plug and Play Japan, Inc.
• - Address: 1F, Shibuya Dogenzaka Tokyu Building, 1-10-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
• - President: Vincent Philip
• - Established: July 14, 2017
• - Website: Plug and Play Japan