#United States #San Francisco #DelightX #Japanese Entrepreneurs

DelightX: Empowering Japanese Entrepreneurs in the Bay Area

The independent venture capital firm, Delight Ventures, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, has initiated the application process for the second round of its entrepreneur support program, DelightX. This unique program aims to support entrepreneurs specializing in AI-related businesses and takes place in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. The initiative is led by Tomoko Namba, with the vision of increasing the number of Japanese entrepreneurs competing on a global scale by encouraging them to take the first steps into the international market.

Overview of the First Round

The inaugural round of DelightX, which started in June 2025, saw 14 participants engage in the program in San Francisco, successfully launching new ventures in the area. The second round is set to commence in January 2026, following a rigorous selection process of about 1.5 months in Japan, after which successful candidates will receive startup funding to pursue their entrepreneurial efforts in San Francisco.

Timeline for Applications

• - Application Period: From October 23, 2025, to December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
• - Selection Stage: Mid-January to the end of February 2026.
• - Program Duration: April 1, 2026, to the end of September 2026.

Candidates will prepare for their entrepreneurial journey online with mentors, culminating in a hands-on experience in San Francisco.

Benefits of the Program

Participants will benefit from mentorship from local entrepreneurs and venture capitalists (VCs), as well as receive seed funding for their startups. A pre-program briefing is scheduled for December 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM, which will take place in a hybrid format, allowing for attendance both in-person and online. Notable speakers include Kiyoshi Kobayashi and Satoshi Naito, both seasoned entrepreneurs residing in San Francisco, along with Tomoko Namba, the managing partner of Delight Ventures, among other industry experts.

Highlights of the DelightX Program

Participants in the DelightX program will immerse themselves in the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay Area, where they will receive invaluable support from top-tier VCs and established Japanese entrepreneurs. The primary advantage of this program lies in the opportunity to engage directly with renowned venture capitalists and successful founders, an opportunity that is typically out of reach.

During the first round, notable mentors included Ann Miura-Ko of Floodgate and Ho Nam of Altos Ventures, who shared insights on key topics such as:

• - The structure of the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem.
• - What VCs look for in potential investments.
• - The mindset of successful entrepreneurs.
• - The speed of iteration needed in the AI era.
• - Key elements for successful fundraising and storytelling.
• - Common challenges faced by Japanese entrepreneurs.
• - How to find a co-founder.
• - Insights into the distinct growth trajectories of Silicon Valley founders.

Each session was marked by lively Q&A exchanges, where participants delved into discussions that helped refine their day-to-day decisions and strategies.

Local Activities and Continued Mentorship

A standout feature of the program is the local mentorship provided by Japanese entrepreneurs who have already made their mark in the Bay Area. In the first round, each of the 14 participants had access to seven dedicated entrepreneur mentors, offering diverse insights based on their unique challenges and business phases. Practical advice regarding local customer interviews and networking strategies proved invaluable for participants, enriched by the firsthand experiences shared by their mentors.

Additionally, Delight's venture capitalists and AI specialists from DeNA maintained close contact with participants, offering casual guidance on business challenges. Namba herself visited San Francisco multiple times, hosting intimate roundtable discussions that further enhanced the collaborative environment.

As participants gained hands-on experience, they began to understand the dynamics of the AI market and the speed of innovation in the Bay Area, leading many to conduct extensive customer interviews and refine their product strategies within just a month of arrival, with some even starting fundraising efforts early.

About the Selection Stage

For the second round of DelightX, an approximately 1.5-month online selection stage precedes the in-person program in San Francisco. Candidates will engage in activities that assess their ability to address customer needs, formulate solutions, and create prototypes using AI tools. These preparatory actions are crucial to engineering a competitive business proposal suitable for the San Francisco landscape.

About DelightX

DelightX is designed for Japanese and Japanese-descendant entrepreneurs seeking to harness the resources of the San Francisco Bay Area, recognized as the global hub for AI startups. By facilitating direct mentorship from thought leaders and providing essential networking opportunities, the program prepares participants for successful fundraising and entrepreneurship on the international stage.

For more details about the DelightX program and how to apply, visit the official DelightX website: DelightX Official Site.

Contact Delight Ventures

For more information about Delight Ventures, located at 1-4 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, visit their website: Delight Ventures Website. Engage with them on X: Delight on X.

Delight Ventures is committed to supporting entrepreneurs who strive to tackle significant challenges, leveraging their practical experiences to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.