#Japan #Finance #Accelerator #Tachikawa #INQ

Launch of the 2nd Batch of the Finance Mix Accelerator

The 2nd Batch of the 'Finance Mix Accelerator' has officially opened its application process. Led by INQ, a company based in Tachikawa, Tokyo, the program aims to support startups in various phases of growth by utilizing a mix of funding methods, such as investments, loans, venture debt, and subsidies. This initiative aligns with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's 'TOKYO SUTEAM' program.

Program Overview

Initiated in November 2025, the 'Finance Mix Accelerator' successfully completed its 1st Batch, selecting ten diverse startups. Throughout this journey, these companies have been consistently working toward realizing a mix of funding solutions tailored to their unique needs. The forthcoming 2nd Batch will continue to collaborate with ambitious startups, paving the way to unlock their envisioned futures.

Key Components of the Program

The program is structured into three main components aimed at facilitating systematic learning and providing opportunities for business growth:

1. Finance Mix Courses: Participants will have the chance to attend lectures and workshops designed to deepen their understanding of various financing options.
2. Mentoring: Expert mentors, including CFOs, venture capitalists, financial institution representatives, and certified public accountants, will guide startups through the financing landscape.
3. Pitch Events: Startups will showcase their business ideas and progress to a panel of investors and mentors, further enhancing their visibility and networking opportunities.

Target Audience

This program is primarily aimed at:

• - Startups located in Tokyo or those planning to establish a presence in the city.
• - Companies that have been in operation for less than ten years, and display growth potential, uniqueness, and the capability to utilize investment effectively.
• - Founders with decision-making authority must be actively engaged throughout the six-month program.

Incentives for Participation

In a bid to foster diverse funding approaches, startups that successfully secure a finance mix within the program's timeframe will receive a reward of 1 million yen, subject to terms and conditions. This incentive reflects the program's commitment to encouraging innovative funding strategies.

Commitment Expectations

Participants can expect to dedicate approximately 4 to 6 hours per month to the program, which includes two finance mix lectures (90 minutes each), two mentoring and monitoring sessions (60 minutes each), and pitch preparation.

Selection Timeline

• - April 22, 2026: Start of applications
• - May 22, 2026: Application deadline
• - End of May 2026: Review process including document screening and presentation evaluations
• - Late May 2026: Notification of selected participants
• - June 23, 2026: Program kickoff

We invite all aspiring businesses aiming for growth through diverse financing opportunities to apply for this program.

Message from Program Manager Teppei Wakabayashi

As the government progresses on its five-year startup development plan, players in the funding landscape, including venture capitalists, financial institutions, and local governments, have been increasing steadily. However, we are also witnessing a sharp polarization in the fundraising environment, with rising interest rates and changing public market listing criteria leading to capital being concentrated on certain high-potential companies.

In this context, reliance solely on equity funding could jeopardize future fundraising capacity and become a bottleneck for growth. Thus, the concept of the 'Finance Mix' emerges as crucial. By blending various funding options such as equity, loans, venture debt, and cash flow management services aligned with different growth phases, startups can secure the necessary capital while preserving future fundraising potential.

The experience gained from working with the ten startups in the 1st Batch has reinforced the importance of diversity in funding methods, expanding both business strategies and practical examples. There isn't a single correct path; hence, we aim to redistribute the real-life examples acquired through practice as collective knowledge to enhance the feasibility of the futures envisioned by startups.

Increasing funding options translates to augmenting future possibilities. Let's work together in this effort.

About INQ

Established with a mission to transform 'those who start' into 'those who succeed,' INQ has supported over 1,300 companies with more than 13 billion yen in venture startup financing to date. By alleviating the anxieties and complexities associated with the financing process for entrepreneurs, we strive to provide them with the time and resources necessary to focus on their core business activities. Our goal is to contribute to the startup ecosystem by supporting business launch and growth from a financial perspective.

Location: 2F B08 TAMA MIRAI SQUARE, 2-8-28 Akebono-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0012
Founded: October 2018
CEO: Teppei Wakabayashi
Contact: INQ Website