#Japan #MINT #Shibuya #FLAP #Ivy Office

Mint Launches the 32nd Session of FLAP

Mint Inc. has officially opened applications for the 32nd Session of its FLAP program, designed specifically for entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of starting their businesses or are preparing for launch. This initiative will provide a remarkable six months of complimentary office space and various support programs to selected startups.

What is FLAP?

FLAP, which stands for 'Free Office & Entrepreneur Community,' is an innovative support program aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs. Participants can utilize the Ivy incubation office located in Shibuya, Tokyo, 24/7 throughout the year. This program significantly alleviates the financial burden involved in setting up an office for startups, enabling them to connect with a network of entrepreneurs, experts, and notable business leaders that can foster their growth.

The structure of the program is designed to maximize the critical resource of 'time' for startups, allowing them to focus on their business without the constraints typically associated with accelerator programs. Instead of a rigid school format, FLAP promotes mutual aid and collaborative problem-solving within a community framework.

Since its inception in August 2018, about 120 companies have participated in the program, broken into 31 past sessions. This program operates on a tri-monthly basis, allowing startups to engage with the community at any point during their preparatory phase. Numerous previous participants have successfully secured funding from venture capitalists and angels, finishing their programs with M&A deals, while Mint itself has invested in 18 of these startups.

Benefits of Participating in FLAP:

1. Free Office Provision for Six Months: Participants benefit from six months of free access to the Ivy incubation office, alleviating costs associated with office setup, registration, and searching for rental spaces, such as cafes. Ivy is conveniently located just a six-minute walk from Shibuya Station, and the address can be used for official registration (extension options are available after the six-month period).

2. Discounted Support Packages: The program offers various business tools at discounted rates to minimize startup expenses related to business verification and other operational needs. Coordinated plans with professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, are also included to enhance business readiness.

3. Entrepreneur Community: Participants can network with peer entrepreneurs facing similar early-stage challenges, gaining insights and sharing concerns. Past cohorts include a diverse range of backgrounds, from serial entrepreneurs to professionals in law and healthcare, offering a wealth of knowledge and support. Many former teams have gone on to secure multi-billion yen funding or engage in successful M&A with well-established companies, making connections with these achievements possible through FLAP.

4. Networking with Experts and Notable Entrepreneurs: The program facilitates networking opportunities with experts and mentors across various fields necessary for business validation. Inside Ivy, experts connected to Mint and its portfolio companies frequently host networking events, workshops, and shared knowledge sessions to foster collaboration. Participants also gain access to networking events with industry leaders during the program.

5. Fundraising Support by Mint: For startups with funding needs during the program period, Mint is prepared to consider investments of up to 150 million yen. With 18 investments made in 31 previous sessions, the assistance in fundraising is a key benefit of joining FLAP.

Application Details for the 32nd Session of the FLAP Program

• - Office Location: Ivy (2nd Floor, A-PLACE Shibuya South)
• - Rent Period: From April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026 (32nd Session)
• - Eligibility Criteria:

1. Entrepreneurs in the preparatory or startup phase
2. Strategies for future fundraising are anticipated
3. Active participation in the FLAP community is encouraged

• - Application Period: March 16, 2026, to March 25, 2026
• - Application Form: Apply Here

About Mint

Founded in 2021, Mint is a venture capital firm focusing on seed and pre-seed investments. The company aims to support entrepreneurs from early-stage to growth stages comprehensively, operating the FLAP office support and entrepreneur community. With an initial fund of approximately 5.2 billion yen and a subsequent fund of around 10 billion yen planned for 2025, Mint continues to invest in both domestic and international startups.

• - Company Name: Mint, Inc.
• - General Partners: Keisuke Kigure, Tomoki Shirakawa, Hirotaka Takeda
• - Location: 2-17 Namihei-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 2nd Floor, A-PLACE Shibuya South
• - Investment Focus: All sectors (Internet, Entertainment Content, AI, Deep Tech, Crypto, etc.)
• - Investment Range: 10 million yen to 750 million yen
• - Website: Mint VC