UpToU's W/Beauty App Joins Tokyo's Acceleration Program for Growth

UpToU's Significant Achievement in Tokyo's Startup Ecosystem

UpToU Inc., headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is making waves in the beauty medical industry with its groundbreaking application, W/Beauty. This innovative platform supports users in making informed decisions regarding aesthetic treatments. Recently, UpToU announced that it was selected to participate in the 20th cohort of Tokyo’s Aoyama Startup Acceleration Center (ASAC) program, a significant milestone for the company.

What is ASAC?

The Aoyama Startup Acceleration Center (ASAC) was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to create a breeding ground for startups that can tackle pressing societal issues. The program offers a concentrated support system over five months for startups that aspire to make a notable impact, particularly in sectors with social significance.

In its 20th iteration, ASAC received 191 applications, of which only 12 were chosen to participate. This selection reflects the potential and innovative approach of each chosen startup. UpToU's vision to create a society that fosters positive mental changes through aesthetic medicine was a major factor in its acceptance into the program.

ASAC Kickoff Event

On June 17, ASAC hosted its kickoff event where approximately 100 attendees, including external mentors, supporting companies, investors, and alumni entrepreneurs, gathered to hear presentations from the selected startups. UpToU’s CEO, Mai Araki, showcased the company’s objectives, underlying motivations, and the societal impact of the W/Beauty application. The presentation generated immense interest and enthusiasm, sparking conversations about collaboration within the local startup ecosystem.

Discovering W/Beauty

W/Beauty stands out as Asia's first logging and journaling app dedicated to aesthetic medicine. The app provides a free service for centralized management of aesthetic treatment histories, clinic listings, and physician directories. As W/Beauty evolves, it aims to expand its offerings to ensure that both users and medical professionals benefit from its services. The app will also allow registrations from beauty salons, gyms, and yoga studios, contributing to a broader wellness community.

Download W/Beauty:
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Alignment with Tokyo’s Policy Goals

This initiative aligns well with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's core policies, focusing on mental and physical health support, and improving information dissemination in the medical field. Aesthetic medicine goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancements; it plays a crucial role in enhancing individuals' quality of life (QOL) and restoring self-esteem. W/Beauty is committed to delivering the genuine value of aesthetic medicine—transforming not just appearances, but also mindsets—by leveraging technology and encouraging dialogue within society.

The company is keen to explore the integration of user feedback and data with healthcare systems, ensuring that a larger segment of society can confidently access and choose aesthetic medical services.

CEO's Remarks

Mai Araki expressed her gratitude for being selected into the ASAC program, emphasizing that it validates the significance of the challenges UpToU addresses in the aesthetic medicine sector. The number of inquiries regarding aesthetic treatment-related issues has tripled from 2019 to 2023, highlighting an urgent need for support in this field. With the backing of ASAC, UpToU endeavours to contribute significantly to the advancement of the entire aesthetic medical industry, establishing a shared framework for both users and medical professionals.