Celebrating Five Years of SPROUND: A Hub for Startup Growth and Innovation

SPROUND Celebrates Five Years of Fostering Startup Growth

As of September 28, 2025, SPROUND, an incubation office located in Shinagawa Intercity, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Operated by Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd. in collaboration with DNX Ventures, SPROUND has stood out as a cornerstone for nurturing early-stage B2B startups in Tokyo.

With the philosophy of "knowledge circulation" at its core, SPROUND has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of startups, fostering a vibrant community, and contributing to the expansion of Tokyo's startup ecosystem. Over the past five years, it has supported 48 companies and approximately 500 individuals, hosting more than 70 seminars and workshops along with over 180 networking events.

What is SPROUND?

Located on the 22nd floor of Shinagawa Intercity A, SPROUND opened its doors in September 2020. The name is a blend of "sprout," symbolizing growth, and "round," representing circulation—the essence of nurturing and sharing knowledge among startups. The facility aims to provide essential resources for startup development while creating a platform for sharing expertise among graduates and current tenants.

Achievements Over the Past Five Years

Here’s a glimpse into SPROUND's milestones:

1. Growth and Expansion of Tenants

SPROUND started its journey with just 9 companies and 34 individuals back in September 2020. As of September 2025, it has expanded to 48 companies with around 500 members. This diverse community includes startups from various regions, not only from Tokyo but also from rural areas, seeking opportunities to thrive and connect within the metropolitan ecosystem.

Graduating from SPROUND has become a notable achievement for many, with over 20 startups successfully completing their incubation journey and making significant strides in their respective industries.

2. Fundraising Success

An impressive milestone is that tenants at SPROUND have collectively raised over 30 billion yen in funding since their arrival. Many startups have successfully transitioned from seed funding to Series A funding rounds. This encouraging progress fulfills SPROUND's aim of nurturing startups through tangible support and mentorship across critical areas such as business development and financing strategies.

3. Educational Initiatives

SPROUND has also prioritized educational workshops and seminars. Collaborating with industry experts, it has hosted more than 70 sessions focused on areas crucial for startup sustainability, such as organizational development, customer acquisition, and sales strategies. Notably, these workshops have featured successful entrepreneurs in the B2B SaaS field, sharing their funding stories and insights with the next generation of leaders.

Additionally, a member-exclusive knowledge portal offers archived sessions, granting members 24/7 access to training and educational materials.

4. Community Building Initiatives

Understanding the unique challenges startups face, SPROUND has implemented community-building initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration among its members. Quarterly CEO forums encourage dialogue about challenges faced across different stages of business, while informal gatherings such as lunch meetings and after-work events facilitate relaxed networking opportunities.

Moreover, SPROUND also features recreational activities like futsal clubs, promoting both bonding and physical well-being among participants.

Upcoming Anniversary Celebration

In honor of its accomplishments, SPROUND is set to host the Annual SPROUND Party 5th on September 30, 2025. This event aims to reflect on the past five years and express gratitude towards all current and former members alongside partners. The evening will feature presentations by DNX's representative, and panels with successful entrepreneurs reflecting on their experiences at SPROUND.

About DNX Ventures

Founded in 2011, DNX Ventures operates primarily in Japan and the United States, investing in B2B startups. With a solid track record comprising 12 funds and approximately 101 billion yen under management, it has successfully backed 232 startups. Its investment focus includes cloud SaaS, fintech, and deep tech, paving the way for innovation across varied industries.

For more details on SPROUND, including its location and facilities, visit the official website: SPROUND.