Mint Launches New Cycle of Free Office Support for Startups

Mint Unveils 29th Cycle of FLAP: A Free Office Support Program for Entrepreneurs

Mint, a venture capital company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 29th cycle of its free office support program, FLAP. This initiative is tailored for entrepreneurs in the preparatory and early stages of their businesses. Starting today, applications are open for up to five selected companies, which will receive six months of complimentary office space along with various support programs.

What Is FLAP?

FLAP stands for Free Office & Entrepreneur Community, aimed at helping startup founders reduce initial costs associated with setting up their businesses. Participants benefit from 24/7 access to the incubation office "ivy," located just a six-minute walk from Shibuya Station. This location not only serves as an office but can also be used as a registered address, significantly reducing the financial burden of renting and maintaining office space.

Unlike conventional accelerator programs that demand rigid schedules, FLAP encourages a community-focused approach where entrepreneurs work collaboratively, leveraging peer support and collective problem-solving. This structure allows founders to dedicate more of their valuable time to business development while enjoying the benefits of shared experiences and networking.

Since its inception in August 2018, FLAP has seen the participation of over 120 startups through its 28 preceding cycles. The program operates on a quarterly basis, reflecting mint's commitment to provide support at any stage of a startup's journey. Many previous participants have successfully secured funding from venture capitalists and completed mergers and acquisitions, with mint investing in 17 of these startups.

Benefits of Joining FLAP

1. Free Access to Ivy:
Each selected startup will receive free access to the office space at ivy for six months. This alleviates the pressure of establishing an office or finding rent space and allows participants to focus more on business strategy. Moreover, ivy offers a prime location for registrations.

2. Service for FLAP:
To ease initial financial burdens, FLAP provides discounts and free packages for various business tools and connections with legal and taxation specialists. This assistance aims to minimize costs associated with business preparation and validation.

3. Network with Fellow Entrepreneurs:
Participants have the chance to network with peers who are at similar stages in their entrepreneurial journey. Past participants have included a diverse range of entrepreneurs, from seasoned veterans to recent student entrepreneurs, offering valuable insights and shared learning experiences.

4. Networking Opportunities with Experts and Leaders:
FLAP presents opportunities to connect with industry mentors and experts, facilitating knowledge exchange and support. Monthly networking events and guest dinners with industry leaders are organized to enhance connections and offer deeper insights into business development.

5. Funding Support from Mint:
For those with financing needs, mint is willing to consider investments of up to 150 million yen ($1.5 million) during the program period. Over the past 28 cycles, mint has invested in multiple startups, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Application Details for the 29th Cycle

- Office Location: Ivy (A-PLACE Shibuya Minamihara 2F)
- Tenure: July 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
- Eligibility Criteria:

1. Companies must be within six months of establishing their business or planning to start within that timeframe.
2. Eligible ventures must be in the IT sector.
3. Active participation in the FLAP community is required.

- Application Period: May 21, 2025 - May 30, 2025
- Application Form: Apply Here

About Mint

Mint is a venture capital firm specializing in seed and pre-seed investments, having launched a 5.2 billion yen first fund in 2021 and plans for a second fund of approximately 10 billion yen in 2025. In addition to nurturing early-stage companies through initiatives like FLAP, Mint is devoted to supporting entrepreneurs at all stages of growth.