#Japan #Tokyo #Startup Genome #GSER2025

Tokyo's 11th Place in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025

In a significant achievement, Tokyo has been ranked 11th in the recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (GSER2025). This flagship report, published by Startup Genome in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) during the VivaTechnology 2025 event in Paris, is recognized as a comprehensive study on global startup ecosystems. Utilizing the industry's largest and highest-quality dataset, the report analyses data from over 5 million startups across more than 350 innovation ecosystems worldwide.

Insights from the GSER2025

GSER2025 offers fresh insights into major global innovation ecosystems, highlighting key trends that foster entrepreneurial success, investment flows, and policy strategies. Alongside the rankings of the top 40 global startup ecosystems and the top 100 emerging ecosystems, it also features regional rankings. Rooted in over a decade of unique research by Startup Genome and expertise from a consortium of representatives from over 65 countries, this report provides extensive data analysis on startup activity and investment patterns. It aims to equip policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and entrepreneurs with evidence-based strategies to strengthen the startup community, which is a powerful catalyst for job creation and economic growth.

Tokyo's Achievements in GSER2025

The highlights from Tokyo's inclusion in GSER2025, developed in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, include:

• - 11th in the Global Startup Ecosystem: Tokyo is recognized as a top-tier startup hub amidst a global decline of 14% in ecosystem value, having generated an ecosystem value of $68 billion from July 2022 to December 2024, reflecting an average growth rate of 3% compared to the period from July 2020 to December 2022.
• - Third in Knowledge Creation: Tokyo is ranked third globally and third in Asia for knowledge-based ecosystems.
• - Top 10 Performance: It stands among the top 10 ecosystems globally and in Asia for performance metrics.
• - Talent and Experience: Tokyo ranks in the top 15 globally for talent and experience, and in the top 5 for Asian ecosystems.
• - Funding: It is among the top 20 ecosystems globally for fundraising and was in the top 10 for Asia.

Factors Driving Startup Growth in Tokyo

Tokyo's startup ecosystem is notably bolstered by sectors such as AI, quantum technology, and food tech, supported by significant research and development investments, international partnerships, and government-backed innovation programs. From 2024 to 2025, the rise of AI unicorns, initiatives toward the industrialization of quantum technology, and global accelerator programs for food innovation signal a robust trajectory for Tokyo's startups.

Why Startups Choose Tokyo

Tokyo offers strategic access to both domestic and international markets, enhanced by initiatives like 'Access to Tokyo' and a two-year startup visa program. Between 2024 and 2025, new public-private funding partnerships, the expansion of hyperscale data infrastructure, and national programs focusing on talent and innovation will further solidify Tokyo's position as a leading innovation hub.

A Statement from Startup Genome Japan

Nobuhiro Nishiguchi, the representative of Startup Genome Japan, expressed delight over Tokyo’s ranking in the GSER, noting that despite global economic challenges, the resilience and dynamism of Tokyo’s ecosystem have led to impressive growth. The high ratings in knowledge, performance, talent, and fundraising reflect the foundation's strength in Tokyo's startup ecosystem. He emphasized that innovations in AI, quantum technology, and food tech, driven by solid R&D investments and strategic partnerships, are promising developments for the future. Nishiguchi commended the proactive efforts of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to the growth and global competitiveness of Tokyo’s startup ecosystem.

Tokyo's Initiatives to Foster Innovation

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the "Startup International Finance City Strategy Office" in April 2023 to accelerate Japan's economic growth through the resolution of societal challenges and industrial development via startups and the financial market. Their initiatives like the Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) and SusHi Tech Tokyo are aimed at creating a wide range of innovations. Furthermore, the Tokyo Consortium, managed by the Tokyo Government, includes various stakeholders like large corporations, startups, and universities, working together to construct a world-leading ecosystem.

About Startup Genome

Startup Genome is a leading organization dedicated to developing innovation ecosystems, collaborating with over 180 economic and innovation ministries across more than 65 countries as well as public and private entities. Their efforts focus on promoting startup success and ecosystem growth, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of new economies for all cities and countries. Clients utilizing Startup Genome's strategies achieve a 59% faster enhancement of ecosystem value compared to peers.

For more details, download the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 here.