#Japan #Tokyo #Startup #Tokyo Founders day #Transpose Platform

Tokyo Founders’ Day 2025: A Call to Action for Japanese Entrepreneurs

On November 14, 2025, Transpose Platform, in collaboration with the Japan Innovation Network (JIC) and IVS, will host the "Tokyo Founders’ Day 2025" event, emphasizing the theme "Go Global From Day 1". This gathering aims to shift the mindset of Japanese entrepreneurs, encouraging them to look beyond domestic challenges and set their sights on global markets right from their startup inception.

The Challenges Facing Japan

According to World Population Review, as of 2025, Japan is projected to have only 9 unicorn companies, while the US boasts an impressive 712. This disheartening disparity highlights the pressing need for Japanese entrepreneurs to avoid optimizing solely for a shrinking domestic market. Instead, they must embrace the idea of targeting global markets from the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys.

As Alex Bangash, Founder of Transpose Platform, remarked, "Japan is home to many exceptionally talented young individuals capable of thriving on a global stage. However, an overemphasis on solving local problems often leads them to miss critical opportunities for international expansion, ultimately keeping them confined within domestic boundaries. This event aims to transcend such limitations and foster a new perspective and opportunities centered around the global market."

Event Overview

Tokyo Founders’ Day 2025 - Go Global From Day 1
Date: November 14, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Venue: Shibuya Scramble Square QWS
Organizers: Transpose Platform, Japan Innovation Network (JIC), IVS
Registration Link: Register Here

The speaker lineup is impressive, featuring:

• - Alex Bangash (Founder, Transpose Platform)
• - James Tan (Partner, Transpose Platform)
• - Jon Xu (General Partner, Y Combinator)
• - Toshiyuki Kumura (CIO, Japan Innovation Network)
• - Yuka Hata (Executive Officer, Japan Innovation Network)
• - And many accomplished CEOs from various YC-backed companies.

Schedule Highlights

• - 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Registration and Coffee Networking
• - 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM: Opening Remarks by Alex Bangash
• - 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM: Fireside Chat with Jon Xu and James Tan
• - 10:50 AM - 11:05 AM: Keynote Speech by Toshiyuki Kumura
• - 11:05 AM - 11:45 AM: Roundtable Discussion moderated by Yuka Hata
• - 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM: Discussion on the San Francisco Tech Scene
• - 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM: Startup Demos by Atum Works
• - 12:50 PM - 2:00 PM: Networking Lunch

Additionally, leading up to this main event is a pre-event Hackathon hosted by Transpose Platform, supported by OpenAI, taking place on November 12, 2025. This initiative encourages talented engineers and students in Japan to create innovative products utilizing AI/code generation technology, all under the guidance of seasoned Y Combinator alumni judges.
Hackathon Registration Link: Register Here

Who Should Attend?

Tokyo Founders’ Day is designed for young entrepreneurs and student entrepreneurs at the early stages of fundraising and product development. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to leverage AI technology for business development or considering applying to Y Combinator.

As Hal Morimoto, Senior Director at Transpose Platform, stated, "We hope this event inspires participants to take their next steps, whether that means applying to Y Combinator or rethinking their strategies for global expansion."

About Transpose Platform

Transpose Platform, based in San Francisco, focuses on supporting the growth of early-stage entrepreneurs. Since its inception, it has collaborated with top funds and accelerators, including Y Combinator and Entrepreneur First, to nurture over 83 unicorns and more than 1,000 early-stage companies. In Japan, Transpose is striving to embed the culture of "Go Global From Day 1" through its collaboration with JIC and IVS.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to:
Kyosuke Togami
📩 [email protected]
🌐 Transpose Platform

Disclaimer: This release is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to invest in any securities. Participation in the event does not create any client-advisor or investment-related relationship with Transpose Platform.